Tag Archives: For such a time as this
For such a time as this ( Day 23)
The mantle was all that Elisha had as a tangible reminder of his great mentor, but as that mantle fell, and in picking it up, the baton so to speak was passed to him. Elisha had asked for a double portion of the spirit of Elijah ( verse 9-10). Even Elijah admitted that this was a hard thing, but it was what Elisha needed and received. Even to have a fraction of the faith that Elijah had would be wonderful, but to ask for a double portion and what is more to receive it, was the greatest blessing Elisha could have. Continue reading
For such a time as this ( Day 22)
Many of the phrases that are in common usage today in the English language have come to us from the King James Version of the Bible. Phrases such as ‘By the Skin of your teeth’, ‘feet of clay’, ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’, ‘a thorn in the flesh ‘, ‘by the sweat of your brow’ are just a small selection of many phrases that have enriched the English language from the King James Bible. Another good example is found at 2 Kings 2:14). The mantle of Elijah has fallen on Elisha. The origin of that phrase usually refers to an older person who on retiring passes on responsibility to someone else ( usually a younger person). That person proceeds to continue the work that was started by the older person. Continue reading
For Such a Time as this (day 19)
The motto of the University of Aberdeen is in Latin Initium, Sapientiae Timor Domini literally meaning Wisdom’s beginning is God’s fear. Words found in Psalm 111:12 and at Proverbs 1:7 & 9:10. The motto itself demonstrates the Christian principles that were enshrined in the founding ethos of the University of Aberdeen since its founding in 1495. Continue reading
For such a time as this Day 18
In all the passages we have looked at and indeed in all of the story of Elijah thus far, this is undoubtedly the most difficult if not even troubling passage. Many Christians over the years have had difficulty accepting some of what we read in 1 Kings 22:13 and following. Could it possibly be the case that God would send forth a lying spirit as verse 22 seems to suggest? Could God approve of such lies? Continue reading
For such a time as this (day 17) Vengeance is mine
The comfort we can take from this is that revenge and justice are the Lord’s and He will repay, evil people will not get off with it, and they will all ultimately pay the price as Ahab did for selling themselves to do evil in the Lord’s sight. Nothing is hidden from our God, and although it might seem to some as if justice sleeps, that is not the case. The utter destruction that God was to visit upon the house of Ahab, may have as in other cases too taken years to transpire but as the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his poem “Retribution” puts it in his translation of an earlier work
Though the mills of God grind slowly; Yet they grind exceeding small; Though with patience He stands waiting With exactness grinds He all. Continue reading
For such a time as this Day 16
‘The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. (1 Kings 19:15 NIV)
It is a great comfort to know that God is in complete control even when we are not! The latter part of 1 Kings 19 shows us that God had a purpose and a plan in everything that had happened and that He was working His purposes out using Elijah to do so. Continue reading
For such a time as this day 15
Mount Sinai and Mount Horeb are believed by many to be the same place and are linked in scripture to both Moses and Elijah. Mount Horeb is described as ‘the Mount of God ‘ (verse 8) , and it becomes obvious in the narrative that it is to this special holy place that Elijah is running. Continue reading
FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS (day 12 – take 2)
On the twelfth day of these notes, we look today at what is the climax so far to the story of the life and ministry of Elijah. There are times where we may recall exactly what we were doing and where we were when we heard some news or witnessed a great historic event. I recall where I was on hearing the news of the 9/11 attacks in New York. I was in a rubbish dump! Clearing out stuff for my mother. Continue reading
FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS ( Day 11)
After the prophet’s of Baal had tried and failed to rouse their god from slumber, and answer their prayers for fire on the altar, it was now Elijah’s turn. It is interesting how Elijah begins this task. The first thing he does is to ask the people to come near to him (verse 30), they would be witnesses to all that would happen; there would no trickery or smoke and mirrors. Continue reading
FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS ( DAY 9)
This was High Noon for Elijah, the showdown on Mount Carmel was about to begin. The people might have had nothing to say by way of response to Elijah’s comment that they were halting between two opinions ( verse 21), but I am sure they were thinking plenty! It must have seemed to everyone watching that the odds were uneven and that Elijah was on a hiding to nothing. Continue reading