Was Elijah a man just like us? In the book of James, the Scriptures state, "Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and one half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." (James 5:17-18 NIV) The account of Elijah's victory over the prophets of Baal to which James is referring is found in 1 Kings 18. But, was Elijah really a man just like us?
As I have studied the life of the prophet Elijah, I have seen so many characteristics, qualities, talents, abilities and gifts that I certainly do not have! His obedience certainly exceeds mine! But, he was a man (a human being). He had his weaknesses just as we do (and God lets us see some of his weaknesses toward the end of his story), but he sure had a boldness I, and many others lack.
I think James is telling us that Elijah did not have any special or extra powers but he prayed to the same God to whom we pray. This passage also stands as a warning to remember not to place a man in too high esteem--no matter how godly he/she is because he/she is still a man/woman just like us.
We have the same opportunity for prayer that Elijah had and the same Holy God to whom we pray. So, pray!
No comments:
Post a Comment