Daily Scripture Threshing for Thursday, December 19, 2024
Today's Text: 1 Kings 19:9-18
Key Verse: 1 Kings 19:18 (KJV): "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."
The story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 is a striking example of the arrogance of class. Elijah, a mighty prophet of God, had just experienced a remarkable victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18): a case likable today's ministerial breakthroughs, exploits and success. However, in the face of Jezebel's threat, Elijah fled to the wilderness, feeling isolated and alone. During this time, he had a conversation with God, in which he claimed, "I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me" (1 Kings 19:10, 14). Elijah's statement reveals an arrogance of class, implying that he was the only faithful prophet left in Israel. We often forget that God has reasons for what He allows, reserves and appoint for each person to do, or where He wants us to be. The secrets of His election reside with Him alone. None of us knows why He loved Jacob and hated Esau even before they were born or ever sinned.
God's response to Elijah is surprising, humbling and revealing. His (God's) motif was to caution the prophet never to puff or class himself because He has reserved 7,000 faithful individuals in Israel who have not bowed their knees to Baal or kissed him, whom He can equally use (1 Kings 19:18). This revelation is a stark reminder, not just to Elijah, but to us all that we must never nurse or permit the arrogance of class when God is using us for any given or sets of exploit. It's never by power nor might, but by my Spirit, says the Lord. There are many others who share Elijah's kind of commitment to God. No doubt, the modern church has been swayed a lot into hero worship because of this arrogance of class. This has also led to several dangers, as we shall see next.
The first danger being that of isolation. Elijah's arrogance led him to feel isolated and alone, even when there were many others who shared his faith. People in such danger class themselves so much that they are too big to attend retreat, ministers conferences or keep accountability partners. It leads, secondly, to the danger of pride. God had to correct Elijah's prideful attitude for implying that he was the only faithful prophet left in Israel. Thirdly, it led to the danger of a limited perspective. This caused the prophet to overlook the many others who were faithful to God. That's why you see even father's in faith, today, recognizing and honoring men who appear to be fruitful even when they are not faithful over and above those who are faithful but seems not to be fruitful.
Yesterday, I came across a nuanced interpretation of this story of Elijah, and God immediately instructed the direction of today's meditation to serve as a warning against the arrogance of class. As believers, we must remember the pinnacle test of Christ when, though He is the Son of God, He overcame the tempter by making no claim. Jesus was tempted three times; each temptations being test of hedonism (desire/satisfaction), egoism (spectacular/might) and materialism (preeminence/wealth). We must recognize that we are part of a larger community of faith, and that there are many others who share our commitment to God; and that, in God's commonwealth, there are no hierarchies and/or class. He made no man the judge of His own servants. Rewards are given at the end of each man's service at His determination, not according to ours'. Let us strive to cultivate humility. Let us recognize that we are not alone in our walk with God.
Action Steps: Reflect on areas where you may be exhibiting arrogance of class. Ask God to humble your heart and reveal your limitations. Cultivate relationships with others of like passion or faith.
Quote for the Day: The isolation, pride, and limited perspective we suffer are not necessary if we cultivate humility and recognize that we are not alone in our walk with God." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding and reprimanding us of the dangers and arrogance of class. Help us to cultivate humility and recognize that we are part of a larger community of faith, sharing one faith, one hope and one baptism. Help us, Lord, to strive to build relationships with others who share our commitment to You — in Jesus' most glorious name. Amen.
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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Proverbs 16:18-19, Romans 12:3, and 1 Corinthians 10:12.
Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide written for free distribution and edification of churches, homes, and individuals. For inquiries, free counseling, or deliverance, please, write or visit: The Darling Bishop, 2321 S Beltline Rd Suite 144 Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA.
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With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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