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!