Christian Prime Timers constituted by Rev. E. Anderson

April 5, 2008 at 11:24 pm (Christian Prime Timers)

                                      

Rev. E. Anderson    

A PRIME TIMER WITH AUTHORITY

 

Reading    1 Kings 17

 

Text          v1

 

Introduction

 

One of the great characters of OT note is that of Elijah. This rugged and powerful messenger of God was renowned for his spiritual authority. He appears to execute and exude more authority than the monarch, Ahab, who was on the throne of the northern kingdom, Israel. In a distinct, direct and divine manner he challenges the corrupt situation that existed and reveals without question that one person can make a difference when rightly inspired and motivated.

 

It is possible to come to the conclusion that here was a man and ministry that was divinely primed and timed from beginning to end was duly primed and timed by God. He was wholly disposed toward Jehovah and in love, faith and obedience to Him he discharged of his devotion and dedication to Him.

 

  1. PRIMED AND TIMED TO CHALLENGE THE LEADERSHIP OF THE NATION – 1 Kings 17: :1

Although he was alone and in a very difficult situation he is quite fearless and ready to take on the principal person who headed the northern territory. He would go as the Lord’s messenger to the palace and perform the task that was required of him. There was a deep sense and conviction in his being that He must serve the Lord and his people and not be intimidated in any way. The situation demanded courage and ina brave, undaunted manner he starts out on his mission and ministry. 

 

         2. PRIMED AND TIMED WITH THE PROPHETIC WORD – 1 Kings 17: 1

In his mind and hearts was the sure word of divine prophecy that must be sounded forth with absolute authority. Within his person he was divinely driven to express the word that would have the approval of Jehovah and be manifested for all to witness. He was an authentic messenger that hade been prepared and was in the right place to proclaim the will and purpose of God to make all aware of the Lord and His sovereignty. Whilst he said ‘my word’ the word that he expressed was the truly the Lord’s.

 

         3. PRIMED AND TIMED WITH REMARKABLE FAITH TO DEAL WITH EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES – 1 Kings 17: 2-24

He would be thrust into circumstances where he had to believe for the Lord both to provide and preserve him over a long period of time. At Cherith and Zarephath he was to prove the extraordinary supply and power of God in his affairs, the Lord using the ravens and a widow as a means to meet and minister into his needs. But them he was duly primed to bring resurrection life to the widow’s son a sure indication of what was to happening to the nation.

 

         4. PRIMED AND TIMED TO CONFRONT THE FALSE RELIGIOUS SYTEM IN A MEMORABLE COMBAT – 1 Kings 18

The time came when the situation as to who truly ruled had to be resolved and he was certainly ready and in charge to call the tune and lead the charge. Throughout the whole ordeal he never loses his cool or confidence but makes it evident that there will be an exposure of that which was bogus and counterfeit and that Jehovah would show up to vindicate Himself and confirm his own standing as His servant. He did not treat them lightly nor did he let them off but revealed that the phoney false deities and worship had to be put out of the way and the land cleansed.

 

         5. PRIMED AND TIMED TO KNOW A UNIQUE ENCOUNTER GOD IN A NEW WAY – 1 Kings 19: 1-14

In hastening away from the scene he had contested he was to discover in a greater way who truly reigned. As he suffered the awful setback and failure the Lord was not leave him in this devastated condition. There was to be the discovery of the Lord in a greater manner that would not only calm him but prepare him for something more significant. He was primed and timed with the consciousness of ‘the still small voice’ that was influence henceforth in a personal and powerful degree. He was to find out that God never God perplexed, overwrought and out of control.

 

         6. PRIMED AND TIMED TO RAISE A WORTHY SUCCESSOR – 1 Kings 18: 15-21

Never did he think he would be in the place where he would be able to see the birthing and developing of a person who would more than fill his shoes in an admirable fashion. He would witness the appearance of a passionate, loyal understudy that he could coach and mentor that would be ready for the next stage. Instead of dying he would see the next years of his life and work putting something divine into a young man that would be keen, believing and ready to take on the next phase and generation.

 

         7. PRIMED AND TIME TO ENJOY AN UNUSUAL EXODUS – 2 Kings 2: 1-11

When the moment and day arrived for the cessation of His ministry it is apparent he is all tuned up for the event. He is able to make a visit to the schools of the prophets and delver important last words and to witness the desire and eagerness of his protégé. He knows that Jehovah has planned a memorable departure from his scene of labour and falls in line with it. How he must have enjoyed his sudden exodus!

 

CONCLUSION

 

      Having seen that God had not only ignited him at the start but kept him full inspired throughout his whole life and ministry, so it is the will and intention this should be so for all who truly are called to serve Him.

 

      Through Jesus Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God we can be primed and timed to serve our day and generation in a similar fashion.

 

 

 

 

 

                                 

Comments

Knowing the Truth presented by Rev. T.R. Hanford

April 5, 2008 at 11:15 pm (Knowing the Truth)

                                                  

Rev. T. R. Hanford

Terry has been an Assemblies of God minister for over 50 years and is now retired from leadership of a church. He is an able preacher and teacher of God’s Word and has ministered regularly over the radio the Gospel of Christ. On this site he will be dealing and answering questions of importance relevant to Christians and non-Christians alike. I trust you will find the material a great help.

WHO CARES?

 

God does and I DO. Caring involves us being willing to accept help.  Jesus once said that it is more blessed to give than to receive.  I wonder if He would agree that it is easier to give than to receive.

 

In our culture we like to solve problems on our own and are reluctant to accept help. Caring however involves two persons; the one who needs and accepts care as well as the one who sees the need and gives the care. 

 

If we are serious about bearing one another’s burdens   and about caring for one another then we must be willing both to reach out and care, and to accept with gratitude the caring that that other people bestow upon us. WHAT DOES CARING INVOLVE?

 

LOVE practical, compassionate sensitive patient, love is critical if effective caring is to occur.

 

PATIENCE:  This implies sticking with a person  or situation when no change seems to be taking place

 

OPENNESS:  Many of us seem to stifle our emotions, and we are unable to express feelings, and imply that to be spiritual we must always be “ON TOP OF THE WORLD”  but real life is not  like that. Walking alongside each other, encouraging, supporting, correcting and teaching will bring a sense of caring in time.

 

HOPE:  Can you imagine how difficult it would be to care for someone if you could not offer hope? Now Christian hope does not encourage people to deny the reality of their situation, to slip into inactivity or to engage in perpetual wishful thinking. Christian hope rejoices in God’s timing and His sovereign wisdom.

 

FLEXIBILITY:  We cannot really care  for  people if we are rigid unwilling to change or we are inclined to fit people into neat little categories. True caring involves acceptance of others, a desire for growth flexibility and a willingness to learn. Jesus is the best model for caring. His whole life demonstrated this. HE ACCEPTS US AS WE ARE.

 

He loved us so much that He died for us.  He cared so much that He deliberately didn’t put us into little denominational or religious boxes He called us all sinners. And whoever we are we shall come the same way for salvation: be it the Queen or the beggar. THAT REALLY SHOWS SOMEONE CARES. WHAT A FANTASTIC PLAN. He never said that being a Christian will take all your problems away but He did say He would help us through them and He will be your best friend and will NEVER leave you.

                                 

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