Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Elijah and Jesus

today's readings: 1 Kings 18:1-46, Acts 11:1-30, Psalm 135:1-21, Proverbs 17:12-13

what struck me today was the difference between Jesus and Elijah. we are reading about what Elijah did, and yesterday i pointed out that many of Elijah's miracles were precursors to Jesus's miracles.

but there is a remarkable difference between the two men. and that is in their teachings. Elijah didn't teach much, and when he did, it was pretty much summed up by "repent of your sins and follow God."

Jesus taught this too, but He taught much more. He taught things with His words, but He also taught them with His actions, with His death, and with His resurrection.

when Elijah summons the prophets of Baal, he does prove, to that crowd, that God is real and that he, Elijah, was serving the true God. but notice what he does next. he has all of the prophets of Baal killed.

Jesus, on the other hand, brings us more of the fullness of God's mercy and love. He teaches us not to destroy our enemies, even when we're right and they're wrong, but to forgive them. to love them. to conquer the world ... with love.

God, please help me follow You in your fullness, and to exemplify love, mercy, and forgiveness in my life.

1 comment:

Julie said...

wow excellent thoughts. The building of the trough around the fire and filling it with water......and fire came down and everything was gone including the stones, sacrifice, EVERYTHING.....even the water ....the difference as I see it is Elijah pointed the way and Christ is the Way. Christ forgives the sins, Elijah could only give the direction.