Key Figures of the Old Testament

Elijah and Elisha were both prophets appointed by God and key figures in the Old Testament. How do their lives compare and contrast? Take a look at the similarities and differences between these men. Lessons we can draw from their lives and service to God include: 1) God has fashioned each of us perfectly for unique roles in His service; and 2) success is faithfully fulfilling God's role for us. A testimony by Ish Gajary is included.\r\n

Near the end of his life, Elijah focuses his efforts on discipleship. He spends a great deal of time investing in other people's spiritual development. God calls us to do the same. Discipleship involves helping people fulfill God's purpose for their lives. We must be personal and intentional. Possible reasons why Elijah is taken up to heaven are discussed.\r\n

Solomon, the third king of Israel, had godly aspirations, a humble heart, and God's covenant promises. He was set up for great success. In spite of this, Solomon later chose compromise over wholehearted commitment to God. We learn the importance of clinging to God's instruction over our own plans. Solomon's reign highlights God's generosity, sovereignty, and integrity.

Often, our hiding, manipulation, insecurity, and emotional outbursts are due to fear. The life of Saul, Israel's first king, was characterized by these things, resulting in poor leadership and a sad spiritual life. Because Saul was unable to put his trust in God's faithfulness, he lived his life enslaved to fear. We learn that freedom from enslavement to fear is possible through putting our faith in God and his unlimited power. A testimony from Kim Gulyassy is included.

God's interactions with His prophet, Elijah, showcase a pattern for the way that God works in Scripture. Here we see: God gives a command, makes a promise, calls Elijah to take a step of faith, and God fulfills. We learn that God relates with us in this same pattern: He provides a command or promise, He calls us to action in faith, and we get to experience His reliability. \r\n\r\n

As Elijah goes up against Baal's prophets on Mount Carmel, God displays His miraculous and superior power. From the details of this narrative we learn that tolerance and relativism are important to define and critique, and that ultimately God wants us to relate to him personally instead of religiously.

After experiencing a great victory for God, Elijah slips into spiritual depression. All Christians are susceptible to this. Common causes of spiritual depression include: 1) expectations; 2) physical and emotional exhaustion; 3) relational isolation; and 4) taking on too much. God is patient with us, works with us and has a plan for our restoration.\r\n

People wonder if suffering and crisis will enter their lives; however, the real question is not if it will come, but when. As a result, we need to consider ahead of time how we want to handle suffering when it does come. David models three key things in his own time of crisis: strengthening himself in God, inquiring of God, and giving God the credit. We too can follow this example.