Homiletic Magazine 1 Kings 18:41-46 And Elijah said to Ahab, Get you up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.… On the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and opposite the far-famed town of Acre, on the south side of a beautiful bay, there is a range of mountain-land rising to an elevation of from 1200 to 1500 feet. This range of hills stand out with marked distinctness and forms a very prominent object from the sea and from all the country round about. It is known by the name of Mount Carmel. The view from the summit is very imposing. The tableland on the summit extends inland for some eight or nine miles. It is a locality interesting not simply on its own account, but also from its varied scriptural associations. I. THE PROPHET'S PRAYER. He is bold enough before men, but humble indeed in the presence of God. 1. Look at his posture. He is on his knees with his head bowed downward, so that his forehead touches the ground. This was the attitude assumed in supplication on occasions of special urgency. Standing in prayer was not unusual in ordinary worship (Mark 11:25; Luke 18:13). Attitude in prayer is of small moment in comparison with the spirit of devotion; yet as an outward indication of inward feeling is net altogether unimportant: — (1) Elijah's attitude was the sign of reverence and humility: reverence is conspicuous in the prayers of the most devout. (2) Listen to his petition. We hear not indeed the words, but we know the matter of his prayer. The land was desolate and the people ready to perish for lack of rain. Showers of blessing are wanting for the Church! Oh for the spirit of Elijah. II. THE PROPHET'S FAITH. 1. He expected the rain, although as yet there was no sign of its coming, and it had been withheld for more than three years. He says (ver. 41), "There is a sound of abundance of rain"; but this was as yet only in the word of God's promise. 2. He continued So expect although the fulfilment of the promise was long delayed. He said to his servant seven times: — "Go again." "Go again." It WILL come! God often tries faith and patience by delay. III. THE PROPHET'S SUCCESS. (Homiletic Magazine.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.WEB: Elijah said to Ahab, "Get up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain." |
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