James 5:17 “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.”
Introduction
Zech10:1 (KJS) Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; [so] the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every onegrass in the field. {bright…: or, lightnings}
The Promise of Rain is Conditional
Deut 11:13 (KJS) And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which Icommand you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all yourheart and with all your soul, 14 That I will give [you] the rain of your landin his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gatherin thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. 15 And I will send grass in thyfields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full. {send: Heb. give} 16 Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside,and serve other gods, and worship them; 17 And [then] the LORD’S wrath bekindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and thatthe land yield not her fruit; and [lest] ye perish quickly from off the goodland which the LORD giveth you.
Fruit Glorifies God.
John 15:2 Only purpose for existence is to bear fruit. No fruit=cut off.
John 15:8 Much fruit glorifies father. (Matt 5:16)
Rain ripens the harvest. Brings about a full corn in the ear. Today, we are expecting the latter rain. It is in the time of the latter rain that the whole world will be lightened with the glory of God. We will be empowered to witness in such a way that the whole world will see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. His name will be declared throughout all the earth. If this is what will happen underthe latter rain, why then is God holding it back. Why doesn’t He pour out thefullness of His Holy Spirit today, as He did on the day of Pentecost?
There are a number of answers to this question. Acts 2:1 (one accord) comes to mind. This verse is a whole study in itself. Perhaps some time we could present an answer based on the early apostles experience.
But this morning I would like to present some thoughts on this question in the light of Elijah’s experience.
A Man of Like Passions
James 5:17-20 “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”
Elijah was a man, subject to like passions as we are.
Like passions. Passions = [3663] “similarly affected”
Passions = [3664] “similar (in appearance or character), like manner”
Elijah was not some being with special powers. He was a man like you and I. He was one of us in nature.
Even though Elijah was in a similar condition as any other human being, what characteristic is noted here in James as being the root of his great accomplishments?
“He prayed earnestly”. Or as the margin says, “long patient, or, Suffer with long patience”.
Elijah’s History
Elijah had a very abrupt introduction. No mention of his past but a sudden appearance.
1 Ki 17:1 “And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.”
How could this relatively unknown person enter the presence of the king in so unusual a manner?
PK 119:1 “…..Far removed from any city of renown, and occupying no high station in life, Elijah the Tishbite nevertheless entered upon his mission confident in God’s purpose to prepare the way before him and to give him abundant success. The word of faith and power was upon his lips, and his whole life was devoted to the work of reform. His was the voice of one crying in the wilderness to rebuke sin and press back the tide of evil. And while he came to the people as a reprover of sin, his message offered the balm of Gilead to the sin-sick souls of all who desired to be healed.”
How could he say such a thing?
James 5:17 “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.”
He prayed for it not to rain, and he had faith irrespective of the outward signs to the contrary.
3T 275:0 “He [Elijah] ventured everything in the mission before him.” when he appeared before the king.
PK 121-122 “It was only by the exercise of strong faith in the unfailing power of God’s word that Elijah delivered his message. Had he not possessed implicit confidence in the One whom he served, he would never have appeared before Ahab. On his way to Samaria, Elijah had passed by ever-flowing streams, hills covered with verdure, and stately forests that seemed beyond the reach of drought. Everything on which the eye rested was clothed with beauty. The prophet might have wondered how the streams that had never ceased their flow could become dry, or how those hills and valleys could be burned with drought. But he gave no place to unbelief. He fully believed that God would humble apostate Israel, and that through judgments they would be brought to repentance.”
This is to be the experience of God’s people today. They are to pray with the same type of faith as did Elijah.
James 5:17 “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.”
Praying For Rain
Not only did Elijah pray that it not rain, he later prayed for the exact opposite.
James 5:18 “And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.”
Consider this experience:
1 Ki 18:41-44 “And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times. And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.”
PK 155-156 “It was not because of any outward evidence that the showers were about to fall, that Elijah could so confidently bid Ahab prepare for rain. The prophet saw no clouds in the heavens; he heard no thunder. He simply spoke the word that the Spirit of the Lord had moved him to speak in response to his own strong faith. Throughout the day he had unflinchingly performed the will of God and had revealed his implicit confidence in the prophecies of God’s word; and now, having done all that was in his power to do, he knew that Heaven would freely bestow the blessings foretold. The same God who had sent the drought had promised an abundance of rain as the reward of rightdoing; and now Elijah waited for the promised outpouring. In an attitude of humility, ‘his face between his knees,’ he interceded with God in behalf of penitent Israel.”
v42 …. So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself upon the earth with his face between his knees.
PK 156:1 “Again and again Elijah sent his servant to a point overlooking the Mediterranean, to learn whether there were any visible token that God had heard his prayer. Each time the servant returned with the word, ‘There is nothing.’ The prophet did not become impatient or lose faith, but continued his earnest pleading. Six times the servant returned with the word that there was no sign of rain in the brassy heavens. Undaunted, Elijah sent him forth once more; and this time the servant returned with the word, ‘Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand.'”
Did Elijah need some great evidence that the rain was coming?
1 Ki 18:44 “And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.”
PK 156:2 “This was enough. Elijah did not wait for the heavens to gather blackness. In that small cloud he beheld by faith an abundance of rain; and he acted in harmony with his faith, sending his servant quickly to Ahab with the message, ‘Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.'”
Lessons for Us
What was the condition of this man of prayer?
James 5:16-20 “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”
The effectual, fervent prayer, of a righteous man …. and James concludes on the words that it is a work for saving souls, working for those who err from the truth, that our prayers and efforts are the avail of righteousness.
“What is justification by faith? It is the work of God in laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for himself. When men see their own nothingness, they are prepared to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ.” {FLB 111.2}
“Those whom heaven recognizes as holy ones are the last to parade their own goodness. The apostle Peter became a faithful minister of Christ, and he was greatly honored with divine light and power; he had an active part in the upbuilding of Christ’s church; but Peter never forgot the fearful experience of his humiliation; his sin was forgiven; yet well he knew that for the weakness of character which had caused his fall only the grace of Christ could avail. He found in himself nothing in which to glory.” {FLB 111.3}
2BC 1034-1035
42-44.Important Lessons From Elijah.–Importantlessons are presented to us in the experience of Elijah. When upon Mt. Carmelhe offered the prayer for rain, his faith was tested, but he persevered inmaking known his request unto God. Six times he prayed earnestly, and yet therewas no sign that his petition was granted, but with a strong faith he urged hisplea to the throne of grace. Had he given up in discouragement at the sixthtime, his prayer would not have been answered, but he persevered till theanswer came. We have a God whose ear is not closed to our petitions; and if weprove His word, He will honor our faith. He wants us to have all our interests interwoven withHis interests, and then He can safely bless us; for we shall not then take glory to self when the blessing is ours,but shall render all the praise to God. God does not always answer ourprayers the first time we call upon Him; for should He do this, we might takeit for granted that we had a right to all the blessings and favors He bestowedupon us. Instead of searching our hearts to see if any evil was entertainedby us, any sin indulged, we should become careless, and fail to realize our dependenceupon Him, and our need of His help. {2BC 1034.7}
Note:
“Few receive the grace of Christ with self-abasement, with a deep and permanent sense of their unworthiness. They cannot bear the manifestations of the power of God, for this would encourage in them self-esteem, pride, and envy. This is why the Lord can do so little for us now.” 5T 50:4
“Elijah humbled himself until he was in a condition where he would not take the glory to himself. This is the condition upon which the Lord hears prayer, for then we shall give the praise to Him. The custom of offering praise to men is one that results in great evil. One praises another, and thus men are led to feel that glory and honor belong to them. When you exalt man, you lay a snare for his soul, and do just as Satan would have you. You should praise God with all your heart, soul, might, mind, and strength; for God alone is worthy to be glorified (RH March 27, 1913).” {2BC 1035.1}
A Warning Against Exalting Man
# Ac 12:22 “And the people gave a shout, [saying, It is] the voice of a god, and not of a man.”
“*The people gave a shout.* The people of Caesarea were, many of them atleast, heathen. As we learn from Josephus, on the second day of the games,Herod, clad in robes of silver cloth, entered the theatre, and standing in the sunshine, his robesreflected his splendour. Then he made an oration, and the people raised theirshout: *[It is] the voice of a god.* It is thought that his speech was an announcement of his decision in the matter of difficulty with Tyre and Sidon, and that the ambassadors were present.”
(PNT 469)
# Ac 12:23 “And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.”
“*The angel of the Lord smote him.* Josephus says he lingered five daysin great agony. This harmonizes with Luke’s account. *He was eaten by worms.* Josephus says he wastaken with abdominal pains; Luke explains the cause. The disease is by no meansunknown. Many cases of death from the same cause are on record. Among othersthe Emperor Galerius, the predecessor of Constantine the Great, so died.” (PNT 469)
“Herod knew that he deserved none of the praise and homage offered him, yet he accepted the idolatry of the people as his due. His heart bounded with triumph, and a glow of gratified pride overspread his countenance as he heard the shout ascend, “It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.” {AA 151.1}
“Herod was acquainted with the law of God, which says, “Thou shalt have no othergods before Me” (Exodus 20:3); and he knew that in accepting the worshipof the people he had filled up the measure of his iniquity and brought uponhimself the just wrath of Jehovah.” {AA151.4}
Contrast with Elijah’s Experience
Eijah’s Heart Search.–“The servant watched while Elijah prayed. Sixtimes he returned from the watch, saying, There is nothing, no cloud, no signof rain. But the prophet did not give up in discouragement. He kept reviewinghis life, to see where he had failed to honor God, he confessed his sins, andthus continued to afflict his soul before God, while watching for a token thathis prayer was answered. As he searched his heart, he seemed to be less andless, both in his own estimation and in the sight of God. It seemed to him thathe was nothing, and that God was everything; and when he reached the point of renouncing self, while he clung to theSaviour as his only strength and righteousness, the answer came. Theservant appeared, and said, “Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out ofthe sea, like a man’s hand” (RH May 26, 1891).” {2BC 1035.2}
This is the Condition we must be in for the Lord to answer our Prayer for Rain. Let us strive to pray asElijah did. 00000
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