Have you ever felt lonely? Have you ever wondered if your life, passion, love, and work were in vain? Have you ever felt as if what you have believed was merely a lie and God has forsaken you? There was someone who felt exactly like you, and that is Elijah.
The Time of Elijah
Elijah is a representative figure of the 144,000 in different ways. He was the only one besides Enoch who went to heaven without seeing death. Hence, he appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration to represent those who would go to heaven without seeing death, along with Moses who represented those who would go to heaven after seeing death (Matthew 17:1–8).
He is also a representation of the remnant church in perspective of his mission. He was a reformer in his time. The condition of the world that he lived in, and had to reform, was very similar to ours. Let us see what was going on in his time.
“And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him.” 1 Kings 16:31–33
The king of Israel in Elijah’s time was named Ahab. By the significant influence of his heathen wife, Jezebel, he made the whole kingdom worship Baal. Idols of Baal were everywhere. The time we live in is not different from Elijah’s at all.
“The apostasy prevailing today is similar to that which in the prophet’s day overspread Israel. In the exaltation of the human above the divine, in the praise of popular leaders, in the worship of mammon, and in the placing of the teachings of science above the truths of revelation, multitudes today are following after Baal. Doubt and unbelief are exercising their baleful influence over mind and heart, and many are substituting for the oracles of God the theories of men. It is publicly taught that we have reached a time when human reason should be exalted above the teachings of the Word. The law of God, the divine standard of righteousness, is declared to be of no effect. The enemy of all truth is working with deceptive power to cause men and women to place human institutions where God should be, and to forget that which was ordained for the happiness and salvation of mankind.” –Prophets and Kings, p. 170
It is a sad reality that Baal worship is prevailing even in our times. Apostasy, popular leaders, science of humans, doubt, unbelief, skepticism, pleasure-seeking, money, and Sunday worship are all over the world and even stepping into the church.
The Dream of Elijah
Seeing this spiritual backsliding, Elijah’s heart was filled with sorrow, just as many faithful Christians in our times feel sorrow as they see evil prevailing in the world and even in the church. He prayed very hard for God to bring about a reformation and save the people.
“As Elijah saw Israel going deeper and deeper into idolatry, his soul was distressed and his indignation aroused. God had done great things for His people. He had delivered them from bondage and given them ‘the lands of the heathen, . . . that they might observe His statutes, and keep His laws.’ Psalm 105:44, 45. But the beneficent designs of Jehovah were now well-nigh forgotten. Unbelief was fast separating the chosen nation from the Source of their strength. Viewing this apostasy from his mountain retreat, Elijah was overwhelmed with sorrow. In anguish of soul he besought God to arrest the once-favored people in their wicked course, to visit them with judgments, if need be, that they might be led to see in its true light their departure from Heaven. He longed to see them brought to repentance before they should go to such lengths in evil-doing as to provoke the Lord to destroy them utterly.” –Ibid., p. 119
Elijah eagerly prayed. The reformation of the Israelites was not only his wish but also his hope, dream, passion, and purpose in life. God soon answered his prayer and sent him to start this work.
The Spirit of Elijah
“And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants 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
“Prophets” of Baal laughed at Elijah. Baal is the one who gives rain. What can the God of Elijah do about it? Do not worry—the rain will not stop. Days had passed, weeks had passed, and for 3 years, there was no rain. In this way, the power of the true God was shown.
Meanwhile, Elijah was protected by divine power. Even though Ahab looked for Elijah all over the country, he could never be found. Ravens brought bread to Elijah. When God had sent Elijah to a widow of Zarephath, who offered her last piece of food to God’s servant, their flour and oil never dried up. One day, her son died, but God brought him back to life through Elijah.
Soon the time had come for Elijah to see Ahab again. As soon as Ahab saw Elijah, he blamed the prophet for all the suffering that came to Israel. “And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?” 1 Kings 18:17. Throughout the ages, the faithful servants of God have received the same false accusation.
“It is natural for the wrongdoer to hold the messengers of God responsible for the calamities that come as the sure result of a departure from the way of righteousness. Those who place themselves in Satan’s power are unable to see things as God sees them. When the mirror of truth is held up before them, they become indignant at the thought of receiving reproof. Blinded by sin, they refuse to repent; they feel that God’s servants have turned against them and are worthy of severest censure.” –Ibid., p.139
We are also destined to face these false accusations. Evil people will create false rumours and false accusations to call God’s faithful ones sinners. It is their attempt to calm the trouble in their hearts that is caused by the Holy Spirit. They think that if they can prove their ideas that God’s messengers are evil, their hearts will be freed from the trouble.
Elijah might have been able to make excuses. He had many options to make the king happy. However, he never hesitated in stating the truth. “And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.” 1 Kings 18:18
“Standing in conscious innocence before Ahab, Elijah makes no attempt to excuse himself or to flatter the king. Nor does he seek to evade the king’s wrath by the good news that the drought is almost over. He has no apology to offer. Indignant, and jealous for the honor of God, he casts back the imputation of Ahab, fearlessly declaring to the king that it is his sins, and the sins of his fathers, that have brought upon Israel this terrible calamity. ‘I have not troubled Israel,’ Elijah boldly asserts, ‘but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.’
“Today there is need of the voice of stern rebuke; for grievous sins have separated the people from God. Infidelity is fast becoming fashionable. ‘We will not have this man to reign over us,’ is the language of thousands. Luke 19:14. The smooth sermons so often preached make no lasting impression; the trumpet does not give a certain sound. Men are not cut to the heart by the plain, sharp truths of God’s word. . . .
“Those ministers who are men pleasers, who cry, Peace, peace, when God has not spoken peace, might well humble their hearts before God, asking pardon for their insincerity and their lack of moral courage. It is not from love for their neighbor that they smooth down the message entrusted to them, but because they are self-indulgent and ease-loving. True love seeks first the honor of God and the salvation of souls. Those who have this love will not evade the truth to save themselves from the unpleasant results of plain speaking. When souls are in peril, God’s ministers will not consider self, but will speak the word given them to speak, refusing to excuse or palliate evil.” –Ibid., p. 140–141
In the nominal Adventist church, pastors avoid using the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy, (Sister White) in their sermons. The Three Angels’ Messages are not sounded anymore, and the present truth is not studied. Why? It is because the clearer they state the truth, the harder it is for them to increase the number of members. And if the number of members does not increase, the tithe and offering income do not increase, hence being an obstacle for the “promotion” of position. In this context, many pastors in Christian churches provide baptism to increase quantity, overlooking the quality of candidates’ understanding and acceptance.
Truth is a narrow way (Matthew 7:14). Truth has never been popular, and God’s true church has always been a little flock (Luke 12:32). God sees totally differently from humans; thus, the work should never be evaluated by human standards. In the eyes of humans, the work of John the Baptist seemed to be a failure, but how many things did God achieve through him? In human eyes, a widow’s two coins seemed to be valueless. However, God made her a lesson and encouragement for thousands and millions of Christians throughout the ages.
The Power of Elijah
The king and the prophet went to Mount Carmel. On the mountain, two altars were made, one for Baal and one for God. “Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let Him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.” 1 Kings 18:22–24
Baal’s prophets went first. They spent hours and hours praying, screaming, and even hurting themselves to ask for fire. However, they failed. Now, it was Elijah’s turn. He built an altar with 12 stones as a representation of the 12 tribes of Israel and even poured water upon it. And then he prayed.
“Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, He is the God; the LORD, He is the God. And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.” 1 Kings 18:38–40
This day was one of the greatest victories ever. Indeed, this miracle is repeatedly studied and preached among Christians up to this day as one of the greatest biblical stories. Elijah’s heart was full of excitement and expectation. Will Israel finally come back to God? Will there be a revival and reformation? Will Elijah’s lifetime longing come true? He had been waiting for this day for so long. He prayed and dreamed for this day.
“Elijah had expected much from the miracle wrought on Carmel. He had hoped that after this display of God’s power, Jezebel would no longer have influence over the mind of Ahab, and that there would be a speedy reform throughout Israel. All day on Carmel’s height he had toiled without food. Yet when he guided the chariot of Ahab to the gate of Jezreel, his courage was strong, despite the physical strain under which he had labored.” –Ibid., p. 160
The Despair of Elijah
However, the next part of the story is very unexpected and surprising for us. “And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” 1 Kings 19:1–4
Why did Elijah run away? Why did Elijah even ask to die after such a great day of victory? Even though God knows the heart, for our sake, God asked him the same question. “And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:9
Elijah should not have run away. God did not send Elijah to the cave but to the king and the queen. Hence, God asked Elijah, “What doest thou here?” “Elijah should not have fled from his post of duty. He should have met the threat of Jezebel with an appeal for protection to the One who had commissioned him to vindicate the honor of Jehovah. He should have told the messenger that the God in whom he trusted would protect him against the hatred of the queen. Only a few hours had passed since he had witnessed a wonderful manifestation of divine power, and this should have given him assurance that he would not now be forsaken. Had he remained where he was, had he made God his refuge and strength, standing steadfast for the truth, he would have been shielded from harm. The Lord would have given him another signal victory by sending His judgments on Jezebel; and the impression made on the king and the people would have wrought a great reformation.” –Ibid., p. 160
Elijah answered the question of God. “And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, thrown down Thine altars, and slain Thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” 1 Kings 19:10. In his answer, we can see the reason why Elijah ran away and even asked for death.
Elijah had longed with all his life to see the revival of Israel. Reformation was his dream, passion, and the purpose in his life. And with the great day of victory, he expected to see this. However, he saw that even the manifestation of God’s power could not change the heart of Jezebel. She rather hated Elijah more with a more stubborn heart. Elijah knew that she would not stop. She would continue her evil work. Elijah’s purpose in life seemed to have failed. His work, effort, love, and passion seemed to have been in vain. Hence, he asked for death.
In our lives, there are moments when we wonder if our lives are in vain. Was my faith in vain? Was my dedication to God’s business in vain? Will evil powers continue prevailing, even with all the times, efforts and sacrifices I made for God? Was my love for these souls in vain? Was my love for my family in vain?
“Into the experience of all there come times of keen disappointment and utter discouragement—days when sorrow is the portion, and it is hard to believe that God is still the kind benefactor of His earthborn children; days when troubles harass the soul, till death seems preferable to life. It is then that many lose their hold on God and are brought into the slavery of doubt, the bondage of unbelief. Could we at such times discern with spiritual insight the meaning of God’s providences we should see angels seeking to save us from ourselves, striving to plant our feet upon a foundation more firm than the everlasting hills, and new faith, new life, would spring into being.” –Ibid., p. 162
There are definitely these moments in our lives. There are times when we can see nothing but failure and emptiness. There are times when loneliness swallows our souls. Especially in the time of Jacob’s trouble, Satan will tempt us to think that our repentance and belief were in vain.
A Still Small Voice
In His mercy, God came to Elijah to give him new strength and power.
“And He said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” 1 Kings 19:11–12
When we feel lonely, empty, and weak, we try to fill our hearts in different ways. We might go meet people and spend time with them. We might enjoy our hobbies. People in the world try to find solutions for this emptiness from alcohol, drugs, parties, etc. In this way, they try to find answers in a great and strong wind, earthquake, and fire. However, none of them fill their hearts. Rather, it made them feel even more empty.
Then where can we find true satisfaction? “A still small voice.” To be able to hear a still small voice, we need to turn off all the other sounds. We should turn off the sound of excitement. We should remove the sound of disappointment. We should silence our hearts and listen to a still small voice through the Bible and a prayer. There, we can find true satisfaction. “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 11:28
Now as Elijah’s heart was silenced and was able to listen to a still small voice, God spoke to him. And God told Elijah exactly what he needed to know.
God’s Invisible Hands
It seemed Elijah was the only one who believed in God despite the manifestation of God’s power. That made Elijah feel disappointed. He felt terribly lonely. However, God had never failed. His work was still going on. “Yet I have left Me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:18
Let us remember that God’s providence—His hands and work—is greater than our situations even if it is invisible to our eyes.
“Hope and courage are essential to perfect service for God. These are the fruit of faith. Despondency is sinful and unreasonable. God is able and willing ‘more abundantly’ (Hebrews 6:17) to bestow upon His servants the strength they need for tests and trials. The plans of the enemies of His work may seem to be well laid and firmly established, but God can overthrow the strongest of these. And this He does in His own time and way, when He sees that the faith of His servants has been sufficiently tested.” –Ibid., p. 164
Our lives may seem to be in vain. Our work may seem to be in vain. Evil might seem to still prevail. However, let us remember, no matter how great and firm our enemy’s power might be, God can overthrow it.
When the Israelites faced nothing but darkness and death at the Red Sea, God’s providence was hidden under the sea. When the life of John the Baptist seemed to be in vain, God prepared a path for the Messiah through him. When Jesus seemed to be defeated on the cross, He conquered the world. When the great disappointment came and all the time, efforts, prayers and money that Adventist pioneers poured out seemed to be in vain, the present truth was given, preparing them to be part of the 144,000. When Elijah seemed to be the only one who worshiped the true God, and he felt terrible loneliness, God had 7000 men who never yielded to Baal.
Dear brothers and sisters, let us remember. No matter when and what, we are never alone. Even if things look hopeless and we are the only one who has the truth, we are never alone. Even if we cannot see these 7000 in Israel, God can see them.
We should never feel discouraged and stop His work. His greatest victory and glories are won when there is the thickest darkness.
What Doest Thou Here?
“Much depends on the unceasing activity of those who are true and loyal, and for this reason Satan puts forth every possible effort to thwart the divine purpose to be wrought out through the obedient. He causes some to lose sight of their high and holy mission, and to become satisfied with the pleasures of this life. He leads them to settle down at ease, or, for the sake of greater worldly advantages, to remove from places where they might be a power for good. Others, he causes to flee in discouragement from duty, because of opposition or persecution. But all such are regarded by Heaven with tenderest pity. To every child of God whose voice the enemy of souls had succeeded in silencing, the question is addressed, ‘What doest thou here?’ I commissioned you to go into all the world and preach the gospel, to prepare a people for the day of God. Why are you here? Who sent you?” –Ibid., p. 171
Satan knows what God can do through His servants. Thus, Satan does everything to stop them. Sometimes he uses comfort. He provides a comfortable and pleasant life. Just as some compromised ministers and missionaries have done, Satan tempts us to have peace with people who will take us away from our duty so that he can steal our peace with God.
Other times, he uses persecution. He causes jealousy and hatred among people against God’s servants. Just like Jezebel, they try to kill the faithful ones. Sometimes they try to kill physically. Sometimes, they try to kill socially by spreading rumours and making false accusations so that there will be no one listening to their voice—just as how Ahab accused Elijah. Sometimes, they try to kill mentally, by hurting God’s servants’ hearts through aggressive and abusive words. Many times, this hatred never stops.
He also uses discouragement. He tempts God’s servants to wonder if their work, love, passion, and lives were in vain. Through all these methods, Satan tries to stop the voice of God’s faithful ones.
To those who have stopped their voices, God asks: “Why are you here? Here is not where I have sent you. I did not send you to find ease. I did not send you to run away. My work is not done. Then why would you say it is done?”
This story finishes as God finally commanded Elijah: “And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way.” 1 Kings 19:15
“Fellow Christian, Satan knows your weakness; therefore cling to Jesus. Abiding in God’s love, you may stand every test. The righteousness of Christ alone can give you power to stem the tide of evil that is sweeping over the world. Bring faith into your experience. Faith lightens every burden, relieves every weariness. Providences that are now mysterious you may solve by continuing to trust in God. Walk by faith in the path He marks out. Trials will come, but go forward. This will strengthen your faith and fit you for service.” –Ibid., p. 175
My dear brothers and sisters, there are times when tides of discouragement and persecution come towards us. However, God asks us, “What Doest Thou Here?” Let us never leave our place. Let us stand firmly where we are called to go, even if Jezebel tries to kill us. Let us speak the truth even if Ahab falsely accuses us. Let us go forward even if it looks like evil prevails and the truth is defeated and is disappearing. Things might look dark. Providences might be mysterious. However, we do not need to know what God sees. We do not need to know how God will work. We do not need to know what His plan is. All we need to know is that He has a plan: and that is enough for us to hold onto our faith. Our God is powerful. He always shows us solutions in ways we could not even imagine. Therefore, dear readers, “Go, return on thy way.” 1 Kings 19:15
It is my wish and prayer that all of us “shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:17. Amen
Makoto Matsumoto