BOLD PURSUIT (1 KINGS 19-20)                                                                       Posted 3.13.08

God Pursues Us because He Cares about Our Needs (Read 1 Kings 19:1-5a)

Up to this point Elijah has proven to be one of God’s most faithful servants. He has lived in two different places, hidden for 3 ½ years, proclaimed God’s Word to kings, widows, rebellious Israelites, and prophets of Baal, raised a child from the dead, cleansed the land of false prophets while helping the people see the true God, successfully prayed for a drought, and then prayed in the rain’s return. I’m tired just listing it all. I can only imagine how Elijah must have felt. And then Jezebel threatened his life.

As you read verses 3 through 5, Elijah’s needs are easy to see. He is threatened, afraid, running, in a desert, discouraged, tired, and the list goes on. Do you recognize any of those characteristics at work in your life? Do you feel threatened by the current economic situation? Do you fear losing your job or home? Are you running away from problems? Have you found yourself in a spiritual, emotional, or relational “desert”? Is anyone reading this discouraged or just plain tired?

This message is one of encouragement: God cares about your needs! Keep reading and watch the God of the universe pursue this one man, not to chastise him or tell him they are through, but to encourage him, and help heal the broken places in his life. He pursues you unto the same end. How are you responding?

God Pursues Us because He Wants to Take Us to the Next Place (Read 1 Kings 19:5b-8)
Even though God did not instruct Elijah to take this journey, He met him where he was and once again provided food, rest, strength, and direction. Notice yet a third unique vessel of God’s ministry. We’ve seen God send Elijah ravens, a widow, and now angels!

Do not miss the unique ways God wants to work in your life! Sometimes we become so entrenched in one instruction God gave us, we neglect to hear the next. How many of us would still be by the brook, determined to stay there, because that’s where God said to go?  How often do we miss the next blessing because we are too absorbed with the first?

God’s angel was gentle but insistent. The Lord was patient but persistent. He was giving Elijah time, but He definitely had a plan and vision for forward progress.  Where is God trying to take you? How are you responding?

God Pursues Us because He Wants to Talk to Us (Read 1 Kings 19:9-14)
In verses 5-8 God “spoke” to Elijah through an angel and through His gentle care. In verses 9-14 He initiated more personal dialogue. We serve a God who speaks and enjoys conversing with us more than we know! How much time do you spend talking with Him?

When God asked, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (verse 9) He was opening the door to honest communication. He wanted to hear all that was on Elijah’s heart. He wants to hear from the depths of your heart as well. Don’t hold things in or seek out others. Talk to God. He is a great Listener and the best Friend you will ever have.

But notice God did not answer Elijah’s frustrations and complaints immediately. He offered him something more, a fresh revelation of Himself. There are times in our lives when God prefers to grant us a new understanding of who He is rather than surface relief from some trouble or pain. How is God revealing Himself to you today?

God also wants to continually encourage us in our ability to discern His voice and His presence. When the wind, the earthquake, and the fire came, Elijah knew God sent them but was not in them, which I find incredibly interesting since God was completely in the previous fire at Mt. Carmel and will be in the whirlwind later that will take Elijah to heaven. But in that moment, the fullness of God’s presence would manifest itself in “a gentle whisper” (verse 12).

Interaction with God will not always be “fireworks” and “loud speakers.” I have actually found the more intimate times of quiet conversation much more fulfilling and life changing. Embrace them all. This relationship with the God of the universe is a miracle and the greatest blessing of our lives. Enjoy it in every way!

We must remain in an attitude of discernment as a lifestyle. Our world is much too busy and noisy to assume we will pick up on God’s voice easily every time. Press in to know God each moment as He is. Don’t put Him in the box of routine or habit. Keep your heart and mind and spirit open and free to receive in a fresh way each and every day. It will move you forward as it did Elijah. It will change and bless your life immensely!

Who are you talking to today?

God Pursues Us because He Wants us to Co-labor with Him (Read 1 Kings 19:15-21)
After Elijah expresses the burdens of his heart once again, God knows exactly what he needs – fresh direction, not a pity party. Discouragement lends itself to longevity if not dealt a quick blow. God responded to Elijah’s dilemma with a plan for action and advice. God was still moving forward and wanted Elijah’s companionship, but Elijah had a choice. God will not force us to come along, but He provides the way.  Whose way will you choose?

God’s cure for Elijah’s discouragement, fear and other emotional setbacks included helping others develop their gifts (Jehu, Elisha) and fresh hope for his own situation when He proclaimed, “I reserve 7,000 in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal…” (verse 18). How exciting it must have been for Elijah to hear that there were so many remaining who did love God!

Our God is the God of hope and life. We must simply choose to move forward with Him, respond to His call and direction, and give Him our all.  What is God calling you to today? How are you responding?

God’s pursuit of His children is a gift to be unwrapped daily.  In what way is He pursuing you today?