Bible Study

Just for your thoughts:

1 Kings – Bible study 29

Elijah prayed, “Take my life.” But the Lord took him without death.
Lessons Taught by God
No matter how great a person may be, the Bible records their weaknesses, failures, and disappointments.
For example, our father of faith, Abraham, went down to Egypt without trusting God. Moses, who was known for his gentle nature, lost his temper just once at Kadesh. David’s moral failures are also recorded. Although these were all people of God, their failures were not hidden but openly revealed.
Power and Downfall in Elijah's Life
In 1 Kings chapter 18, Elijah stood alone against the 450 prophets of Baal and called down fire from heaven, proving before all that “The Lord—He is God.” This was no ordinary act. Elijah brought God’s glory before the world.
But in the very next chapter, Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, threatening, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.
The same Elijah who faced 450 prophets of Baal couldn’t withstand Jezebel’s threat. He sat under a broom tree and cried out, “I have had enough, Lord. Take my life” (1 Kings 19:4).
In Victory and in Defeat – Still God’s Servant

In chapter 18, Elijah had captured Israel’s attention. But in chapter 19, he experienced a great spiritual collapse. This can happen to any believer—even to spiritual leaders.
We often admire leaders for their grand victories, but we don’t see the mountain-like failures they face in their personal lives. So, believers should never idolize human leaders.
In chapter 18, Elijah followed God in faith. But in chapter 19, though he saw God, he began to walk in fear and faced defeat. He no longer believed that the same God who glorified Himself before the prophets of Baal could do so before Jezebel, too.
Stay Where God Places You, Not Where Circumstances Push You
Elijah ran to Horeb instead of staying where God had placed him. Do you know what the safest place is for a believer? It is the place God has appointed. Even if it appears dangerous, it is the most secure place for a believer or a servant of God. Elijah failed to understand this.
Grace and Hope
Still, God did not reject Elijah for his weaknesses. He did not grant Elijah’s request to die. Instead, God continued to show him grace and restored him to his ministry.
Even today, Elijah holds a special place in Scripture. He once prayed, “Take my life.” Yet God took him without death—an amazing thing.
Often, under difficult circumstances, when someone says, “Take my life,” God is not quick to be angry with them. Instead, He upholds them and fulfills His purposes through them.