God's All-Stars - Week Eight: Elijah

I love football season! Each week players give All-Star performances on the field. Join me as I reveal guys in the Bible that would make God's All-Star team:

Week Eight All-Star: Elijah

Vital Statistics: (see 1 Kings 17 – 2 Kings 2)

Drafted by God to confront the worst owner in the history of Israel. (“Ahab, pushed by his wife Jezebel and in open defiance of God, set an all-time record in making a big business of evil.” - 1 Kings 21:25 Message) Following a brief stint with the Ravens (1 Kings 17), gave one of the most memorable performances of all time at the Showdown on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). Recruited and mentored his back-up, Elisha to take his place (1 Kings 19). Retired in a blaze of glory (2 Kings 2)

Physical Description:

Wore a hairy uniform with a leather belt (2 Kings 1:8). Known for his fiery personality

Nicknames:

Elijah the Tishbite, Dubbed ‘Troubler of Israel’ and ‘My Enemy’ by Ahab

Strengths:

Courage, Faith, Obedience, Powerful Prayer Life

Weaknesses:

Fear, Doubt, bouts with Discouragement and Depression (See 1 Kings 19)

Famous Quotes:

“How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” to the crowd at the Showdown on Mount Carmel, 1 Kings 18:21

“The god who answers by fire – he is God.” to the crowd at Mount Carmel, 1 Kings 18:24b

“I have had enough, Lord. Take my life.” 1 Kings 19:4

Greatest All-Star Performances:

• At God’s command, started and stopped a three-year drought/famine.

• Miraculously fed by Ravens, all-you-can-eat miracle pancakes and angel food cake (See 1 Kings 17&19:6)

• Raised a widow’s son from the dead

• Called down fire from heaven twice (1 Kings 18 and 2 Kings 1)

• Single-Handedly defeated 450 prophets of Baal

• Outran a horse-drawn chariot in the rain! (1 Kings 18:45)

Summary

Elijah was one of the most powerful and intimidating players ever to play the game. Known for his confrontational style and fiery personality, Elijah was involved in several epic battles with his rival, Ahab; including the famous Showdown on Mount Carmel where he slaughtered 450 of Ahab’s best. And yet, after his greatest victory, Elijah experienced the lowest moment of his career, battling severe depression and suicidal thoughts. But he bounced back, passed the mantle to his back-up Elisha and, true to form, wrapped up his whirlwind Hall of Fame career with one last ride into the sunset in a chariot of fire.

All-Star Impact

•God put Elijah in several intimidating situations and he courageously answered the bell. As a result, he saw God win many great victories. What challenges are you facing and what steps do you feel God wants you to take to experience victory?

•Even spiritual Hall of Famers like Elijah dealt with fear, discouragement and depression. If you find yourself in a spiritual slump, what steps do you need to take to let God lead you out and get you back in the game?

•When Elijah built an altar, God ‘lit the fire’ and the watching crowd shouted, ‘The Lord – He is God!’ (See 1 Kings 18:30-39) If you will pray, God will set your life on fire and a skeptical world will see through your life that God is alive!

God wants to make a spiritual all-star out of YOU! “You were…created to be like God, truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:24 (GWT)