ELIJAH SERIES: FIRE FROM HEAVEN

As told to him by Elisha in 1 Kings 21, King Ahab’s blood from a fatal wound he experienced while in a battle with Syria was found in his chariot and licked up by dogs in Samaria. King Ahab’s son Ahaziah became the successor to the throne in Israel, and he continued the sinful practices of his father.

After experiencing a severe injury from an accidental fall through his rooftop balcony railing in his house, King Ahaziah sent messengers to consult with Baal-Zebub, the God of Ekron, about his prognosis. While on their way, an angel sent Elijah to intercept them with this word, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baalzebub the God of Ekron? Now therefore thus saith the Lord, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.”

Immediately the messengers returned to the king and told him what Elijah had said. King Ahaziah asked the messengers to describe the man that gave them the word, and when they did, the king realized it was Elijah. Infuriated by the Word, the king sent his captain with fifty men to get Elijah.

As the soldiers approached Elijah, who was sitting on the top of a hill, the captain derisively said, “Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down.” However, Elijah did not comply but called for fire to come down from heaven and consume the group of soldiers. With the death of these soldiers, the king sent another group of soldiers to Elijah, and the previous event was repeated.

King Ahaziah sent a third group of soldiers, but this time the captain fell to his knees in front of Elijah and requested their life be spared. Elisha did so and, being instructed by an angel, accompanied the soldiers back to the king. When he met with the king, Elijah spoke the exact words he had spoken to the messengers that the king had sent to inquire of Baalzebub, the God of Ekron. He said, “Thus saith the Lord, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to enquire of Baalzebub the God of Ekron, is it not because there is no God in Israel to enquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.“ Shortly after that, the king died.

Now here are some nuggets that I gleaned from this chapter:

• When you see examples of negative behavior and its consequences, learn from them.
• When you want answers about your future, ask God.
• If you want to hear the truth, ask God.
• Men will attempt to intimidate you with a display of strength and power.
• God honors the words of His prophets
• When you associate with the wrong people, you can get burnt.
• A discerning leader will recognize danger and act accordingly.
• When leadership is approached with respect, the outcome will be favorable.
• With God’s hand on you and His Spirit leading you, speak His word boldly and fearlessly.
• Recognize the Word of God will come to pass.
• At your appointed time, death will overtake you.

My next blog will be the last in this Elijah Series, for Elijah will be translated into heaven. So come back next week to see how Elijah’s earth journey ends.