1 KINGS 19:9-18

THE BACKGROUND

Ahab was the king of the northern kingdom of the Jews that was called Israel.  (The southern kingdom was called Judah.)  King Ahab married a Phoenician woman named Jezebel. She did not worship the God of the Jews Yahweh; she worshiped the Canaanite god Baal.  Elijah was the head prophet of the Jews, and the main spokesman for Yahweh.  Chapters 17 and 18 are full of the confrontations between the prophets of the Baal cult and Elijah.  It’s a wild story, and I encourage you to read it.  In the end, Elijah wins; Jezebel is outraged, and sets out to exterminate Elijah.  Elijah flees to the holiest of mountains, Mt. Sinai.  He calls a conference.  He needs a “God moment”, and he’s going to get one.

THE DETAIL

• God asks Elijah why he came.  Elijah gives God the little speech he has prepared. He makes it sound like he’s the only faithful one left.  (vv. 9-10)
• God has compassion on Elijah.  He says “Go outside, and I’ll give you a glimpse of me.” Wild things happen, but no God. Finally, God is present in a “gentle breeze” (in this translation, rather than “a still small voice” of the King James).  Elijah covers his face, because it is believed that if a sinful person saw the holiness of God, they would be struck dead.  FYI, a mantle was a special garment—a cloak, which signifies that Elijah is a prophet.  (vv. 11-13a)
• Now it gets weird.  God again, asks Elijah why he’s there, and Elijah gives God the exact same answer!  I sense arrogance or irritation in his words.   What do you think?  (vv. 13b-14)   
• This time, God shows compassion on Elijah, and gives Elijah detailed instructions.  Not only is he to appoint two kings who are faithful to Yahweh, but God appoints Elisha to relieve Elisha of his duties.  Looks like there is going to be a “house cleaning”, with lots of people being killed.  That’s the way it was back then!  (vv. 15-17)
• Then comes the key verse.  There are also 7,000 faithful, who have refused to worship Baal.  They will be spared.  They will become a remnant of Israel.  So, surprise, surprise, Elijah wasn’t the only faithful one left after all.  (v. 18)
   

THE TAKEAWAY

When I read these stories from the Old Testament, I always find myself scratching my head, wondering what the God Lesson is for me in all of this.  Two things are clear to me, after studying this story.

1. I know that God wants you and me to have a relationship with Him.  If that weren’t so, the Bible wouldn’t be so thick!  But I also know that God is jealous (Exodus 20:5), and doesn’t like competition.  This story tells me that He has no room for “other gods” working into our relationship with Him— God hits the reset button.  Just like the Noah’s arc story, and Babylonian captivity,.  He gives his people a fresh start with new leadership.
2. In spite of all the bloodshed, I see God’s steadfast love at work.  He shows Elijah compassion on Mt. Sinai, by giving him the direction he so desperately needs, and by naming a successor.  He also reassures Elijah that he is not alone.  There are many other faithful servants besides him.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

• In our relationships with others, we expect faithfulness.  It seems like the most unforgivable sin in relationships is unfaithfulness.  Are God’s expectations any different?  I doubt it. 
• Oftentimes, it seems like everyone is out to get us. Nobody is on our side, and we’re the last one standing.  Maybe this is a good time to call a conference; to have a talk with God. 

ROMANS 10:5-15

THE BACKGROUND

Paul is still wrestling with the problem of why his fellow Jews don’t recognize Jesus as the Messiah.  But during the process, he addresses a bigger question.  He makes us consider the source of true righteousness.  More importantly, it asks (and answers) the question—“What saves us?”  “How do we get right with God?”

One word is used frequently here and elsewhere.  “Righteousness” needs definition for this passage to make sense.  Let me break it down.  “Righteousness” means:

• doing the right thing
• doing the right actions
• ”doing good” or “being good”

THE DETAILS

• Verse 5 and 6a contrast the difference between righteousness that comes through obedience to the Law of Moses (v5) and the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus as the Son of God (v6a). 
• For the time being, skip 6b starting with “Do not say…” down to verse 9.  Here we find the answer to the question.  Faith in Jesus is the one and only “right action” that saves our souls.  Actually, Paul has already stated this in verse 4:  “For Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”  This is game-changing good news!
• Now, let me explain verses 6b-8.  They were weird to me when I first read them.  Paul was an Old Testament scholar.  (The New Testament hadn’t been written yet!)  I believe he was patterning these verses after Deuteronomy 30:11-14.  In fact, Romans 10:8 is a direct quote of Deuteronomy 30:14.  If I were to paraphrase these verses, I would write “You can search high, you can search low.  But in the end, the answer is right there in front of you—faith in Jesus.”
• He concludes this thought with a call to action. The only way that other people are going to know about Jesus is if we share the good news
   

THE TAKEAWAY

If I am required to flawlessly keep all the 613 Laws of Moses, in order to save my soul, then I am doomed.  But thanks to Jesus’ death on the cross, all my shortcomings & all my sins are forgiven. Now, my #1 act of righteousness is having faith in him as my savior.  What comes next?  I must put my faith into action by sharing the Good News with those around me, and loving my neighbors.

MATTHEW 14:22-33

THE BACKGROUND

Jesus is making his way around the Sea of Galilee, preaching, teaching, and healing. 

THE DETAILS

• This time, he actually does get a little quiet time.  He gets some time alone to pray.  For some odd reason, he sends the boat containing the apostles on ahead.  After he’s done praying, he simply walks out to the boat!  (vv. 22-26)
• Peter is the courageous one.  He asks if he can do that!  Jesus says “sure!”  Peter’s mind gets the better of him, he begins to doubt, and he starts to sink. Jesus lifts him up.  The apostles are astonished, and declare Jesus to be the Son of God.  (vv. 27-33)

THE TAKEAWAY

• Clearly, Jesus has planned to do this, but why? It’s not like we have ever seen someone walk on water, except in the movies.  The purpose of these miracles is to point to Jesus’ divine nature.  He was no ordinary person.  I believe he did this miracle to strengthen the conviction of his disciples, and enhance their relationship. It worked, because of their proclamation in the last verse.
• I especially love the part about how Peter’s doubts got the better of him.  Jesus declared Peter “the rock”.  Actually, that’s what “peter” means—the rock.  Yet, “the rock” has doubts, and almost drowns.  But Jesus, ever caring, simply helps him into the boat.  In my moments of doubt, I find reassurance in Jesus’ love and patience for my human weakness, my moments of doubt.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

How much faith do we need to get right with God?  Jesus even gives us the size—as small as a mustard seed.  That’s all that is needed!