TEXT:
LUKE 4:24-26
Introduction
Elijah did not only prophesy the drought, he experienced it. He was supernaturally sustained in the midst of the famine. We are in a prophetic age where the word of the Lord is coming to pass (Matt. 24:4-7). As the Elijahs of today we should learn how to be sustained supernaturally during drought before the “rains” come. The brook of Cherith Experience – 1 Kings 17:2-7
What is brook Cherith?
(a) It is a place of hiding – 1 Kings 17:3, Luke 1:80, Mark 1:12.
(b) Cherith means “the cutting place” – a place where one’s heart is tried – Jer. 17:9-10, 1 Sam. 16:6-7, John 2:23-25, 1 Cor. 3:13-14. Cherith is a state of going into oblivion. There had to be a Cherith before there can be a Carmel. In our walk with God, to become a vessel He can use, God will have to take us through this experience to try our heart. After trial comes triumph.
Elijah and the Ravens – 1 Kings 17:4-6
The raven is regarded as an unclean bird – Lev. 11:13-15. They are regarded as omen of misfortune, tragedy and death. They feed on putrefying flesh that remained on carcasses left by other animals, also feed on remnants of rubbish. The raven fed Elijah twice a day.
Elijah at Zarephath – 1 Kings 17:8-16
Zarephath means smithing place or refining place.
(a) The encounter with the widow: 1 Kings 17:10-12, Ex. 22:22-24, Deut 24:19-21. Jesus spoke of this widow – Luke 4:24-26. Elijah was not reluctant to reveal his need to the widow (at God’s instruction). Most of us are reluctant to reveal our needs to others. In our proud self assured independence, we are forced than we think.
(b) Encounter with the widow’s Son – 1 Kings 17:17-24.
The presence of Elijah did not stop the devil from killing the child but brought the child back to life through his prayer. Our presence should be felt in our locality.
Authority and power of Elijah – James 5:17-18, 1 Kings 18:46
Some outstanding qualities are found in the life of this man of God.
(a) Boldness: 1 Kings 17:1, 1 Kings 18:15, 1 Kings 18:19.
I live will operate in the spirit of Elijah, divine boldness is necessary. Boldness releases God’s ability through us Rom. 8:15, Acts. 4:29.
(b) Faith: 1 Kings 17:8, Heb. 11:6, 2 Cor. 5:7.
Faith honours God and God honour faith. Active faith is that which is released through our confession and profession.
(c) Prayer: James 5:17-18, 1 Kings 18:42-44.
(d) Demonic voice that scares you from your God-given assignment – 1 Kings 19:1-3.
Discussion
(i) What do you think you need to survive this Cherith experience?
(ii) What will you do if your brook runs dry?
(iii) Why did Elijah remain at Cherith and later left Cherith.
Elijah and the Spirit of Jezebel
Who is Jezebel? – 1 Kings 19:1-2.
(a) Usurper of husband – 1 Kings 16:30-33.
(b) Demonic governmental spirit that choke prophets of God in the land (1 Kings 18:4, Rev. 2:20).
(c) A territorial spirit where false prophets and idolaters gain their strength (1 Kings 18:19).
(d) Demonic voice that scares you from your God-given assignment (1 Kings 19:1-3).
Effect of Jezebel on the Ministry of Elijah (1 Kings 19:3):
(a) He ran away
(b) He asked God to take his life
(c) He terminated his ministry.
Closing Questions
(a) How do you identify the spirit of Jezebel in operation?
(b) How do you confront and stand against the spirit of Jezebel?
Conclusion
We all have our shortcomings just like Elijah (James 5:17), but we must learn to continue to the end without fear or distraction.
Memory Verse: “Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.”
~ James 5:17
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