Suddenly (it appears)-Elijah is standing before the king over Israel, Ahab, declaring that in fact he is standing before the Lord, the living God of Israel. What was he thinking? This was the king, the one who "did more to provoke the God of Israel than all the kings of Israel who were before him," 1Kings 16:33. Then, Elijah tells Ahab that there will be no more rain until he says so! Far out! Rather presumptuous (it seems). As we opened our Bibles and started reading the first verse of chapter 17 in 1 Kings, this interaction between Elijah and Ahab was seen as familiar to some. But, had it been previously understood or clearly seen in its context? How could Elijah be so bold and sure of himself? Was he completely removed from reality; I mean really, who can control the rain? Deut. 28:1-2 and verse 12 helps us see the reasons for all this. What had Ahab done to bring about this sudden change in the weather? Reading 1Kings 16:29-33 in light of what God spoke to the Israelites at the foot of Mt. Sinai, recorded in the first 6 verses of Exodus 20, gives us answers.
What follows in verses 2-6 gives us insight into who was giving Elijah direction, whom he depended on and trusts. Should this prompt me to ask, "Does my life reflect that I completely put my trust in the Lord, the living God?" 1 Kings 17:1 prompts me to ask;
"Before whom do I stand?"
