Wednesday 10th June 2020. Read 1 Kings 18:20-39, Psalm 16:1-11,
Matthew 5:17-19
“Then Elijah said to the people, ‘I,
even I only, am left a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four
hundred and fifty men’.” (1 Kings 18:22)
In yesterday’s Gospel passage, Jesus
tells us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. In this
analogy, Jesus not only highlights our importance to the world but He also
indicates why we are few in number. Like Elijah who stood as one man against
four hundred prophets of Baal, devoted Christians today must learn to stand
almost alone against a world that swims in darkness and evil.
Why does it happen
that there are only a few persons who prefer light to darkness? Why is Elijah
standing alone? To think that this contest took place in Israel, the very land
of God’s chosen people is shocking. Humans are social animals; we are
conditioned to go with the flow, we do what everyone else is doing. Whatever is
popular is okay by us. We are too scared to be different.
This is why Jesus
himself would say: “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to
life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:14) Again that “the harvest is
plentiful, but the labourers are few.” (Luke 10:12, Matthew 9:37) Again, “many
are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14). The question is: “Wouldn’t you
rather be one of the few?” Like Elijah, do you have the courage to be the last
man standing?
What does it
take be an Elijah today? Jesus answers this question in today’s Gospel passage;
simply put, NO COMPROMISE. There are many Christians who begin very well, they
are so devoted to God and aspire for heaven but as time goes on, they begin to
bend little by little. You hear things like, “After all, God understands, it is
not that bad; it is just a little lie.” A little this, a little that and like water
dripping from a leaking bucket, we soon become dry and begin to align with the
world.
As Jesus puts it: “Whoever then
relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be
called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them
shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:19).
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, bless with
me the courage of Elijah; to remain with you even if I am the only one left
standing. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith.
It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of the 10th Week of Ordinary
Time. Bible Study: 1 Kings 18:20-39, Psalm 16:1-11, Matthew 5:17-19).
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