THE RELEVANCE OF ELIJAH’S PROPHETIC MISSION TO CHRISTIANS TODAY

THE RELEVANCE OF ELIJAH’S PROPHETIC MISSION TO CHRISTIANS TODAY

• Elijah was courageous and faced the king whenever he turned away from the covenant way of life.  Likewise, church leaders today should remain courageous and firm in condemning any form of social injustice e.g. Desmond Tutu of South Africa struggled to end apartheid which was finally achieved in 1994.
• Elijah was loyal to God and struggled to return Israel to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh.  Modern Christian should remain faithful to God through word and deed even if this would cost them their lives.
• Just as God helped Elijah, when he was in difficulties by providing him with food and drink, modern Christians should not despair in their missionary work but lean on God for encouragement and providence/pray to him for provision whenever they lack.
• Elijah was a man of prayer and God always answered his prayers.  Christians should pray to God in faith and God would surely answer them.  They should not give up.
• Christians should not compromise their faith in God for fear of threats, rejection, opposition or persecution/should be loyal to God.
• Elijah lived a simple life and stood for the rights of common people in the same way Christians should advocate for the rights of the poor and speak against any form of oppression. 
• Christians should accept their call and accept any task God gives them.
• Christians should not give false evidence against their neighbours like Jezebel in the case of Naboth.
• Both political and church leaders should realize that all authority comes from God and they are accountable to him for their deeds.
• Christians should be persistent like Elijah was in their struggle against injustice.
• God communicated with Elijah in a “still small voice” indicating his intimacy with the prophet.  God is able to establish an intimate relationship with his faithful.
• Christians should show strong faith in God and avoid all forms of idolatry such as love for money, devil worship and drug abuse.
• They should avoid sinful life so as to escape God’s punishment.
• Christians should preach and win converts to God.
• Christians should be ready to suffer and face opposition in their work.
• Christians should worship one true God and put their trust in him.   He is the one who has all the powers.
• Christians should condemn all forms of social injustices such as corruption, murder of innocent people and exploitation of the weak.