Elijah A Person Like Me
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
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Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
The Example of Elijah
“Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” (James 5:17-18, KJV)
Elijah was a person just like us. It’s crucial that we really understand this. He had the exact nature and feelings that we experience. Let’s say it together: Elijah was a person like me. He wasn’t different or superhuman. He had weaknesses and passions just as we do.
In ministry, we sometimes put leaders on a pedestal and almost believe they are perfect. Over the past year, we’ve seen that this isn’t true. If you look in the scriptures, you find that even the most significant figures had problems. Noah struggled with wine. Abraham lied about his wife, calling her his sister. King David, Solomon, and Samson each had their own issues. Even though these men had weaknesses, God chose and handpicked them. They were the anointed of God. Elijah, too, battled depression and strong emotions, but he was still God’s chosen servant.
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
If God could use Elijah, He can certainly use us. The only thing that keeps us from serving is ourselves. Everyone here has a problem. But those problems won’t stop you from ministering unless you let them. The key is realizing that the people God called and used in scripture were just like us. We can be called and used in the same way.
Overcoming Problems and Stepping Forward
I am not saying it’s okay not to deal with our problems. We all need to overcome our struggles. Samson had his issues, and God was not pleased with those problems. Did Samson need to change? Yes, he did. And we need to overcome our issues, too.
I am not making light of our struggles. We should fight to defeat them. But if we wait to be perfect before we minister, we’ll never minister to anyone. I want us to understand this clearly—Elijah was just like us. Say it once more: Elijah was a person just like me.
We have established that truth. God can take us and use us. There are many parallels between Elijah’s ministry and the church’s ministry. First, we must realize Elijah was human, just like we are. Most of us are human. God can use us anyway. If he used Elijah with an emotional problem, Samson with a sex problem, Abraham with a truth problem, and Noah with an alcohol problem, he can use us too.
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
God wants to use us. I am not saying it’s okay to have problems, but God is ready to use us. When we relate to these Bible figures, we can see that God can do something through us. When we realize what God wants to do, we can begin to move forward.
The Spirit of Elijah in the Church
Elijah had a spirit on him—the spirit of Elijah. Should the church have that same spirit? Yes. Before Jesus returns, the spirit of Elijah will move and bring reconciliation between children and fathers. That spirit will work in five ways. The first is the spirit to address a weakened society. Elijah spoke the word of the Lord to a society broken in its morals. The nation’s fiber was weakened. Pornography entered the homes. Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, spread her corrupt influence. Families were being destroyed. Elijah addressed his troubled culture with God’s word. I believe the church today is called to bring a word to our own society. That is our calling.
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
Moving Beyond Tradition
We are not called to sit and keep religion going. The church should do more than maintain tradition. We can be either thermometers, which only measure and report, or thermostats, which set and influence the environment. Most churches only measure what is happening in society. God has called us to take action and speak His word to society. Elijah stepped up and addressed the issues of his time. I believe the church should do the same.
The second point is that Elijah had the spirit to challenge the king. He didn’t just speak to society; he also confronted the leadership of his day, the government. Ahab was the king, and Elijah brought God’s word directly to him. We should not try to control the government, but as the church, we must speak truth to those in authority. Our calling is to address both society and government, not to run them. Without the moral influence of the church, the government will falter. We need to be thermostats, not just thermometers.
The third area is challenging false religions. Jezebel came from a place where idol worship was common. Baal, Astarte, and other false gods were promoted. Elijah did not remain silent; he challenged the lies and the false worship. The church should also stand against wrong teachings and false religions. We must show and live out true worship.
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
Anointing New Leaders
Elijah had the spirit to challenge society, government, and false religion. Fourth, he anointed new leaders. This means raising up godly men and women in both the church and in government. I believe the church should be a place where new, anointed leaders are recognized and supported. Our country needs godly leaders, and we must pray that they have the Spirit of God upon them. We need anointed leadership everywhere, not just in our churches.
Leadership and the Spirit of God
Elijah’s ministry was about anointing leaders, both in the church and in government. It is our responsibility to raise up godly men and women who can lead in all areas of society. We should recognize that the church needs Elishas—spiritual successors—and that our community needs godly kings. Leadership should be shaped by the Spirit of God, no matter where it is found.
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
The fifth point is that Elijah ministered God’s word in foreign lands. That is also our challenge today. Elijah traveled from Israel and Judah to Zarephath, the home of Jezebel. He went even where evil was present and proclaimed that God was still in control. God is not limited to one place. He is God everywhere—Russia, China, America, Lafayette. We must bring that message to foreign fields as well. God’s kingdom reaches every nation and every community.
The Church’s Mission Beyond Its Walls
Elijah’s calling was not bound to the walls of the church. He made an impact outside those boundaries. I ask you, should the church be confined to its building? No. We should make a real difference in our city, our county, our state, and our country. We should take God’s word to the whole world. That’s the ministry of Elijah.
God is looking for people with the spirit of Elijah. He wants to speak to leaders and nations through us. He found someone willing in Elijah, and now He wants to find people who are willing today. Elijah was a prophet, known as the man of God. He was identified that way over and over. We need to ask ourselves—are we the people of God?
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
Our Identity in Christ
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10, KJV)
And he wants us to raise us up into a perfect man. He wants us to be plural but singular.
We are called to be united as believers. God wants us to have one mind, one spirit, and one purpose. We are to come together with the spirit of Elijah. He was known as the man of God. Today, the church is called to be the man of God in the world. Elijah appeared suddenly in scripture with a message from the Lord. That was his purpose—he was chosen to deliver God’s word.
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
Living Out Our Purpose
God does not choose us only to celebrate or to praise Him. Elijah was not called to stay home and enjoy church. His purpose was to go out and give God’s message. The same is true for each of us. We were created with a purpose, and we are only truly fulfilled when we live it out. God has placed us where we are for a reason.
Praise is essential, and we should praise God at home and in church. But He also wants us to carry a message to the world, just as Elijah did. We have a word for Ahab, Jezebel, and our society. God is raising up people who will go beyond maintaining religious routines. He wants a many-membered people bringing His kingdom into every area.
Our duty is to deliver God’s word to society, not just to maintain what we already have. Have we achieved what Jesus intended for the church? Are we seeing victory over the gates of hell? Are we changing our city and nation for Jesus? That is the spirit of Elijah, and that is our calling. We are not here to preserve tradition, but to change our world.
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
The Word for Today
Let’s look at 1 Kings chapter 17. I’ll open up a couple of thoughts for you, and we’ll probably continue from here.
“And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” (1 Kings 17:1, KJV)
Jesus says,
“I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:18-19, KJV).
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
Making a Statement
The name Elijah means “Jehovah is my God.” When Elijah introduced himself, his name alone declared his faith. Everyone who met him knew whose God Elijah was, simply by hearing his name.
We should also have a statement that follows us. Whenever we meet people, it shouldn’t take long for them to realize that Jesus Christ is our Lord. No matter what Christian denomination we might belong to, our message should always be clear. If we aren’t making a statement with our lives, then we’re only observing the world—we aren’t changing it.
Wherever we go and whatever we do, people should see that Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives, of our homes, and of our community. That needs to be our spirit. We should boldly carry that message. We need to make a difference, just like Elijah did.
I’ve seen how far a simple statement can reach. At a recent gathering, I handed my business card to someone, and later, someone else recognized my name from our church newsletter that had traveled all the way to Saipan. People may connect our words and our name to our faith even at a great distance.
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
Our name becomes a statement about who we are and what we believe. We shouldn’t hide that. Let’s always make it clear: Jesus Christ is Lord.
Standing Boldly for Christ
A couple of years ago, I walked into the bank and saw the President of the bank. I wanted to meet him, so I introduced myself. He recognized my name and said, “You’re the pastor up there.” I confirmed he was right.
This experience taught me something important. We can’t be ashamed of the gospel or of what we believe. We have to be willing to take a stand, to go out into the world, and make a clear statement. Our name and reputation should speak for what we believe.
Everywhere we go, our lives should project the truth that Jesus Christ is our Lord. People shouldn’t be around us very long before they know we are Christians. Let’s make it unmistakable: Hello, Jesus Christ is my Lord. Hello, I serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab,
“As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” (1 Kings 17:1, KJV)
Let me share a few quick thoughts as we look at this chapter. Elijah said, “As the Lord God of Israel lives.” How long will God live? He will live forever. We are God’s people, and His power and authority do not end.
Speaking with Faith
Elijah made a bold statement. He said it wouldn’t rain or even dew until he, Elijah, spoke the word. That sounds arrogant, but he was speaking by faith in God’s authority. People may have laughed, but it happened just as Elijah said. Three and a half years passed without rain, just as James wrote.
I want you to grasp this truth. God keeps His word and fulfills His promises. Last week, we studied Matthew together. We have spent a lot of time in that book, and we will continue with it in future lessons.
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
The Authority to Bind and Loose
But in Matthew chapter 16 verse 18 Jesus says,
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:18-19, KJV)
Let me explain what God has shown me. When the church binds something on earth, God will not override it in heaven. He partners with His people in authority. What we bind or loose here, He binds or looses in heaven. For example, abortion will only be defeated when the church stands up and binds it. Then God backs up that decision. Until the church acts, nothing changes.
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
I want to be careful. This is not about putting ourselves above God. He is supreme. Jesus Christ is the head of the church. God is waiting for His church to mature and step into its authority. When we do that, what will happen? Then He will come for a spotless bride.
Elijah understood this spiritual authority. He declared the rain would stop, and it did. If we unite with one mind and purpose, we can stop evil like pornography. God is waiting on His church. When we come together, we can have godly leaders. We can bring change to our society. We need to take this authority and declare what is right before God.
Planting Seeds, Waiting for Harvest
Let me close with this thought. Elijah spoke God’s word quickly and simply. He delivered the message, and then he was gone. It took him only one sentence to share what God wanted.
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
But when you plant a seed, you don’t see results instantly. It took three and a half years before Elijah’s word fully came true, and the rain returned. God’s promises take time to bear fruit, but we can trust Him to do what He says.
“And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” (James 5:18, KJV)
Elijah delivered God’s message, and then he left. After that, the Lord told him to go and hide himself at Cherith. Cherith was a place of separation, away from others.
Elijah spent time alone with God. It was a special season when God answered his prayers and met every need. The ravens fed him, and the brook provided water. Elijah enjoyed an intimate, quiet time in God’s presence.
“And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.” (1 Kings 17:4, KJV)
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
Seasons of Blessing and Change
How many of you have experienced a Cherith in your own life? That’s a special time when you are alone with God, and everything seems to go well. Every prayer you pray is answered. God blesses you and takes care of all your needs. It’s a sweet and peaceful season.
I’ve been to Cherith myself. It is wonderful to have those moments of separation with God. But there’s an interesting thing about Cherith—it doesn’t last forever. Sooner or later, that season ends. The blessings stop, and the ravens no longer come.
“And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.” (1 Kings 17:7, KJV)
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
When God Leads Beyond Cherith
Sometimes our blessings stop, and life changes. When that happens, it means God has something new for us to do. I have had seasons where I felt close to God and everything seemed to work out. It was peaceful and full of love. Some of you may need to experience your own Cherith, that special time alone with God. If you haven’t, ask Him—He will give it to you.
But Cherith doesn’t last forever. Many of us discover that the blessings dry up. The ravens stop coming, and the brook goes dry. Why does this happen? It is because God wants us to move forward. We still have a purpose to fulfill.
Elijah had to keep going. God told him to go to Zarephath, where a widow woman needed his help. Sometimes we get comfortable and forget that God has more for us. He wants us to minister to people who are hurting, lonely, or in need. There are people in our city and church who feel hopeless.
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
Fulfilling Our Calling
God has given each of us a calling. He has spoken special words and given gifts. We were created with a purpose. If your Cherith is drying up, it may be time to step out and minister to others. God wants you to go and help the people He has prepared for you.
God’s Word for Our Fellowship
That is the message God has given me for our fellowship today. I feel strongly that He wants to minister to this need right now. Let’s pray together.
Lord, I believe you have spoken to many hearts. You have made it clear that some here are experiencing a season where Cherith has dried up. Some people are feeling empty and discouraged, barely holding on. But, Lord, I know you are sending us to minister to them. You want these people to be encouraged, strengthened, and given hope. You are calling us not just to speak to leaders, but to reach out to those who are hurting and in need.
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
If you feel God speaking to your heart today, know that this is why you have felt stuck. Maybe your prayers have felt unanswered, or the Spirit seemed distant. God is telling you it is time to move forward, to leave Cherith, and to minister to those who need you. If this is you, let’s respond together. God wants to fill us with the Spirit of Elijah. He wants us to reach out with encouragement, provision, and hope. Let’s be ready to go and bless those who need it.
Supply That Will Not Run Dry
“And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.” (1 Kings 17:16, KJV)
Let’s stand.
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
Elijah A Person Like Me: How to Impact a Broken Society
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