Journey from Power to Pity: From Mt. Carmel to Mt. Horeb

In I Kings 17, an incredible prophet exploded upon the scene. With no fanfare, Elijah went right to work confronting the unfaithful King Ahab with the fact that, due to Israel's unfaithfulness, God was going to send a drought that would last three and a half years. Consequently, a famine spread throughout the land. During this time, God provided for Elijah by sending birds that brought him food (I guess this was the first fast food delivery in the history of the world).

The Showdown

In I Kings 18, God sends Elijah back to Ahab. A contest was arranged. Elijah would face 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah on Mount Carmel. Both sides would place a bull on an altar. Then, Elijah stated "You call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD; and the God who answers by fire, He is God.”

The prophets of Baal cried out to their gods for 9 hours and with no results. Then, Elijah built his altar with twelve stones and place the sacrificial bull on it. Next, he prayed a short pray. Miraculously, fire fell from heaven and engulfed the altar. Even the stones were incinerated. God has spoken. Following this dramatic display of God's power, Elijah order the 450 prophets of Baal to be killed and they were.

Following God's victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah would pray to God for rain. God sent rain upon the land and the long drought was over.

Post-Victory Festivities

Elijah had stood "toe to toe" with hundreds of prophets and won. Now, you would think, he could parlay his success into even more victories. However, he moved from taking the stand of his life to running for his life. Follow five phases of his journey from the power of Mount Carmel to the pity of Mount Horeb. This is recorded in I Kings 19.

The Journey

I. Crisis in Fear (1-4)

James wrote that "Elijah was a man with a nature like ours (James 5:17)." We can see that he was human when we examine his reaction to Jezebel's murderous threat.

The Bible reveals, that when he heard that Jezebel planned to kill him, he left the Northern Kingdom and went to Beersheba, which is as far south in the nation of Israel as you can go. He went out into the wilderness, sat under a tree and prayed that he God would just kill him. What a change in just a few days.

II. Care From God (5-8)

God provided for Elijah's need through an angel. He gave him all the strength he needed for his upcoming journey to Mt. Horeb.

III. Confusion in Discouragement (9-10)

After an his estimated 250 mile journey, God asked an insightful question, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” In response, Elijah So he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”

So, we find Elijah miles away from the power displayed on Mount Carmel.

IV. Confrontation With God (11-12)

Next, Elijah witnessed an amazing and profound demonstration of the presence of God.

"Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces 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; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice (I Kings 19:11-13, NKJV)."

God reminded Elijah, He was a God of great power, but His presence was all he needed.

V. Comfort From God (13-18)

In response to Elijah despondency and doubt, God told him to "Go." God had a plan for him to anoint kings who would win victories for Israel. Also, he sent him to anoint Elisha, who would follow in his footsteps. While Elijah had felt all alone, God informed him that seven thousand faithful individuals were still in Israel. Elijah was alone. God was with him. Also, many followers of God shared his allegiance to the true God.

Travel Tips for the Journey

1. Be Careful- Watch how you handle success. Your greatest trial may come after your greatest victory.

2. Be Cautious- Take care of yourself-physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Certainly, Elijah was drained. We can see how he could have "burned out." We must take care of ourselves.

3. Be Comforted- God will take care of you. He knows what you need and when you need it. Trust Him.

4. Be Contemplative- While God is all powerful, he speaks in a still small voice. Spend time with God. While God is all powerful, we should never overlook his miraculous presence with us. We don't need miracles, we need God.

5. Be Confident-You are not alone. There will always be people who are true to God. Don't run into isolation. Seek opportunities to grow in unity with fellow followers of Christ.

The Final Word

Paul kept his focus on the Lord. He exemplified this when he wrote, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me (I Corinthians 15:10, NKJV) ."