The Restoration of Elijah

Northwest Bible Church – Aug. 27, 2006 – 1&2 Kings Series – Worship Service – Alan Conner

1 Kings 19:9-18

God’s Merciful Restoration of Elijah

 

Intro

 

 

1. THE DIVINE PROCESS OF RESTORATION.

 

First, note what God does NOT do. He does not take away the prophet’s life as requested (v. 4).

 

1. The Lord is our healer.

 

 

1. How the Lord restores Elijah’s faith and ministry.

 

                                    1) God’s faithful provision (vv. 5-7).

 

 

 

                                    2) God’s providential guidance (v. 8).  

 

Why Mt. Sinai?

 

 

 

                                    3) God’s listening ear (vv. 9-10, 13-14).

 

Let’s examine Elijah’s answer:

 

- I have been very zealous for the Lord.

 

- the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword.

 

- And I alone am left.

 

- And they seek my life to take it away.

 

 

 

                                    4) God’s revelation (vv. 11-13a).

 

 

1. a) The visible (works).

 

1) Strong, destructive wind – but God not there.

 

2) Earthquake –   but God not there.

 

3) Fire –   but God not there.

 

 

1. b) The verbal (words).   A gentle whisper (NIV), a still small voice (KJV), the sound of a low whisper (ESV), sound of a gentle blowing (NASB) - Lit. “a voice (sound) of thin silence”.

 

MEANING?   God is present in His word.

 

 

 

 

                                    5) God’s mission (vv. 15-18).

 

1. a) This mission teaches that God is not through with Elijah.

 

 

1. b) This mission teaches Elijah about God’s character.

 

(1) God is sovereign over all His creatures (vv. 15-16).

 

- Hazael – the king over Aram,

- Jehu – the king over Israel.

- Elisha –Elijah’s replacement.

 

(2) God is just (v. 17).

 

(3) God is sovereign over the remnant (v. 18).

 

 

1. c) This mission gets Elijah active again, back in the ministry.

 

 

 

CONCLUSION