Inside and Outside
Elijah received two commands from God that can help us to be more effective in our service to God today if we will obey them. First Elijah was told to go and hide himself. (1 Kings 17:3) Then some three and a half years later (James 5:17), he was told to go and present or show himself. (1 Kings 18:1-2)
Which do you think was the more difficult command to obey, Elijah having to hide himself or show himself? By far I believe the hiding was the hardest because Elijah had work to do. He had a message to deliver to people.
Why did God hide Elijah? In continuing to read 1 Kings 18, we can see that God was preparing Elijah for the contest with Baal on Mount Carmel. During the three and a half years of hiding, I’m sure Elijah was learning some very important lessons. He was undoubtedly learning the importance of waiting on God, praying to God, and trusting in God for his every need. (1 Kings 17:4-6) Before Elijah could show himself, he had to hide himself and learn the lessons God had prepared for him. Too often today God’s people are so anxious to serve the Lord that we forget to worship Him. Yet we must remember that the success of showing ourselves in God’s service is dependent upon the success of our hiding time with Him. When we do take time to individually hide ourselves in God’s presence, then and only then is God’s power at work in and through us as we show ourselves in His service.
We must go “outside the camp” to serve God (Hebrews 13:13-16), but let us first always remember to go inside “the veil” to worship Him. (Hebrews 10:19-20) As you continue to strive to Imitate Him a little more this week, take time daily to go inside the presence of God before you go outside in the world to serve Him. God bless you. I love you.
Kevin
