E is for Elijah
E is for Elisha
E is for Encouragement
You will find out as I continue working through the bible during this A to Z challenge, I didn’t grow up reading the bible. So, please have patience with me if you are more bible literate than I.
A quick recap: Elijah and Elisha were both Old Testament prophets. “Elijah and Elisha concentrated their efforts on the particular needs of the people around them. The fiery Elijah confronted and exposed idolatry, helping to create an atmosphere where people could feely and publicly worship God. Elisha then moved in to demonstrate God’s powerful, yet caring, nature to all who came to him for help. He spent less time in conflict with evil and more in compassionate care of people.” Application Study Bible Commentary
Both of these prophets were great examples of obedience and a life lived for the Lord. After reading some of their experiences, miracles and adventures, I am left with many questions. Where did Elijah come from? From what I could find, he all of a sudden showed up in 1 Kings 17:1: “Now Elijah, who was from Tishbe in Gilead, told King Ahab, “As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives—the God whom I worship and serve—there will be no dew or rain during the next few years unless I give the word!” No talk of his childhood, just all of a sudden he was speaking about God. Also, I didn’t have to read much further, to find myself pondering…about the numerous times where it says, “the Lord said to Elijah.” Wow…it is a bit hard to comprehend that God spoke and Elijah obeyed. What an example of a beautiful relationship. Also, if you remember when Elijah anointed Elisha, Elisha was working in the field. Could you imagine if someone came up to you today at work and said, “Come with me. You are anointed of God.” I am so amazed at the faith and trust. Although this was just a very brief introduction to these two men, the lessons I have learned from Elijah and Elisha…challenge me, give me hope and encourage me.
To finish off the letter E, I just wanted to share a quick story of encouragement I heard today. I was speaking with a 71 yr old gentleman and this was his statement, “Kim, I was thinking to myself the other night when I walked into my home. I don’t know if heaven can be much better than my life right now.” I just love his attitude and zest for life!
Q. Who is your favorite prophet from the bible?
4 comments:
HI Kim!! just swinging by to say hi!! Are you going back to she speaks this year??
I'm not sure about my favorite prophet but I think my favorite E Bible word is encouragement. So be encouraged tonight :D
Hi Kim!
This is Elayne from Elayne's Blog~Running to Recovery. I have been following your blog for a while and found out about the A-Z challenge from you! I am enjoying this challenge and your blog. Thanks!
http://elayneminich.blogspot.com/
Thanks for sharing that encouragement from the older man. Yes. To embrace life at any age and any stage is a blessing. It seems like in the Bible, God's voice was so clear. I don't think it's really that obvious. I think it is more of a feeling and listening, not to some booming voice from the clouds, but real people who are put in our path to help us know the truth.
Kim,
I didn't grow up reading the Bible either, but for the last 10 years, it's been my favorite book. Great idea to do an A to Z challenge. I'm sure I'll learn a lot.
XOXOXO,
Brenda
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