May 11

When Elijah had a confrontation with king Ahab, it was a showdown between God and his prophet Elijah and the false gods that the people had been worshipping. As punishment for their idolatry, there had been a drought on the land for years.

Nevertheless, God had mercy on his people and he sent Elijah to end their drought and bring them back to God. After the famous contest on the mountaintop between Elijah and the followers of Baal, Elijah told Ahab, "Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain" (1 Kings 18:41).

This was a command from God through Elijah for Ahab. Ahab promptly and gladly went off to eat and drink (v. 42). It is easy to obey God when he gives us a command that brings pleasure to us.

Yes, the world likes to obey God when it brings them pleasure.But those who know God and love him obey him even when there is no great reward for such obedience. They would rather just spend time with God, and maybe serve him if he should so request, than go off on their own and enjoy themselves. They find their enjoyment in God.

So it was that while Ahab went off to eat and drink, Elijah "climbed to the top of Camel, bent down to the ground and put face between his knees" (v. 42).

While the world goes on its merry way, oblivious to the ways and workings of God in its midst, those who know their God are found on their knees, praying for the very ones who think they are pleasing God by their obedience.

Scripture for today: 1 Kings 18
Thought for today: There are many levels of obedience.
Prayer for today: Lord, grant me obedience to you that loves those and prays for those who obey you only when it is easy or brings them pleasure.

MAY 11