The Resistance - Day 09
Day 09: Thursday, February 09
Read 1 Kings 18
Highlight
It is crucial to read 1 Kings 18 because we cannot understand Elijah’s depression until we understand his disappointment. Disappointment comes from the difference between our expectations and what actually happens. It occurs when we feel like we know how the story is supposed to end, yet suddenly things go terribly wrong.
1 Kings 18 helps us understand Elijah’s deep disappointment. Elijah wanted nothing more than to see Israel return to God. His faith was genuine and his commitment was real. And he sacrificed for it, truly risked everything. By the time we reach the end of 1 Kings 18, it seems clear: surely Israel will return to God after the defeat of the prophets of Baal. That is Elijah’s expectation, but in 1 Kings 19 we will see that doesn’t come to pass and how that affects his heart and mind.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Read 1 Kings 18
Highlight
It is crucial to read 1 Kings 18 because we cannot understand Elijah’s depression until we understand his disappointment. Disappointment comes from the difference between our expectations and what actually happens. It occurs when we feel like we know how the story is supposed to end, yet suddenly things go terribly wrong.
1 Kings 18 helps us understand Elijah’s deep disappointment. Elijah wanted nothing more than to see Israel return to God. His faith was genuine and his commitment was real. And he sacrificed for it, truly risked everything. By the time we reach the end of 1 Kings 18, it seems clear: surely Israel will return to God after the defeat of the prophets of Baal. That is Elijah’s expectation, but in 1 Kings 19 we will see that doesn’t come to pass and how that affects his heart and mind.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
- What truth does this passage communicate about God? About us? About our world?
- Has God used this passage to highlight something that is wrong in your life?
- What does this passage teach us to do? What is one practical thing you can do to apply this to your life?
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
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