Who Will Stand in the Council of the Lord? The Call for Devotion and Obedience
1 Kings 17
1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”
Throughout the sermons I’ve heard or preached over the years, this verse has never been emphasized. I’ve overlooked it until today. Increasingly, I believe it all boils down to one crucial question: Before whom do we stand?
Elijah is celebrated for his confrontations with Ahab and Jezebel, his radical obedience, and his stand against false gods. Where did his confidence come from?
Elijah’s life was remarkable, yet we must remember he was merely a man, with a human nature like ours.
James 5
17 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 a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
What was his secret? He reveals it himself: “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand.”
Elijah was a man who stood in the presence of the Lord. This standing, this beholding, is an invitation extended to us. As priests to our God, we are offered this place today.
A passage from Jeremiah 23: 21-22 often comes to mind:
“I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my council, they would have proclaimed my words to my people and turned them from their evil ways and from their evil deeds.”
We’ve run from conference to conference, event to event, without significant change. We can repeat what’s popular, yet the world remains unchanged. Our families stay the same. Our prodigals remain distant. But there’s a promise: “But if they had stood in my council, they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and turned them from their evil ways and from their evil deeds.”
God is searching for someone, regardless of age or status, who will learn to stand before Him. You don’t need to be eloquent, wealthy, or important. You just need to be at the end of your rope. You must realize your ideas won’t save. Desperation is your only qualification. Desperation is the doorway. And that door is always open in heaven (Revelation 4:1).
Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.
Deepening Faith: Reflective Journal Prompts
- Standing Before the Lord: Reflect on the question “Before whom do we stand?” Consider moments in your life when you’ve felt particularly close to or distant from this ideal. How does standing before the Lord, as Elijah did, change your perspective on daily challenges and spiritual commitments?
- Elijah’s Confidence: Elijah’s confidence stemmed from his relationship with God, despite being “a man just like us.” Journal about a time when your faith gave you confidence during a challenging period. How did your relationship with God during this time compare to Elijah’s?
- Personal Droughts and Rains: James 5:17-18 speaks of Elijah praying for drought and rain, symbolizing times of challenge and blessing. Reflect on the “droughts” and “rains” in your own life. How have these periods shaped your faith and reliance on God’s provision?
- The Invitation to Stand: The post mentions the invitation to stand in the presence of the Lord, a place offered to us as priests to our God. What does standing in God’s presence mean to you personally? How can you more actively seek this standing in your daily spiritual practice?
- Desperation as a Doorway: Reflect on the statement “Desperation is the doorway” to standing before God, inspired by the idea that at the end of ourselves, we find the beginning of true faith. Have you experienced a moment of desperation that led to a deeper spiritual awakening or relationship with God? Describe this journey and its impact on your faith.
No matter the time of year, it’s never too late to start reading through the Bible with us. We invite you to join our community and embark on this enriching experience. You can access the reading schedule here to get started today. Explore the timeless wisdom of Scripture, grow in your faith, and engage in meaningful discussions with fellow readers. Don’t miss out on this incredible journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
Embark on a transformative journey with us by joining our mailing list. As a subscriber, you’ll receive heartfelt devotionals, insightful updates, and inspiration. Together, we’ll deepen our faith, connect on a deeper level, and embrace life’s beauty. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of our close-knit community. Let’s start this faith-filled journey together. Subscribe today and let’s go after God with all of our hearts.
Additionally, we are excited to introduce “Prayer Altars” — our new initiative that embodies the belief that prayer alters our reality! In these intimate groups of 2-3, we’re fostering a revival in our everyday lives and surroundings. Our mission is to cultivate deeper connections with God and each other, united in communion and guided by the Lord’s Prayer. Build your Prayer Altar to experience firsthand how prayer can transform not just your life, but also the lives of those around you. Learn more and join the movement here.
