Light in the Darkness: Lesson 1, Day 3

I would like for us to think about two things today: first, a bit about Elijah and second, a bit about prophets.

First, consider the prophet, Elijah. In the midst of our historical narrative around the nation of Israel, a prophet appears on the scene. Look at 1 Kings 17:1. There he is! Elijah. No introduction, no family background, no description of stellar character or courage or anything. He just appears and speaks to King Ahab.

We often put Biblical personages on such pedestals. We make them larger than life - certainly larger than human. God gives us nothing about the background of Elijah. In fact, read James 5:17. Did you see the description? "Elijah was a man, just like us." Maybe his family background was ordinary. Maybe his lineage was ordinary. Maybe his education and training were ordinary. Maybe he wasn't wealthy or poor ... just ordinary. Maybe his personality assets were ordinary. Maybe his mental acuity was ordinary. Maybe he was of average height and build. After all ... he was just like us.

As we begin our study, rest in the fact that God seems to choose ordinary people through whom to work. And that is good news!

Secondly, consider the work of a prophet. Again, we tend to make them seem mysterious and strange. In the simplest terms, the definition of a prophet is: "one who speaks for another". There is another word in Hebrew which is translated "seer" and has to do with telling of future events. But let's think about prophets, not seers. In Casandra's workbook, she indicates four primary tasks of the prophet:

• To represent God. The prophet was to remind the people of who God IS.
• To remind the people of their covenant relationship with God. The prophet was to remind people of who they were. Always remember that covenant is a relationship word.
• To rally the people. The prophet was to be an energizing force - refocusing, exposing when necessary.
• To relay God's word. The prophet was to show the people how to walk in response to this covenant making and covenant keeping God.

Actually, it seems to me that Christians are called to do the same four things.

• Do you represent God well - the ways you speak about Him, how you talk of Him to your children and friends? You must know Him ...
• Do you strive to remind people always that they are truly children of God, not random accidents that happen to be here right now?
• Do you have the courage to expose the idolatry that captivates our lives? In Casandra's words, "not the golden calves but the gold"?
• Do you know God's word so that you can tell it - not "preachy", but clearly? Do you know God's word so you can walk in it - and encourage those around you to do the same?

Prophet ... one who speaks for another ... are you doing the work of a prophet? God calls you ... your task is to respond. And don't be nervous or afraid. It seems that God uses ordinary people all the time. We fit right in!

A Light in the Darkness: Lesson 1, Day 2

Before we are introduced to King Ahab and Queen Jezebel (the ruling power in Israel when our prophet Elijah enters the scene), I want you to have a sense of the cultural climate of the day. As you read the passages in Day 1, did you get a feel for the downward spiral that was happening? Those things never happen quickly. Years pass ... commitment is compromised ... small indiscretions ... ignoring God just a little ... including a little idol worship alongside God-worship ... allowing fear to drive us rather than faith. And you find yourself at a place so far removed from where you began. So it was with Israel. Don't miss that the spiral began with her leaders.

As the spiritual climate has dramatically deteriorated, the political and national climate is ripe. We closed our reading yesterday with the Biblical information about King Omri. We learn in other historical writings about Omri. He was a capable military leader, bringing Moab under Israel's control. He established his new capital city, Samaria. In Martin's study guide, she tells us that "The workmanship of the stones used in the city is said to be so superior that its equal has not been found anywhere else in Palestine."(p. 16) It was a powerful, beautiful and impressive city. King Omri proved himself skillful in foreign policy as well. So this is not a weak, pitiful nation on a last leg ... it is powerful and wealthy. Not so unlike our own!

And yet ... there are folks shining light in this dark landscape. Read 2 Chronicles 11: 13 - 16. There are people under Jeroboam who "set their hearts on seeking the Lord, the God of Israel..." Following God is first priority. Continually pray for wisdom to see when earthly authority is in conflict with the God of heaven. I am not referring to the times when earthly authority conflicts with what I personally want. That is why prayer for wisdom is critically important! If we are to be light ... we need to see the difference in those two.

Close your thoughts today by reading the following and committing yourself to prayer concerning these ideas and how they relate to you personally:

Proverbs 22:1
Titus 3: 1 - 2
Psalm 33:12a

A Light in the Darkness: Lesson 1, Day 1

As we begin our study together, let's do so with prayer ...

Our Father, who dwells in the heavens and in the hearts of Your children,

holy is Your name. Let the light of Your face and Your presence

shine on us. May Your light illuminate our lives so that

we are able to truly see - the see with Your eyes

and to understand with Your heart.

You are light ... and in You is no darkness.

May we live in the light of You.

Teach us ...

We need a little historical background to be able to better appreciate the prophets whom we will study in this semester. The focus in your reading today will be to better understand the times and the culture in which Elijah, the prophet, lived and worked. If you are not a history fan, be patient! Read ... asking God to shine light on your mind! If you ARE a history fan, enjoy!



Remember:

• God brought His people from Egyptian slavery and forged them into a nation of people.


• They were under the authority of "judges" for hundreds of years


• The people wanted a king, so God allowed them kings


• First was Saul, second David, third Solomon.


• Under these 3 the kingdom of Israel grew in strength and wealth and recognition.


• After Solomon's death, there was national division ...

This is where we take up our reading. As you read the following passages, note the names of the kings and their legacies. You might list them in your notebook to keep them in order. Consider how they came to power and how scripture characterizes them. The purpose is to get a sense of the cultural setting as best we can. History does not have to be dry and dull. As you read, look for warning signs for yourself.

1 Kings 11: 26 - 39

1 Kings 12: 26 - 32

1 Kings 14: 7 - 11

1 Kings 15: 25 - 26

1 Kings 15: 27 - 28, 33 - 34

1 Kings 16:8, 12 - 13

1 Kings 16: 9 - 10, 18 - 19

1 Kings 16: 16, 21 - 28

Exhausting, isn't it! Before you close your study time today, spend some time thinking about legacy. Talk to God about your own. How do you want to be characterized?

Several years ago we had a group of women at my church that met together once a week to write responses to scripture and to share our responses with each other. I remember well one of the pieces that was read. A young mom in our group described how she wanted her funeral to be - what she wanted to be said of her. She realized for that to be a reality, she must intentionally live today so that those things COULD be honestly said about her. I was touched by her determination to choose to live like that NOW - changing the way she approached each day.

Remember, you are writing your legacy now. So ... live today well! Talk to God about allowing His Spirit to transform your desires, your reactions, your behaviors, even your thoughts. I believe He will show you where changes need to be made. I believe He will invite you to rest "under the shadow of His wings" as He does that transformation work in each of our surrendered hearts.

What will characterize your life? May it be said of us ... "She was a woman who walked in the light of God."

A Light in the Darkness: Introduction, Day 3

Several years ago the Houston Chronicle newspaper, along with other sponsoring corporations, hosted a series of lectures by influential women. They came from a variety of fields - politics, entertainment, literature, science. One of my daughters and I had tickets to that series of lectures and enjoyed hearing each of the strong women who spoke. However, one particularly stands out in my mind.



The speaker of the evening was Maya Angelou. The event was taking place in Jones Hall. For the non-Houstonians reading, Jones Hall has a capacity of 3000. That night, the venue was full. The crowd was primarily female so you can imagine the buzz (actually more of a roar) as women found their seats and talked with friends. When the time for the event to begin arrived, without fan fare, without introduction, Maya Angelou strode onto the stage. She is an imposing figure - tall and straight. Without waiting for the din of noise to subside, in her deep, throaty voice, she began to sing, "This little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine, all the time, let it shine." The crowd quickly quieted ... and this amazing woman began to tell her most remarkable story.



Ms Angelou understood that, wherever your life path takes you, let your light shine. Even if it is just a little light - let it shine. Remember, God is light. He allows us to experience light. Now - let it shine.



Jesus said it first. In Matthew 5:16 He says, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."



Read 1 Peter 2: 9 - 10. You have been carried from _______ into ______. What does that mean to you? Does it make any difference in the way you interact with other people? Family? What about at church? Or at work? In committee meetings? With other team moms or at your child's school? What does it mean to you to be privileged to live in the light?



Close your work today by reading the following:

Ephesians 5: 8 - 10

Philippians 2: 14 - 15

Shine like stars in the universe ... Shine!

A Light in the Darkness: Introduction, Day 2

We looked at passages of scripture in Day 1 that refer to God as light. In Him is no darkness. Because that is the very essence of God, it comes as no surprise that His first act of creation was to bring that quality of light into existence for His coming, created world. "And God said, 'Let there be light', and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness." (Genesis 1: 3 - 4)

Therefore, mankind can experience light. Mankind can experience God. Read the following and consider:

1. 2 Samuel 22:29 - Do you see that you can have light?
2. Psalm 119:130 - Do you see where you can obtain light?
3. Isaiah 2:3,5 - What does it mean to you to walk in the light of the Lord?
4. 2 Corinthians 4: 4 - 6 - Where does the light of God shine?

As we consider these things, one of my favorite places in scripture is Exodus 34: 29 - 35. Turn there and read those verses ...

I wish I could have seen Moses' face! I can imagine what it may have been like, but can't know for sure. What we can know for sure is that Moses' countenance was changed because he spent time with God, because he listened to God. The word translated "radiant" in the NIV is translated "shone" in the NASB. The Hebrew is kawran. The word literally means "to send out rays". It reminds me of the way that little children draw the sun - it has rays - that's what makes it a sun! Something of the glory of the light of God came off Moses's face and countenance when Moses left the presence of God.

We CAN experience the light of God. Spend time with Him. Listen to Him. Be still in His presence. Don't do all the talking.

And let God transform your countenance. Your face can be radiant. And it has nothing to do with the make-up you choose!

A Light in the Darkness: Introduction, Day 1

Welcome to our Spring, 2010 study. For 4 months we will ask God to teach us relevant and applicable lessons from the lives of the great Old Testament prophets, Elijah and Elisha. This study will be in conjunction with the group Bible studies ongoing at the Bammel Church of Christ. As you join with us online, you are joining a Bible study with 80 women of differing ages and life circumstances. Many are balancing work and family. Many are retired. Some are single, some are married, some are widowed and some are divorced. Some are seasoned Christians and some are novices. I tell you these things so you can know that you belong! There is a place for you at this table as we join together to learn from the Word of God.

We will be following a study guide written by Casandra Martin. If you want to have that guide it can be purchased at: http://www.21stcc.com/. The exact title for your search is: A Light in the Darkness: Elijah and Elisha. Or, you can get a notebook - any kind will do - spiral style or journal style - and plan to keep notes to yourself as we progress in our study. There will be 3 posts each week throughout this particular study.

So ... let's begin ...

I have been privileged to raise three daughters. They are as different as different can be - in temperament, in style, in look. However, as little girls, they had one distinct thing in common - they were afraid of the dark. They were not unique in that fear. The majority of children are afraid of the dark. It can be so frightening when you cannot see what is around you. Your imagination goes beserk! So parents learn the value of the night light. My friends, as Christ followers, we are to be the night lights in this dark world!

As they grew from little children into older teens and young adults and would "go out" - they knew that the light would be on when they came home. They would not have to come into a dark house. My friends, as Christ followers, we are to be the ones leaving the light on for this dark world. Therein lies one of our greatest challenges. Does it really matter? How do we do that? Those are some of the questions we will explore in this study.

I want to see. I want to see clearly. And that requires light. To begin our study, write down the following passages in your journal. Then summarize them with a sentence or two of your own. Follow that time of reflection with prayer ... a prayer of gratitude to this God of light.

1 John 1:5
John 8:12
Psalm 4:6 - 8
Psalm 104:1 - 2a

Our prayer together as we begin comes from Psalm 4:6

"Let the light of Your face shine upon us, O Lord."