"A New Thing” - Elijah | 14Jan24 | Malcolm Cox

Elijah, 1 Kings 19

Introduction
““Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
Elijah - insight from God doing new things

Background
Elijah the miracle-worker (rare)
God’s people in a bad way - Ahab/Jezebel
On the run

1. Elijah’s Past

A. Courage
To confront: Scary situation
“While Jezebel was killing off the LORD’S prophets,” (1 Kings 18:4 NIV11)
“Ahab went to meet Elijah. When he saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, you troubler of Israel?” “I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “But you and your father’s family have. You have abandoned the LORD’S commands and have followed the Baals. Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.”” (1 Kings 18:16-19 NIV11-)
“Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. (1 Kings 18:38 NIV1)
Confrontation on Carmel 
To obey — when looked humanly impossible
No rain 
When alone - no church
What gives us the courage to act when ‘alone’?
We are never ‘alone’ - Jesus is with us
“remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:20 NRSV)

B. Confirmation
God with him 
People repent - revival -
“The LORD—he is God! The LORD—he is God!””(1 Kings 18:39 NIV11-GK)

2. Elijah’s Present 

A. Fearful (Anxious)
Jezebel’s threat
““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.” (1 Kings 19:2-3 NIV11-GK)

B. Forgetful
Wilderness and Cave - reference
“I have had enough, LORD….Take my life…” (1 Ki 19:4)
“I have been…the Israelites…I am the only one…” 1 King 19.10, 14

What can we do when paralysed by fear, regret, blame, shame, recrimination?
Go back to God and his promises

C. Perfect place
For God to do his work

3. Elijah’s Future
God’s tenderness, patience, kindness - vv5-8
God asking questions, listening, creating experiences of his power for Elijah, speaking to Elijah, directing him - vv9-15
“Work with my people”

A. Focus
When our eyes are on anything other than Jesus we damage our focus
What shifts your focus from Jesus?
We become more like whatever has our attention
Focus is how we engage with God

B. Openness
Openness is the way we open the door to God transforming us
Faith is staying open to God
Taking time to listen
Create margin
What is God up to?
In life, family, etc.
Keep asking the question
Openness is how God engages with us
Focus on Jesus and all your fears melt away

Discipleship 
‘A disciple is a person who has decided that the most important thing in her life is to learn how to do what Jesus said to do. . . . Disciples simply are people who are constantly revising their affairs to carry through on their decision to follow Jesus.’  DALLAS WILLARD

Conclusion
“Embrace the stillness of January; find peace in the calm before the storm of the year unfolds.”
Stay focussed on Jesus - no matter what happens this year
Say open to God doing something new in your life and in this church

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 

God bless, Malcolm