One day, a citizen of Gilead, after feeling God's touch, began to pray and prepare to go to the king of Samaria to rebuke him. He didn't rush, but prepared himself to stand before that deceitful and prostituted king. A rebuke commensurate with his error would come. The prophet's heart was not afraid of what might be done to him. He allowed himself to be led by the Lord to fulfill that task. The king was not terrified, but trembled (1 Kings 17).

           Elijah was clear when he told Ahab that if he didn't amend, he would shut the heavens and there would be no rain in the land until was allowed. That king must have said: “As if the madmen of Samaria weren't enough, now this one from Gilead is coming to give me a warning”. He and his wife had tried to kill the prophets who served God in the northern kingdom, but the Lord sent them one who hadn't even been a prophet. The Most High confirmed His servant's statement and honored him.

           The drought lasted more than three years. Faced with this situation, Ahab ordered that the “madman” from Gilead be sought as soon as possible, but Elijah was in the “seminary” at the brook of Cherib, where God Himself was teaching him. Perhaps the prophet knew the Psalm we studied in this message and his heart was grateful for the promise of speaking before kings without being ashamed. The Lord's servants cannot be ashamed, but many shame those whom God sends to them.

           Elijah presented himself to Ahab at God's command and told him to take his prophets for a reckoning on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). The king OBEYED the “madman” of the Lord and took the 850 prophets he and his wife were supporting to Samaria. The prophet proved the truth: fire from heaven came down and killed the prophets of wickedness, causing the Name of the Lord to be glorified before the king. God needs people who allow themselves to be taught by Him!

No matter where God sends you, even if it’s into dark places, he will go ahead of you, making the way that will give you victory over the works of the devil.  Today, a person should not be killed because of their faith, but led into God's presence to be converted. This is the time for the Truth to change the course of the world, leading sinners to repentance and salvation. Thus, they will pass from death to life and experience fullness in the Lord (Acts 2:14-40). That's how it is with Jesus!

           God is looking for someone among His people to send to the lost, who need to see Him as well His Son, the Savior, and be redeemed (Isaiah 6:8). The fearful will always have excuses to make, but the person who loves God from the heart doesn't even come close to giving in to fear or affront. They do the work as it needs to be done. So, get up now and fulfill the task you were given by the Most High, and you will see what a giant in faith you will become. It can't be any different, because the Lord will do it!

           One day, we will stand before the Father and give an account of what we did with the Gospel message under His orders. Woe to him who returns only one talent without having applied it to winning souls for the Kingdom of God (Matthew 25.14-30). We must take our place in Christ and show the way to eternal happiness to those who are dragging themselves through life. God is true love!

           In Christ with love,

           R. R. Soares