Scripture: 1 Kings 18:1-19
Observation: Prophets are often regarded as trouble makers. Elijah is seen to cause trouble for Obadiah, a servant of the Lord, and for Israel. In both cases, trouble making is defined as telling people what they don't want to hear. Obadiah doesn't want to hear instructions to go and tell king Ahab that Elijah is here (because he fears Ahab will kill the messenger). Ahab doesn't want to hear accountability to the prophet (and God) about his unfaithfulness to the Lord by worshipping Baal.
Application: We need more troublemakers. We need more prophets. Not in the sense of simply telling people what they don't want to hear, scroll down your Facebook page and you are bound to find someone of your friends who can do this for you. I'm talking about telling the Good News of the Gospel that doesn't necessarily match with people's lifestyle choices. This was the case for Ahab.
Think about the most recent culture war, that has been manufactured by people's affection for christendom. Starbucks didn't put a snowflake on a coffee cup and now they are declaring war of Jesus?!? As Christians, witnesses of the Good News, this brought about lots of trouble makers. Like this:
Observation: Prophets are often regarded as trouble makers. Elijah is seen to cause trouble for Obadiah, a servant of the Lord, and for Israel. In both cases, trouble making is defined as telling people what they don't want to hear. Obadiah doesn't want to hear instructions to go and tell king Ahab that Elijah is here (because he fears Ahab will kill the messenger). Ahab doesn't want to hear accountability to the prophet (and God) about his unfaithfulness to the Lord by worshipping Baal.
Application: We need more troublemakers. We need more prophets. Not in the sense of simply telling people what they don't want to hear, scroll down your Facebook page and you are bound to find someone of your friends who can do this for you. I'm talking about telling the Good News of the Gospel that doesn't necessarily match with people's lifestyle choices. This was the case for Ahab.
Think about the most recent culture war, that has been manufactured by people's affection for christendom. Starbucks didn't put a snowflake on a coffee cup and now they are declaring war of Jesus?!? As Christians, witnesses of the Good News, this brought about lots of trouble makers. Like this:
When the Gospel gets in the way of our selfishness, it might cause trouble. And that is a good thing.
Today is Martin Luther's birthday. Another trouble maker that proclaimed the good news that caused all kinds of trouble....like reminding us that we don't earn salvation (or buy it) but it is a free gift.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the endless work of the prophets and trouble makers of old. Move your spirit upon us to announce good news of your kingdom that stirs up trouble for us to account for the work we have left to do.
Today is Martin Luther's birthday. Another trouble maker that proclaimed the good news that caused all kinds of trouble....like reminding us that we don't earn salvation (or buy it) but it is a free gift.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the endless work of the prophets and trouble makers of old. Move your spirit upon us to announce good news of your kingdom that stirs up trouble for us to account for the work we have left to do.
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