J.A. Matteson
The bond-servant of the LORD invites trouble in response to his obedience, "I have been very zealous for the LORD...and they seek my life, to take it away" (1 Kings 19:10). As with all servants of the LORD, Elijah experienced his greatest opposition after his greatest exploit: humiliating and destroying the false prophets of Baal. The LORD is well pleased with servants who on principle remain unwavering in the face of intense opposition, even unto death, if it glorifies the name of the LORD. There never has been nor will be an effective servant of the LORD who does not face intense rejection, "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me...for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matt. 5:11-12). On the contrary, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way" (Luke 6:26). The message of the cross is scandalous and destroys self-esteem, therefore wicked men hate it and go to great lengths to silence God's messengers. But to the called it is the sweetness of honey. To this end the servants of the LORD labor, "Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Tim. 2:10). Stand firm, therefore, in the name of time LORD, receiving your praise from Him and not from men. Soli Deo Gloria
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