The-Return-of-Elijah third elijah message

What’s Up?
• Some 50 years after the death of Solomon,
the world he left had changed so drastically.
The nation of Israel was now divided into two
groups. The Northern Kingdom of Israel and
the Southern Kingdom of Judea. Following
their split from the south, the northern tribes
had fallen into terrible apostasy. From
Jeroboam, a servant of Solomon, all the way
to Omri, the north had gone from bad to
worse. Now, Israel had its worst king of all.
His name was Ahab!

Most Wicked • “And in the thirty and
eighth year of Asa king
of Judah began Ahab
the son of Omri to
reign over Israel: and
Ahab the son of Omri
reigned over Israel in
Samaria twenty and
two years. And Ahab
the son of Omri did evil
in the sight of the
LORD above all that
were before him.” !
Kings 16:29,30

Samaria
• Shomron (lit. watch-tower) was
located in the heart of the
mountains of Judaea/Israel, a
few miles northwest of
Shechem, adjacent to the town
of Sebastia. The "hill of
Shomron" is an oblong hill, with
steep but not inaccessible sides,
and a long flat top. According to
biblical tradition, Omri, the king
of Israel, purchased this hill
from Shemer its owner for two
talents of silver, and built on its
broad summit the city to which
he gave the name of
"Shomeron", i.e., Samaria,

Beautiful
City
• Samaria was nicely
situated and very
advantageous in times
of battle. It was
exalted about 300-400
feet high and was not
easy to access. Ahab’s
father, Omri, built it
and made it the capital
in the northern
kingdom of Israel.

He Topped them All!
• “Two years before the death of Asa, Ahab began to rule in
the kingdom of Israel. From the beginning his reign was
marked by a strange and terrible apostasy. His father, Omri,
the founder of Samaria, had "wrought evil in the eyes of
the Lord, and did worse than all that were before him" (1
Kings 16:25); but the sins of Ahab were even greater. He
"did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than
all the kings of Israel that were before him," acting "as if it
had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of
Jeroboam the son of Nebat." Verses 33, 31. Not content
with encouraging the forms of religious service followed at
Bethel and Dan, he boldly led the people into the grossest
heathenism, by setting aside the worship of Jehovah for
Baal worship.” PK, pg. 114

Sanctified Sin in God’s Name!
• He not only encouraged
the worship of idols; he
brought in women to
be temple prostitutes.
He told the people that
if they slept with a
temple prostitute, they
would be drawn closer
to God and to heaven!
This happened in the
groves and in the
temple in Samaria!

Jezebel • “And it came to pass, as
if it had been a light
thing for him to walk in
the sins of Jeroboam
the son of Nebat, that
he took to wife Jezebel
the daughter of Ethbaal
king of the Zidonians,
and went and served
Baal, and worshipped
him.” 1 Kings 16:31

Jezebel/Baal/Immorality
• “Taking to wife Jezebel, "the daughter of Ethbaal king of the
Zidonians" and high priest of Baal, Ahab "served Baal, and
worshiped him. And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house
of Baal, which he had built in Samaria." Verses 31, 32.
• Not only did Ahab introduce Baal worship at the capital city, but
under the leadership of Jezebel he erected heathen altars in
many "high places," where in the shelter of surrounding groves
the priests and others connected with this seductive form of
idolatry exerted their baleful influence, until well-nigh all Israel
were following after Baal. "There was none like unto Ahab," who
"did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord,
whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. And he did very abominably in
following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites,
whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel." 1 Kings
21:25, 26.” PK, pgs. 114,115

Jezebel was Sidonian Trash!
• Jezebel had been
immersed in the false
worship of the heathen
deities Baal and
Ashtoreth. These gods
and their followers were
foremost in attacking
the commandments of
God; especially the 4th
and 7th
commandments!
Religion was a license to
do wrong!

Apostasy!
• “Ahab was weak in moral power. His union by marriage with an
idolatrous woman of decided character and positive temperament
resulted disastrously both to himself and to the nation.
Unprincipled, and with no high standard of right doing, his
character was easily molded by the determined spirit of Jezebel. His
selfish nature was incapable of appreciating the mercies of God to
Israel and his own obligations as the guardian and leader of the
chosen people. Under the blighting influence of Ahab's rule, Israel
wandered far from the living God and corrupted their ways before
Him. For many years they had been losing their sense of reverence
and godly fear; and now it seemed as if there were none who dared
expose their lives by openly standing forth in opposition to the
prevailing blasphemy. The dark shadow of apostasy covered the
whole land. Images of Baalim and Ashtoreth were everywhere to be
seen. Idolatrous temples and consecrated groves, wherein were
worshiped the works of men's hands, were multiplied.” PK, pg. 115

Jezebel’s Counterpart
• Jezebel’s atrocities were
matched by the papal
power during the dark ages.
Notice the similarities.
• 1. Attacked the law of God.
• 2. Persecuted God’s people.
• 3. Used the government to
enforce her ideas.
• 4. Set up false priest
system.
• 5. World suffered for 1260
days/years!

Baal Worship
• Baal worship was a bold
denial of the Creator.
Baal was given the titles
of creator, provider, and
sustainer. Baal was said
to bring the rain and
sunshine to make the
crops grow. To him was
attributed the powers
to create and recreate!
This was a complete
rejection of God as our
Creator!

Baal
• “The air was polluted with the smoke of the sacrifices offered
to false gods. Hill and vale resounded with the drunken cries of
a heathen priesthood who sacrificed to the sun, moon, and
stars. Through the influence of Jezebel and her impious priests,
the people were taught that the idol gods that had been set up
were deities, ruling by their mystic power the elements of
earth, fire, and water. All the bounties of heaven--the running
brooks, the streams of living water, the gentle dew, the
showers of rain which refreshed the earth and caused the
fields to bring forth abundantly--were ascribed to the favor of
Baal and Ashtoreth, instead of to the Giver of every good and
perfect gift. The people forgot that the hills and valleys, the
streams and fountains, were in the hand of the living God, that
He controlled the sun, the clouds of heaven, and all the powers
of nature.” PK, pgs. 115,116

• The Lord sought to
bring His people to
repentance, but
nothing helped.
Voices were silenced,
prophets were killed
and nothing would
stand in the way of
this new movement.
• Only one option
remained; the Lord
must speak to Israel
thru judgments!

The Lord Tried!
• “Through faithful messengers the Lord sent repeated warnings to the
apostate king and the people, but in vain were these words of
reproof. In vain aid the inspired messengers assert Jehovah's right to
be the only God in Israel; in vain did they exalt the laws that He had
entrusted to them. Captivated by the gorgeous display and the
fascinating rites of idol worship, the people followed the example of
the king and his court, and gave themselves up to the intoxicating,
degrading pleasures of a sensual worship. In their blind folly they
chose to reject God and His worship. The light so graciously given
them had become darkness. The fine gold had become dim. Alas,
how had the glory of Israel departed! Never before had the chosen
people of God fallen so low in apostasy. Of "the prophets of Baal"
there were "four hundred and fifty," besides four hundred "prophets
of the groves." 1 Kings 18:19. Nothing short of the miracle-working
power of God could preserve the nation from utter destruction.” PK,
pg. 116

Time for Another Voice
• “The Lord in
compassion still
yearned after those
who had been led into
sin, and He was about
to send to them one of
the mightiest of His
prophets, through
whom many were to be
led back to allegiance
to the God of their
fathers.” PK,pg. 116

A Voice Would Be Heard
• How many thousands of people lived in Israel?
How many trained theologians and professed
people living for God? Yet, when it came time to fill
a need, there was one man! Did you hear that?
One man in the midst of thousands would speak for
heaven. It was time for that voice to be heard and
it would not be silenced! Never forget, if you are
walking with the crowd, you aren’t walking with
Christ. If it is numbers you seek, then you are
seeking outside of God’s will. Be afraid if you find
yourself with many; God has never worked with
many. Always, it has been the few!!!

Out of the
Way!
• East of the Jordan river,
in an out of the way
place, far from the
major thorough fares
of the world, God was
preparing a man.
When God saw that he
was ready, the Lord
said go and Elijah the
Tishbite went to deliver
Heaven’s judgments on
apostasy!

From Beyond Jordan
• “To Elijah was entrusted the mission
of delivering to Ahab Heaven's
message of judgment. He did not
seek to be the Lord's messenger; the
word of the Lord came to him. And
jealous for the honor of God's cause,
he did not hesitate to obey the divine
summons, though to obey seemed to
invite swift destruction at the hand of
the wicked king. The prophet set out
at once and traveled night and day
until he reached Samaria. At the
palace he solicited no admission, nor
waited to be formally announced.
Clad in the coarse garments usually
worn by the prophets of that time, he
passed the guards, apparently
unnoticed, and stood for a moment
before the astonished king.” PK, pgs.
120, 121

Great Faith
• It was only by the exercise of strong faith in the unfailing power of God's word that Elijah
delivered his message. Had he not possessed implicit confidence in the One whom he
served, he would never have appeared before Ahab. On his way to Samaria, Elijah had
passed by ever-flowing streams, hills covered with verdure, and stately forests that
seemed beyond the reach of drought. Everything on which the eye rested was clothed
with beauty. The prophet might have wondered how the streams that had never ceased
their flow could become dry, or how those hills and valleys could be burned with drought.
But he gave no place to unbelief. He fully believed that God would humble apostate Israel,
and that through judgments they would be brought to repentance. The fiat of Heaven had
gone forth; God's word could not fail; and at the peril of his life Elijah fearlessly fulfilled his
commission. Like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, the message of impending judgment fell
upon the ears of the wicked king; but before Ahab could recover from his astonishment,
or frame a reply, Elijah disappeared as abruptly as he had come, without waiting to
witness the effect of his message. It was only by the exercise of strong faith in the
unfailing power of God's word that Elijah delivered his message. Had he not possessed
implicit confidence in the One whom he served, he would never have appeared before
Ahab. On his way to Samaria, Elijah had passed by ever-flowing streams, hills covered with
verdure, and stately forests that seemed beyond the reach of drought. Everything on
which the eye rested was clothed with beauty. The prophet might have wondered how
the streams that had never ceased their flow could become dry, or how those hills and
valleys could be burned with drought.” PK ,pgs. 121, 122

Undaunted by the Human
• “He looked upon the King in
His beauty, and self was
forgotten. He beheld the
majesty of holiness, and felt
himself to be inefficient and
unworthy. He was ready to go
forth as Heaven's messenger,
un awed by the human,
because he had looked upon
the Divine. He could stand
erect and fearless in the
presence of earthly
monarchs, because he had
bowed low before the King of
kings.” DA, pg. 103

Just Like Us!
• “Elias was a man
subject to like
passions as we are,
and he prayed
earnestly that it
might not rain: and it
rained not on the
earth by the space of
three years and six
months.” James 5:17

No Rain
• “And Elijah the
Tishbite, who was of
the inhabitants of
Gilead, said unto
Ahab, As the LORD
God of Israel liveth,
before whom I stand,
there shall not be dew
nor rain these years,
but according to my
word.” 1 Kings 17:1

Judgment!
• “At the palace he solicited no admission, nor waited to be
formally announced. Clad in the coarse garments usually worn
by the prophets of that time, he passed the guards, apparently
unnoticed, and stood for a moment before the astonished king.
Elijah made no apology for his abrupt appearance. A Greater
than the ruler of Israel had commissioned him to speak; and,
lifting his hand toward heaven, he solemnly affirmed by the
living God that the judgments of the Most High were about to
fall upon Israel. "As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I
stand," he declared, "there shall not be dew nor rain these
years, but according to my word." It was only by the exercise of
strong faith in the unfailing power of God's word that Elijah
delivered his message. Had he not possessed implicit confidence
in the One whom he served, he would never have appeared
before Ahab.” PK, pg. 121

A Place of Refuge!
• Do My work and I will
show you where to go and
hide. Take care of My
business first and then I
will show you where you
are to be and I will take
care of you there. “Get
thee hence, and turn thee
eastward, and hide thyself
by the brook Cherith, that
is before Jordan. And
it shall be, that
thou shalt drink of the bro
ok; and I have commanded
the ravens to feed thee th

Not Dependent on Man!
• With Israel in apostasy and
Elijah needing sustenance,
the Lord saw fit that His
servant lacked for nothing.
If man would fail at their
post, the Lord was more
than able to provide for his
needs.
• “But my God shall supply
all your need according to
his riches in glory by Christ
Jesus.” Phil. 4:19

Sustained! • “For a time Elijah remained
hidden in the mountains by
the brook Cherith. There for
many months he was
miraculously provided with
food. Later on, when,
because of the continued
drought, the brook became
dry, God bade His servant
find refuge in a heathen
land.” PK, pg. 129

It will happen again!
• “Often the follower of Christ is brought where he cannot serve God and carry
forward his worldly enterprises. Perhaps it appears that obedience to some plain
requirement of God will cut off his means of support. Satan would make him
believe that he must sacrifice his conscientious convictions. But the only thing in
our world upon which we can rely is the word of God. "Seek ye first the kingdom
of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Matt. 6:33. Even in this life it is not for our good to depart from the will of our
Father in heaven. When we learn the power of His word, we shall not follow the
suggestions of Satan in order to obtain food or to save our lives. Our only
questions will be, What is God's command? and what His promise? Knowing
these, we shall obey the one, and trust the other. In the last great conflict of the
controversy with Satan those who are loyal to God will see every earthly support
cut off. Because they refuse to break His law in obedience to earthly powers, they
will be forbidden to buy or sell. It will finally be decreed that they shall be put to
death. See Rev. 13:11-17. But to the obedient is given the promise, "He shall
dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be
given him; his waters shall be sure." Isa. 33:16. By this promise the children of
God will live. When the earth shall be wasted with famine, they shall be fed.” DA,
pgs. 121, 122

The Lord’s Word is Sure
• “ Although the fig tree shall
not blossom, neither shall
fruit be in the vines; the
labour of the olive shall
fail, and the fields shall
yield no meat; the flock
shall be cut off from the
fold, and there shall be no
herd in the stalls: Yet I will
rejoice in the LORD, I will
joy in the God of my
salvation.” Habb. 3:17, 18

Hunted!
• “The king made diligent inquiry, but the prophet was not to
be found. Queen Jezebel, angered over the message that
had locked up the treasures of heaven, lost no time in
conferring with the priests of Baal, who united with her in
cursing the prophet and in defying the wrath of Jehovah.
But notwithstanding their desire to find him who had
uttered the word of woe, they were destined to meet with
disappointment. Nor could they conceal from others a
knowledge of the judgment pronounced in consequence of
the prevailing apostasy. Tidings of Elijah's denunciation of
the sins of Israel, and of his prophecy of swift-coming
punishment, quickly spread throughout the land. The fears
of some were aroused, but in general the heavenly
message was received with scorn and ridicule.” PK, pg. 123

Could Not Be Found!
• Elijah had a mission to
perform and as long as the
Lord saw fit, no amount of
searching would bear fruit.
Elijah was immortal until
his work was done! Ahab
looked and looked for his
nemesis, but Elijah was
nowhere to be found. He
was blamed for Israel’s
troubles. Apostate Israel
would not listen!

Deception and Apostasy
• “The prophet's words went into immediate effect. Those who were at first
inclined to scoff at the thought of calamity, soon had occasion for serious
reflection; for after a few months the earth, unrefreshed by dew or rain,
became dry, and vegetation withered. As time passed, streams that had
never been known to fail began to decrease, and brooks began to dry up.
Yet the people were urged by their leaders to have confidence in the power
of Baal and to set aside as idle words the prophecy of Elijah. The priests still
insisted that it was through the power of Baal that the showers of rain fell.
Fear not the God of Elijah, nor tremble at His word, they urged, it is Baal
that brings forth the harvest in its season and provides for man and beast.
God's message to Ahab gave Jezebel and her priests and all the followers of
Baal and Ashtoreth opportunity to test the power of their gods, and, if
possible, to prove the word of Elijah false. Against the assurances of
hundreds of idolatrous priests, the prophecy of Elijah stood alone. If,
notwithstanding the prophet's declaration, Baal could still give dew and
rain, causing the streams to continue to flow and vegetation to flourish,
then let the king of Israel worship him and the people say that he is God.”
PK, pgs. 123, 124

Bad News!
• “A year passes, and yet there is
no rain. The earth is parched as
if with fire. The scorching heat of
the sun destroys what little
vegetation has survived. Streams
dry up, and lowing herds and
bleating flocks wander hither
and thither in distress. Once-
flourishing fields have become
like burning desert sands, a
desolate waste. The groves
dedicated to idol worship are
leafless; the forest trees, gaunt
skeletons of nature, afford no
shade. The air is dry and
suffocating;” PK, pgs. 124, 125

Fugitive-Heaven’s Child!
• What a scene! Famine
stalks the land! Ahab and
Jezebel hunt for Elijah! The
Lord miraculously takes
care of His child! The
brook Cherith begins to dry
up. Elijah has nowhere
else to go, but the Lord
knows of just the right
person in just the right
place until the famine
ends. “Arise, get thee to
Zarephath…”

Judgment
• Elijah travelled to
Samaria and gave
the clarion call of
judgment. No rain
will fall accept at
Elijah’s word.
Parched earth, no
water, and famine
will ensue. Death
and disease will be
reality!

Time for Elijah to Go!
• The Book Cherith dried
up also. It was time for
Elijah to move on. The
word of the Lord came to
him, “Arise, get thee to
Zarephath, which
belongeth to Zidon, and
dwell there: behold, I
have commanded a
widow woman there to
sustain thee.” 1 Kings
17:9

Not a Widow in Israel
• “But I tell you of a truth,
many widows were in
Israel in the days of Elias,
when the heaven was shut
up three years and six
months, when great
famine was throughout all
the land; But unto none of
them was Elias sent, save
unto Sarepta, a city of
Sidon, unto a woman that
was a widow.” Luke 4:25,
26

Woman of Faith
• “This woman was not an Israelite. She had never had the privileges and
blessings that the chosen people of God had enjoyed; but she was a
believer in the true God and had walked in all the light that was shining
on her pathway. And now, when there was no safety for Elijah in the land
of Israel, God sent him to this woman to find a asylum in her home. So he
arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city,
behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to
her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may
drink. And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring
me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand." In this poverty-stricken
home the famine pressed sore, and the pitifully meager fare seemed
about to fail. The coming of Elijah on the very day when the widow feared
that she must give up the struggle to sustain life tested to the utmost her
faith in the power of the living God to provide for her necessities. But
even in her dire extremity she bore witness to her faith by a compliance
with the request of the stranger who was asking her to share her last
morsel with him.” PK, pgs. 129, 130

About to Die!
• “Let brotherly love
continue. Be not
forgetful to
entertain
strangers: for
thereby some have
entertained angels
unawares.” Heb.
13:1,2

What a Faith!
• “So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to
the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there
gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch
me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.
And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said,
Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand. And
she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but
an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse:
and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and
dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.
And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast
said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it
unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.” 1 Kings
17:10-13

• “The widow of Zarephath shared her morsel with Elijah, and
in return her life and that of her son were preserved. And to
all who, in time of trial and want, give sympathy and
assistance to others more needy, God has promise great
blessing. He has not changed. His power is no less now than
in the days of Elijah. No less sure now than when spoken by
our Saviour is the promise, "He that receiveth a prophet in
the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward."
Matthew 10:41. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for
thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Hebrews
13:2. These words have lost none of their force through the
lapse of time. Our heavenly Father still continues to place in
the pathway of His children opportunities that are blessings
in disguise; and those who improve these opportunities find
great joy. ” PK, pgs. 131,132

Faithful Widow
The faithful of Scripture
were often found among the
heathen. The harlot Rahab,
Ruth the Moabitess; just a
few of those who walked in
the faith of Abraham. “When
Jesus heard these things, he
marvelled at him, and turned
him about, and said unto the
people that followed him, I
say unto you, I have not
found so great faith, no, not
in Israel.” Luke 7:9

Blessings!!!!
• “No greater test of faith than this could have been
required. The widow had hitherto treated all strangers
with kindness and liberality. Now, regardless of the
suffering that might result to herself and child, and
trusting in the God of Israel to supply her every need,
she met this supreme test of hospitality by doing
"according to the saying of Elijah." Wonderful was the
hospitality shown to God's prophet by this Phoenician
woman, and wonderfully were her faith and generosity
rewarded. "She, and he, and her house, did eat many
days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the
cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which
He spake by Elijah.” PK, pgs. Pgs. 130, 131

Plenty • “For thus saith the LORD
God of Israel, The barrel of
meal shall not waste,
neither shall the cruse of oil
fail, until the day that the
LORD sendeth rain upon the
earth. And she went and
did according to the saying
of Elijah: and she, and he,
and her house, did eat
many days. And the barrel
of meal wasted not, neither
did the cruse of oil fail,
according to the word of
the LORD, which he spake
by Elijah.” 1 Kings 17:14-16

• The Word of the Lord
did not fail Elijah or
the woman of
Zarephath. It did
exactly what it said It
would do and it did!
“For all the promises
of God in him are yea,
and in him Amen,
unto the glory of God
by us.” 2 Corinthians
1:20

Word of Power!
• “Satan cannot hold the dead in his grasp when the Son of
God bids them live. He cannot hold in spiritual death one
soul who in faith receives Christ's word of power. God is
saying to all who are dead in sin, "Awake thou that
sleepest, and arise from the dead." Eph. 5:14. That word
is eternal life. As the word of God which bade the first
man live, still gives us life; as Christ's word, "Young man, I
say unto thee, Arise," gave life to the youth of Nain, so
that word, "Arise from the dead," is life to the soul that
receives it. God "hath delivered us from the power of
darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His
dear Son." Col. 1:13. It is all offered us in His word. If we
receive the word, we have the deliverance.” DA, pg. 320

Elijah’s Eyes on Israel
• “Through the long years of drought and famine,
Elijah prayed earnestly that the hearts of Israel
might be turned from idolatry to allegiance to God.
Patiently the prophet waited, while the hand of the
Lord rested heavily on the stricken land. As he saw
evidences of suffering and want multiplying on
every side, his heart was wrung with sorrow, and he
longed for power to bring about a reformation
quickly. But God Himself was working out His plan,
and all that His servant could do was to pray on in
faith and await the time for decided action.” PK, pg.
133

Time For a Showdown
•Elijah had been away for
quite awhile; three and a
half years to be exact.
Things were looking
horrible throughout the
land of Israel. The famine
was ripping apart the
once proud nation. The
time had come for Elijah
to return.

Desperation!
• “Thus it had come to pass that God was now visiting His people with
the severest of His judgments. The prediction of Elijah was meeting
with terrible fulfillment. For three years the messenger of woe was
sought for in city after city and nation after nation. At the mandate of
Ahab, many rulers had given their oath of honor that the strange
prophet could not be found in their dominions. Yet the search was
continued, for Jezebel and the prophets of Baal hated Elijah with a
deadly hatred, and they spared no effort to bring him within reach of
their power. And still there was no rain. At last, "after many days," the
word of the Lord came to Elijah, "Go, show thyself unto Ahab; and I will
send rain upon the earth." In obedience to the command, "Elijah went
to show himself unto Ahab." About the time that the prophet set forth
on his journey to Samaria, Ahab had proposed to Obadiah, the
governor of his household, that they make thorough search for springs
and brooks of water, in the hope of finding pasture for their starving
flocks and herds.” PK, pg. 137

The Search is On!
• “And Ahab called Obadiah, which
was the governor of his house.
(Now Obadiah feared the LORD
greatly: For it was so, when
Jezebel cut off the prophets of
the LORD, that Obadiah took an
hundred prophets, and hid them
by fifty in a cave, and fed them
with bread and water.) And
Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into
the land, unto all fountains of
water, and unto all brooks:
peradventure we may find grass
to save the horses and mules
alive, that we lose not all the
beasts.” 1 Kings 18:3-5

Along Came………….a Man!
•“So they divided the land
between them to pass
throughout it: Ahab went
one way by himself, and
Obadiah went another way
by himself. And as Obadiah
was in the way, behold, Elijah
met him: and he knew him,
and fell on his face, and said,
Art thou that my lord Elijah?
And he answered him, I am:
go, tell thy lord, Behold,
Elijah is here.” 1 Kings 18:6-8

Nobody and Everybody!
•Elijah was a feared
man and nobody really
wanted to see him.
Yet, everyone wanted
to see him because in
him was Israel’s only
hope of getting rain!
Noone and yet
everybody wanted to
see this most feared
man!

Blessed; Thought Cursed!
• “And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew
him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah? And he
answered him, I am: go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here. And he
said, What have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into
the hand of Ahab, to slay me? As the LORD thy God liveth, there is no
nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and
when they said, He is not there; he took an oath of the kingdom and
nation, that they found thee not. And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy
lord, Behold, Elijah is here. And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am
gone from thee, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I
know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee,
he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth. Was it
not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the
LORD, how I hid an hundred men of the LORD'S prophets by fifty in a
cave, and fed them with bread and water? And now thou sayest, Go,
tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here: and he shall slay me. And Elijah said,
As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew
myself unto him to day.” 1 Kings 18:7-15

Disaster
•“During the apostasy of Israel, Obadiah had
remained faithful. His master, the king, had been
unable to turn him from his allegiance to the living
God. Now he was honored with a commission from
Elijah, who said, "Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is
here." Greatly terrified, Obadiah exclaimed, "What
have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant
into the hand of Ahab, to slay me?" To take such a
message as this to Ahab was to court certain death.”
PK, pg. 138

Petrified!
•Ahab had hunted all
over the Middle East for
Elijah, but now that he
was going to finally see
him, he was scared to
death! A 1,000 questions
presented themselves to
his mind. Another
judgment? Worse than
the last? Will I die?

Showdown
• “In astonishment mingled with terror the king listened to the message
from the man whom he feared and hated, and for whom he had
sought so untiringly. Well he knew that Elijah would not endanger his
life merely for the sake of meeting him. Could it be possible that the
prophet was about to utter another woe against Israel? The king's
heart was seized with dread. He remembered the withered arm of
Jeroboam. Ahab could not avoid obeying the summons, neither dared
he lift up his hand against the messenger of God. And so, accompanied
by a bodyguard of soldiers, the trembling monarch went to meet the
prophet. The king and the prophet stand face to face. Though Ahab is
filled with passionate hatred, yet in the presence of Elijah he seems
unmanned, powerless. In his first faltering words, "Art thou he that
troubleth Israel?" he unconsciously reveals the inmost feelings of his
heart. Ahab knew that it was by the word of God that the heavens had
become as brass, yet he sought to cast upon the prophet the blame for
the heavy judgments resting on the land.” PK, pg.139

Troublemaker!
•“And it came to pass, when
Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab
said unto him, Art thou he
that troubleth Israel?” 1
Kings 18:17 Ahab was the
one doing the wrong. He
was the one encouraging
false worship, butchering
the SOP, promoting spiritual
formation, and women’s
ordination, and unity, but
Elijah was the problem!

Elijah Troubles Israel!
• It is natural for the wrongdoer to hold the messengers of God
responsible for the calamities that come as the sure result of a
departure from the way of righteousness. Those who place themselves
in Satan's power are unable to see things as God sees them. When the
mirror of truth is held up before them, they become indignant at the
thought of receiving reproof. Blinded by sin, they refuse to repent;
they feel that God's servants have turned against them and are worthy
of severest censure. Standing in conscious innocence before Ahab,
Elijah makes no attempt to excuse himself or to flatter the king. Nor
does he seek to evade the king's wrath by the good news that the
drought is almost over. He has no apology to offer. Indignant, and
jealous for the honor of God, he casts back the imputation of Ahab,
fearlessly declaring to the king that it is his sins, and the sins of his
fathers, that have brought upon Israel this terrible calamity.” PK, pgs.
139, 140

Unity Never at cost of Truth!
•Elijah would have loved
unity, but at the cost of
truth, let there be war!
There could be no unity
between light and
darkness. Ahab was
rebuked by Elijah and
this forced from him the
angry words that Elijah
was causing the trouble!

God’s Faithful Always Trouble!
• Whether it be Elijah, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, Jesus, or Paul, the faithful have
always been troublemakers, divisive, and out of sorts.
• “So there was a division among the people because of him.” John 7:43
• “Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? Have any of the
rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?” Jn. 7:47,48
• “And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do
exceedingly trouble our city,” Acts 16:20
• “And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the
rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are
come hither also;” Acts 17:6

Stern Rebuke or Status Quo?
•“Those ministers who are men pleasers, who cry, Peace,
peace, when God has not spoken peace, might well humble
their hearts before God, asking pardon for their insincerity
and their lack of moral courage. It is not from love for their
neighbor that they smooth down the message entrusted to
them, but because they are self-indulgent and ease-loving.
True love seeks first the honor of God and the salvation of
souls. Those who have this love will not evade the truth to
save themselves from the unpleasant results of plain
speaking. When souls are in peril, God's ministers will not
consider self, but will speak the word given them to speak,
refusing to excuse or palliate evil.” PK, pgs. 141,142

History Repeating Itself!
•Ahab, the representative of God’s professed
people. SDAdventists, unites with Jezebel, the
representative of the papal power. (Rev. 2:20).
•Together, they create an entirely new style of
worship with celebration style rock music,
spiritual formation, women’s ordination, and
salvation in sin, and they expect God to bless
them with the rain, or Latter Rain of the Holy
Spirit! It just won’t happen until there is
genuine repentance and confession!

God Sends a Man!
•He becomes Adventism’s
thorn in the flesh
because he is preaching
and teaching what
Adventists were suppose
to say, but were not! He
is a trouble maker! A
confrontation is brewing,
soon to break loose!

• “Words as unmistakably plain as these spoken by Nathan to David are
seldom heard in the pulpits of today, seldom seen in the public press. If
they were not so rare, we should see more of the power of God
revealed among men. The Lord's messengers should not complain that
their efforts are without fruit until they repent of their own love of
approbation and their desire to please men, which leads them to
suppress truth. Those ministers who are men pleasers, who cry, Peace,
peace, when God has not spoken peace, might well humble their
hearts before God, asking pardon for their insincerity and their lack of
moral courage. It is not from love for their neighbor that they smooth
down the message entrusted to them, but because they are self-
indulgent and ease-loving. True love seeks first the honor of God and
the salvation of souls. Those who have this love will not evade the
truth to save themselves from the unpleasant results of plain speaking.
When souls are in peril, God's ministers will not consider self, but will
speak the word given them to speak, refusing to excuse or palliate
evil.” PK, pgs. 141,142

First Part of His Message
•“And he answered, I have not troubled Israel;
but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye
have forsaken the commandments of the
LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim. Now
therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto
mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four
hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the
groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's
table. So Ahab sent unto all the children of
Israel, and gathered the prophets together
unto mount Carmel.” 1 Kings 18:18-20

Exalted God’s Commandments
•God’s professed people
were trampling on God’s
commands. They had set up
their laws and were
forsaking the commands of
God. Elijah exalted all 10 of
the commandments. In the
exaltation of Baal, the
command most set aside
was the 7th
day Sabbath.
Baal was their creator.

Baal the creator!
• The mighty power of God in
creation was laid aside and Baal
was exalted as the creator. This
was a direct assault on the 4th
commandment. Elijah exalted
the 10 commandments and
especially the fourth. Someone
would come… “Behold, I will
send you Elijah the prophet
before the coming of the great
and dreadful day of the LORD:”
Mal 4:5

One versus the many!
•What odds were against the
man of God! 850 Baal
priests versus one man!
Elijah gave the command;
Ahab obeyed and everyone
was summoned to Mt.
Carmel.
•God’s people have always
been in the minority; be
careful when you are in the
majority!

Part 2 of Elijah’s Message!
•“And Elijah came unto all
the people, and said,
How long halt ye
between two opinions? if
the LORD be God, follow
him: but if Baal, then
follow him. And the
people answered him not
a word.” 1 Kings 18:21

Fencing Sitting!
• “The Lord abhors indifference and disloyalty in a time of crisis in His
work. The whole universe is watching with inexpressible interest the
closing scenes of the great controversy between good and evil. The
people of God are nearing the borders of the eternal world; what can
be of more importance to them than that they be loyal to the God of
heaven? All through the ages, God has had moral heroes, and He has
them now--those who, like Joseph and Elijah and Daniel, are not
ashamed to acknowledge themselves His peculiar people. His special
blessing accompanies the labors of men of action, men who will not be
swerved from the straight line of duty, but who with divine energy will
inquire, "Who is on the Lord's side?" (Exodus 32:26), men who will not
stop merely with the inquiry, but who will demand that those who
choose to identify themselves with the people of God shall step
forward and reveal unmistakably their allegiance to the King of kings
and Lord of lords.” PK, pg. 148

John and Elijah #3 said the Same!
• “Bring forth therefore fruits
meet for repentance: And
think not to say within
yourselves, We have
Abraham to our father: for I
say unto you, that God is
able of these stones to
raise up children unto
Abraham.” Matthew 3:8,9
• “So then because thou art
lukewarm, and neither cold
nor hot, I will spue thee out
of my mouth.” Rev. 3:16

The Battle Begins!
• “Then said Elijah . Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose
one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no
fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire
under: And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the
LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people
answered and said, It is well spoken. And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal,
Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and
call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under. And they took the bullock
which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from
morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any
that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made. And it came to
pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either
he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth,
and must be awaked. And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their
manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them. And it
came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the
offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer,
nor any that regarded.” 1 Kings 18:22-29

Restores the altar
•“And Elijah said unto all
the people, Come near
unto me. And all the
people came near unto
him. And he repaired the
altar of the LORD that
was broken down.”
1Kings 18:30

Restores the altar/Temple
• Elijah #1 focuses on the
altar/sanctuary and its
restoration.
• Elijah #2 focuses on turning
people to the sanctuary. (Jn.
1:29)
• Elijah #3 does the same.
“Saying with a loud voice, Fear
God, and give glory to him; for
the hour of his judgment is
come: and worship him that
made heaven, and earth, and
the sea, and the fountains of
waters.” Rev. 14:7

Prayer of Faith!
•“And it came to pass at the
time of the offering of the
evening sacrifice, that Elijah
the prophet came near, and
said, LORD God of Abraham,
Isaac, and of Israel, let it be
known this day that thou art
God in Israel, and that I am
thy servant, and that I have
done all these things at thy
word.” 1 Kings 18:36

Rain Comes After……
• “And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of
them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to
the brook Kishon, and slew them there. And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get
thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. So
Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of
Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face
between his knees, And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward
the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And
he said, Go again seven times. And it came to pass at the seventh
time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea,
like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy
chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. And it came to
pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and
wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.
And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins,
and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.” 1 Kings 18:40-46

Backdrop
•Apostasy paid a heavy
price. Many died and
crops were non-
existent. Hope was
well-nigh gone among
God’s professed
people. God sent a
man. He called the
people to repentance.
He prayed and fire fell
from heaven. Yet,
there still was no rain!

The People Respond!
•“And when all the
people saw it, they
fell on their faces:
and they said, The
LORD, he is the
God; the LORD, he
is the God.” 1
Kings 18:39

Phase #1 - Taking a Stand
• “The Lord abhors indifference and disloyalty in a time of crisis in His
work. The whole universe is watching with inexpressible interest the
closing scenes of the great controversy between good and evil. The
people of God are nearing the borders of the eternal world; what can
be of more importance to them than that they be loyal to the God of
heaven? All through the ages, God has had moral heroes, and He has
them now--those who, like Joseph and Elijah and Daniel, are not
ashamed to acknowledge themselves His peculiar people. His special
blessing accompanies the labors of men of action, men who will not be
swerved from the straight line of duty, but who with divine energy will
inquire, "Who is on the Lord's side?" (Exodus 32:26), men who will not
stop merely with the inquiry, but who will demand that those who
choose to identify themselves with the people of God shall step
forward and reveal unmistakably their allegiance to the King of kings
and Lord of lords. Such men make their wills and plans subordinate to
the law of God… Fidelity to God is their motto.” PK, pg.148

Penitent
•“The people on the mount prostrate themselves in awe
before the unseen God. They dare not continue to look upon
the Heaven-sent fire. They fear that they themselves will be
consumed; and, convicted of their duty to acknowledge the
God of Elijah as the God of their fathers, to whom they owe
allegiance, they cry out together as with one voice, "The
Lord, He is the God; the Lord, He is the God." With startling
distinctness the cry resounds over the mountain and echoes
in the plain below. At last Israel is aroused, undeceived,
penitent. At last the people see how greatly they have
dishonored God. The character of Baal worship, in contrast
with the reasonable service required by the true God, stands
fully revealed. The people recognize God's justice and mercy
in withholding the dew and the rain until they have been
brought to confess His name. They are ready now to admit
that the God of Elijah is above every idol.” PK, pg. 153

Turning from Sin!
• “The prayer of David after his fall,
illustrates the nature of true
sorrow for sin. His repentance
was sincere and deep. There was
no effort to palliate his guilt; no
desire to escape the judgment
threatened, inspired his prayer.
David saw the enormity of his
transgression; he saw the
defilement of his soul; he
loathed his sin. It was not for
pardon only that he prayed, but
for purity of heart. He longed for
the joy of holiness--to be
restored to harmony and
communion with God.” SC, pgs.
24,25

Early Rain at Pentecost
• “As the disciples waited for the
fulfillment of the promise, they
humbled their hearts in true
repentance and confessed their
unbelief. As they called to
remembrance the words that Christ
had spoken to them before His death
they understood more fully their
meaning. Truths which had passed from
their memory were again brought to
their minds, and these they repeated to
one another. They reproached
themselves for their misapprehension
of the Saviour. Like a procession, scene
after scene of His wonderful life passed
before them. As they meditated upon
His pure, holy life they felt that no toil
would be too hard, no sacrifice too
great, if only they could bear witness in
their lives to the loveliness of Christ's
character.” AA, pg. 36

How About Us?
•Ancient Adventism, on Mt. Carmel, would never
have seen rain until their was genuine repentance
and an acknowledgment of the true and living
God.
•Adventism in the 1st
century saw the early rain
because of their confession and repentance.
•Today, we will never see rain until we repent of
our sins, confess our inability to obey the Lord,
and in humility rely upon His power to overcome.
Only then will the rain fall!

•“And Elijah said unto
them, Take the
prophets of Baal; let
not one of them
escape. And they took
them: and Elijah
brought them down
to the brook Kishon,
and slew them there.”
1 Kings 18:40

Taking a Stand!
•The Baal prophets
were unrepentant
and unwilling to
acknowledge the
power of God. They
would ever continue
to spread a cancer
over God’s professed
people. They must go
and so Elijah had
them slain!

Cut Down
• “The priests of Baal witness with consternation the wonderful
revelation of Jehovah's power. Yet even in their discomfiture and in the
presence of divine glory, they refuse to repent of their evil-doing. They
would still remain the prophets of Baal. Thus they showed themselves
ripe for destruction. That repentant Israel may be protected from the
allurements of those who have taught them to worship Baal, Elijah is
directed by the Lord to destroy these false teachers. The anger of the
people has already been aroused against the leaders in transgression;
and when Elijah gives the command, "Take the prophets of Baal; let
not one of them escape," they are ready to obey. They seize the
priests, and take them to the brook Kishon, and there, before the close
of the day that marked the beginning of decided reform, the ministers
of Baal are slain. Not one is permitted to live.” PK, pgs. 153, 154

At the Golden Calf!
• “Then Moses stood in the gate of
the camp, and said, Who is on
the LORD'S side? let him come
unto me. And all the sons of Levi
gathered themselves together
unto him. And he said unto
them, Thus saith the LORD God
of Israel, Put every man his
sword by his side, and go in and
out from gate to gate throughout
the camp, and slay every man his
brother, and every man his
companion, and every man his
neighbour. And the children of
Levi did according to the word of
Moses: and there fell of the
people that day about three
thousand men.” Ex. 32:26-28

No Sanction for Evil
• “The Israelites had been guilty of treason, and that against a King who
had loaded them with benefits and whose authority they had
voluntarily pledged themselves to obey. That the divine government
might be maintained justice must be visited upon the traitors. Yet even
here God's mercy was displayed. While He maintained His law, He
granted freedom of choice and opportunity for repentance to all. Only
those were cut off who persisted in rebellion. It was necessary that this
sin should be punished, as a testimony to surrounding nations of God's
displeasure against idolatry. By executing justice upon the guilty,
Moses, as God's instrument, must leave on record a solemn and public
protest against their crime. As the Israelites should hereafter condemn
the idolatry of the neighboring tribes, their enemies would throw back
upon them the charge that the people who claimed Jehovah as their
God had made a calf and worshiped it in Horeb. Then though
compelled to acknowledge the disgraceful truth, Israel could point to
the terrible fate of the transgressors, as evidence that their sin had not
been sanctioned or excused.” PP, pgs. 324,325

Phinehas
•“And when Phinehas, the
son of Eleazar, the son of
Aaron the priest, saw it, he
rose up from among the
congregation, and took a
javelin in his hand; And he
went after the man of Israel
into the tent, and thrust
both of them through, the
man of Israel, and the
woman through her belly. So
the plague was stayed from
the children of Israel.” Num.
25:7,8

What About Today?
•Elijah, Moses, and Phinehas, just to name a few,
were used as God’s instruments to punish and slay
apostasy.
•What about those today who are seeking to destroy
Adventism? 1. women’s ordination
•2. spiritual formation.
•3. obedience to the state
•4. follow the church and not Christ.
•They must be removed or the rain will NEVER fall on
Apostate Adventism!!!

Phase #2
•“So Ahab went up to
eat and to drink. And
Elijah went up to the
top of Carmel; and he
cast himself down
upon the earth, and
put his face between
his knees”. 1 Kings
18:42

•“Elias was a man
subject to like
passions as we are,
and he prayed
earnestly that it might
not rain: and it rained
not on the earth by
the space of three
years and six
months.” James 5:17

The Menial and the Lowly
• “In this gracious act of God's messenger shown to a wicked king is a
lesson for all who claim to be servants of God, but who are exalted in
their own estimation. There are those who feel above performing
duties that to them appear menial. They hesitate to perform even
needful service, fearing that they will be found doing the work of a
servant. These have much to learn from the example of Elijah. By his
word the treasures of heaven had been for three years withheld from
the earth; he had been signally honored of God as, in answer to his
prayer on Carmel, fire had flashed from heaven and consumed the
sacrifice; his hand had executed the judgment of God in slaying the
idolatrous prophets; his petition for rain had been granted. And yet,
after the signal triumphs with which God had been pleased to honor
his public ministry, he was willing to perform the service of a menial.”
PK, gs. 158,159

Active Life
•Elijah had once had a quiet life in the hills of
Gilead beyond the Jordan. It was not always to
be that way. He was sent to Ahab’s palace to
deliver Heaven’s judgments, then on to
Zarapheth and years of famine and a price on
his head. Then, return to Israel and a
showdown with Ahab at Carmel. He fled from
Jezebel and wished he might die, but God had
a greater destiny for him! That time had finally
come!

•“And Elijah said unto Elisha,
Tarry here, I pray thee; for
the LORD hath sent me to
Bethel. And Elisha said unto
him, As the LORD liveth, and
as thy soul liveth, I will not
leave thee… And Elijah said
unto him, Elisha, tarry here,
I pray thee; for the LORD
hath sent me to Jericho. And
he said, As the LORD liveth,
and as thy soul liveth, I will
not leave thee. So they
came to Jericho.” 2 Kings
2:2,4,6

Same as of Old
•The same power that
split the Read Sea, that
divided Jordan in two,
was still in existence in
Elijah’s day. The Lord
had lost none of His
power to work miracles
on behalf of His children.
The same power exists
today! Praise God!

Translation!
•“And it came to pass,
as they still went on,
and talked, that,
behold, there
appeared a chariot of
fire, and horses of
fire, and parted them
both asunder; and
Elijah went up by a
whirlwind into
heaven.” 2 Kings
2:11

• “Elijah was a type of the saints who will be living on the earth at the
time of the second advent of Christ and who will be "changed, in a
moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump," without tasting
of death. 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52. It was as a representative of those
who shall be thus translated that Elijah, near the close of Christ's
earthly ministry, was permitted to stand with Moses by the side of the
Saviour on the mount of transfiguration. In these glorified ones, the
disciples saw in miniature a representation of the kingdom of the
redeemed. They beheld Jesus clothed with the light of heaven; they
heard the "voice out of the cloud" (Luke 9:35), acknowledging Him as
the Son of God; they saw Moses, representing those who will be raised
from the dead at the time of the second advent; and there also stood
Elijah, representing those who at the close of earth's history will be
changed from mortal to immortal and be translated to heaven without
seeing death.” PK, pgs. 227,228

Where is Catholicism /Apostate Adventism?
•Ahab died in battle and will
perish for eternity. So goes
apostate Adventism.
•Jezebel was thrown out of a
window and consumed by
dogs. So, Romanism will be
destroyed and eaten by
vultures!
• The faithful of God will go
to paradise!!

Home at Last
•“For the Lord himself shall descend
from heaven with a shout, with the
voice of the archangel, and with the
trump of God: and the dead in Christ
shall rise first: Then we which are
alive and remain shall be caught up
together with them in the clouds, to
meet the Lord in the air: and so shall
we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thess.
4:16, 17

The-Return-of-Elijah third elijah message

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