Elijah’s experience

1 Kings 19:1~8 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. (7~8)

♬ Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #413 When Peace, Like a River, Attendeth my Way (#470 in previous version)

There are many religions and doctrines in the world. Religions say that a man’s unhappiness can be solved by good deeds, philanthropy, sincere faith, and diligence. However, they cannot teach a man why he became unhappy, where his suffering began, and what the cause and answer to it are. The Bible teaches why mankind suffers and how to solve suffering. Elijah in the Bible knew this mystery and experienced the power of God. What was the power that Elijah experienced?

1. Power to change the age

Elijah knew that the disasters and problems of Israel came from idol worship. That is why he instructed the people to stop worshiping idols and the evil spirits.1 Kings 17:1 Also, he showed great powers such as bringing back a dead child to life.1 Samuel 17:17~24 And when famine came, he prayed to God and made it rain.1 Kings 18:41~48 Through Elijah who realized the Word, the nation was saved and the age was changed.

2. Strength to have victory amidst hardship

Elijah believed that God leads those who have faith to sure victory even in great difficulty. King Ahab tried to kill Elijah and 850 false prophets tried to harm him. Nevertheless, God gave him the strength and power to defeat the false prophets and overcome King Ahab. In addition, when Jezebel tried to kill Elijah, God sent His angel to Elijah to take care of him and to lead him to Mount Horeb.

3. Meeting with historical figures

God gave Elijah the blessing to meet historical figures. God led him to meet Obadiah who had the faith to assist prophets outside of King Ahab’s eyes, as well as the 7,000 disciples who did not bow down before Baal. Furthermore, he met his historical successor Elisha.1 Kings 19:19~21 Elijah went through great hardship in the wilderness, but he enjoyed the blessing of an evangelist who relayed the covenant to the future generation through meeting many important people.