BOLD MINISTRY Posted 3.7.08
1 Kings 18
Our emphasis with the adjective “bold” continues to focus on confidence, although in this chapter Elijah will be a bit more “in your face” than we’ve seen thus far. To minister is to help, give, attend, look after, care for, or comfort. An appropriate antonym is neglect. Thus, bold ministry is helping others with confidence as God leads.
Modern-day examples of boldly helping others include national figures such as Mother Teresa and Billy Graham, as well as Bible study members who consistently pray for and encourage me and others. On a different plane, I thought of Thomas Edison’s ministry through his inventions and the daily ministry of volunteer firefighters and rescue squad personnel.
Ministry covers a vast array of people, places, and situations. What ministry has God called you to and how are you boldly fulfilling the call?
In 1 Kings 18 we will discuss ministry to believers, ministry to non-believers, and the importance of bearing fruit in every ministry.
BOLD MINISTRY TO BELIEVERS (Read 1 Kings 18:1-16)
In these verses we will examine some key elements in ministering to other believers.
Keep it fresh. Bold ministry begins in the same way as bold faith, with God’s Word, God’s plan, and God’s promise (verse 1). While God often creates ministry projects and programs that last for years, we must remain open to any fresh changes and/or challenges God wants to initiate.
Elijah had been in hiding for 3 ½ years, do you think he participated in bold ministry during that time? Absolutely!! 1 Kings 18:1 simply introduces Elijah as receiving a fresh opportunity for ministry. Don’t miss the new things God wants to do in your life!
It is easy to get lulled into our routines – especially in our spiritual lives. Elijah actually had a great daily ministry as he believed with the widow and her son for enough flour and oil for each day’s food. He was blessed in the drought, but now God was ready to end the drought and Elijah was a key player. One season was ending, another was beginning. What season is it for you and the Lord?
Everyone has different ministries. In these verses we are introduced to a man named Obadiah. God describes him as, “a devout believer in the LORD” (verse 3). Yet his occupation was rather curious. He was in charge of Ahab’s palace! How could he work side by side with Ahab and Jezebel? Because this job was God’s call on his life.
We are given a glimpse of how God used him in this position to save the lives of 100 prophets, and I am sure his ministry there involved more than we will ever know this side of heaven. I wonder if any of those prophets judged Obadiah negatively prior to receiving his help. I wonder if they assumed he had “sold out” the LORD by working for the enemy. We must be very careful with judgments and assumptions. God is always working a bigger picture than our tiny eyes can see.
Other bold ministries mentioned include that of the prophets Obadiah hid. Obviously they were continuing in their faithfulness to the Lord and being punished for it. Then there are the prophets that Jezebel killed. I don’t fully understand the ministry of martyrdom, but when God allows it we must trust in His omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, love, and faithfulness. Those prophets did not die in vain, and once again, eternity will reveal all.
I wonder if any of these prophets struggled with anger toward Elijah for pronouncing such judgment and then disappearing. Prayerful consideration of each individual’s ministry is critical when working with other believers. God can give the understanding and continued guidance with each other if we will put our trust in Him.
Never underestimate God’s timing, location, and people involved. God could have designed this encounter between Ahab and Elijah in many different ways, yet His inclusion of Obadiah and exclusion of Jezebel in the process appear very deliberate. Obedience was critical for everyone, and the enemy was completely caught by surprise. As believers we often try to plan “ministry events” in our own strength and according to our resources. We must be willing to let God do the planning and enjoy co-laboring with Him!
Everyone’s spiritual walk is different. Though believers share a common love for Jesus, we all bring a vast array of life experiences and maturity levels to any time of ministry. Obadiah is spiritually mature, and God has called him to quite an adventure of faith. However, Elijah’s suggestion strikes fear in his heart. While Elijah has no qualms about confronting Ahab, Obadiah is not sure what God has planned. When these ministry situations arise, we must pray and talk through unto God’s best.
Obadiah bears his soul and in the process gives Elijah quite an understanding of Ahab’s activities in the past three years. Elijah is gentle with Obadiah’s doubts and finds a way to assure him of God’s intentions at this time. They arrive at a mutual trust and move forward. Who has God called you to minister to or with? How do you work through difficult situations? Would you work with God to bring about resolutions?
Learn to trust God in fresh ways. I have to believe Obadiah’s review of Ahab’s relentless search for Elijah produced a fresh wave of thankfulness in Elijah’s heart. Though he knew God had him in hiding, what a blessing to learn of the fullness of God’s protection! His current task would still be a challenge, but God was building Elijah’s faith even moments before the encounter. He will do the same for you as well!
Obadiah, who has experienced God’s protection in his covert operations, must also trust God in a way that is unfamiliar. He knows Ahab’s temper and his passion to eliminate Elijah. But, like Elijah, he will excel in a fresh trust of God.
In what way is God asking you to trust Him? Especially as it relates to ministry?
What fresh adventure has He called you to? How are you responding?
BOLD MINISTRY TO NON-BELIEVERS (Read 1 Kings 18:17-38)
When ministering to and with believers we have the common denominator of our trust in Jesus. When ministering to non-believers, we must find a common denominator to help introduce them to Christ. Let’s discuss some ways to do just that.
Do not be sidetracked or discouraged by insults, resistance, or lies. The first words out of Ahab’s mouth are meant to intimidate and accuse Elijah, but Elijah knows the truth. Protect your heart when discouragement comes, and ask God to help you stay focused on Him and His truth in any and every situation.
Speak the truth in love. Obviously I do not know the tone of voice Elijah used when he responded to Ahab, but I know his heart was full of God’s love. Elijah was committed to God’s call and near the end of the story makes it clear that all his steps and words were guided by God. When God opens a door of ministry for us, His love should always be the foundation.
Elijah explained the truth to Ahab clearly and without apology. We should do likewise. One reason non-believers resist a relationship with God is because we often make it much too complex and distant. Our God is personal, approachable, and available to all who will simply turn their hearts to Him.
Expect the supernatural. I love the way Elijah tells Ahab what to do, and…he does it! Ahab’s compliance is God’s supernatural hand at work. God has Ahab’s attention, and refuses to waste these moments. Also, Ahab represents the enemies of God, and this episode is a clear reminder that no power can come close to the power of the Almighty God.
Give people a chance to respond. Elijah’s primary ministry at this point is to the lost people of Israel. He challenges them with a question, “How long will you waver between two opinions?” (verse 21). The word “waver” connotes “a hobbling between two forks in the road.” God wanted them to make a decision and used Elijah to encourage the discussion.
Please allow room for questions, comments, ideas and answers. God tends to prefer dialogue to monologue. Unfortunately, we believers are often so consumed with making our point, we neglect the necessary silences.
Elijah’s situation records no response from the people (verse 22), but the opportunity to do so was evident. However, after he explained the “contest” they eagerly agree (verse 24).
The contest seems rudimentary to us perhaps, but for people searching for God in Elijah’s day, it epitomized the concept of “meeting them where they were.” This display of God’s power was something they could relate to and apply to their everyday lives, which is exactly why God chose it.
What about your ministry situation? How is God leading you to make a connection, identify with their plight, or “meet them where they are”? He can use anything from common physical challenges to mutual recreational interests. How can you relate and how are they responding?
Do all for God’s glory and God’s glory alone. When Elijah explained the contest he made clear the goal: that the people would know who the true God is (verse24). As the day went on, he began to mock the prophets of Baal. While I do not recommend or feel comfortable engaging in this type of teasing, we must remember the prophets of Baal were actively working against Israel’s God. They do not represent unsaved people desiring Elijah’s ministry, they represent an enemy that needed to be exposed and removed from power. Elijah had one focus, God’s glory. What is your focus?
Involve the people in the process. Did you notice how the prophets of Baal approached this contest with no regard to the people it was intended to influence? They spent the entire day shouting, dancing, self-mutilating, and prophesying frantically, and not once did they invite the people to participate in the process.
Now consider Elijah. After giving the false prophets plenty of time, Elijah stepped forward to participate as promised, but his first words are to the people, “Come here to me” (verse 30). He wants them directly involved in experiencing the presence of God. This is evangelism at its finest! God does not ask us to “put on a show” or impress with innovation, He calls us to invite the needy to the Savior.
Verse 30 then creates a most moving visual, “He repaired the altar of the LORD, which was in ruins.” I imagine God’s tears streaming down Elijah’s cheeks as he is confronted once again with Israel’s brokenness, their ruined faith, their lost love. Yet God’s love is powerful and persistent, and here He is again calling them home.
He is calling you and those around you as well. We are all broken and ruined before God, yet His salvation is as close as your next breath.
The twelve stones Elijah used represent God’s desire to completely restore Israel into the country He created. Each one of us has God’s handprint on our design. We were created in His image (Genesis 1:26), and He longs to clean up the rubble of our lives and rebuild us for His glory. What a mighty and precious God we serve!
And that message is the message we are all called to give. God is calling a lost and dying world to His heart. Who can you share His message with today? How? How can you involve them in the process?
Elijah invites the people to pour water over his carefully constructed altar of sacrifice. He wants them to have “hands on” experience with the God of the universe, and they gladly comply. Perhaps you can invite someone to help you with a service project or to attend your prayer group. The mom with small children may simply need godly parenting help. The business man may desire godly advice to manage his store with integrity. Pray. Listen for God’s direction. Ministry to non-believers is powerful and plentiful.
Pray. I cannot overemphasize the importance of sincere, believing prayer. Compare once again the prophets of Baal to the prophet Elijah. While the former are in a frantic frenzy, Elijah sounds like he is talking to a Friend, which he is. His primary concern is a true revelation of God and an understanding among the people that is personal. He wants them to know God, not just “pick Him as the winner.”
Trust God to do His part. From verses 1-37 God records the many steps Elijah took to help bring bold ministry to the people of Israel. After that, Elijah had to step back and trust God to do His part. God did it gladly.
When we minister on God’s behalf, we must remember that we are just a vessel, God’s co-laborer, one piece in the puzzle of someone else’s life. After we have walked the path God has lain out for us, we must rest in the faithfulness of God to do the rest.
Elijah couldn’t make the fire fall. He simply trusted God and watched God work. And God’s response to Elijah’s prayer was amazing and life-changing. He is Able!
Who does God have you ministering to right now? Will you trust Him for the miracle?
BOLD MINISTRY BEARS GOOD FRUIT (Read 1 Kings 18:39-46)
When we embark on ministry whether to believers or non-believers, if we follow God’s lead He promises spiritual good fruit.
Verse 39 paints a beautiful picture of the fruit of repentance. The people wanted the one true God once again. They were turning away from their old life of Baal worship. Their hearts had been changed.
Verse 40 is a difficult image for us, the killing of all the wicked prophets, but it represents the fruit of obedience and the fruit of cleansing. When we choose to realign ourselves with God there are always things that need to be purged from our hearts and lives. Israel could no longer allow the prophets of Baal to rule in their land. What is ruling in your heart that is opposed to God? Would you let today be your day of repentance, obedience, and cleansing?
Then Elijah enjoyed the fruit of hearing in the Spirit. As we grow in ministry, God will allow us to hear His voice more clearly day by day. The sound of heavy rain mentioned in verse 41 represents Elijah hearing God before he gets there. The sound was the promise of the coming rain. No one else heard. God was having a private moment with Elijah, and He longs to enjoy those same private moments with us if we will simply give Him our attention. He is wonderful!
Elijah also experienced the fruit of peace. Did you notice Ahab’s continued compliance with all of Elijah’s directives? When Ahab went to eat and drink, I imagine him celebrating the coming rain rather than worrying about his wife’s prophets who were just killed. Jezebel would be furious, yet Ahab poses no threat. God’s supernatural peace can flood and overpower even the vilest enemy. In what way do you lack God’s peace? God is ready to help restore it in your life as you trust in Him.
The fruits of faithfulness and patience were born as Elijah prayed and waited for the promised rain. I wonder if the servant was discouraged as he checked the sky time after time. It is easy to be disheartened when we are ready for God to answer, and Elijah will battle that very temptation in the next chapter. But here, he was expectant and committed.
When he was told of the small cloud, he knew it was done, and it was. Elijah saw and experienced the fruit of God’s blessing. Repeatedly in scripture rain represents the blessing of God, and it came mightily by His hand.
We serve a God who loves to bless His children. How has He blessed you and your ministry today?
Finally, Elijah enjoys the fruit of growth in his life. Verse 46 seems almost random at first reading, but it is really the ultimate “to be continued!” It would be easy to think that this huge episode was the pinnacle or even the end of Elijah’s ministry, but God is showing us He always has more for those who are willing. Elijah is running to his next adventure with God! Are you?
How have you been growing in your walk with God? How has He called you to minister to others? How are you responding? Ministering with and for God is the greatest adventure you will ever enjoy!