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1 Kings 19:1-18 tells the story of Elijah the Prophet who, after having executed 450 Prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:40), became discouraged while fleeing for his life from Jezebel, wife of King Ahab. Elijah was discouraged because he thought he was the last living prophet of the Lord – and his life was in danger. The Children of Israel had broken the Lord’s covenant, killed His prophets and sought Elijah’s life. (1 Kings 19:10, 14) With Elijah’s demise, would that be the end of the Lord’s plans and purposes?
The Lord replied to Elijah’s discouragement by stating He yet had reserved for Himself 7,000 prophets who had not bowed to or kissed Baal. (1 Kings 19:18) These prophets would carryout the Lord’s plans and fulfill His purposes. What Elijah had failed to realize is that God has never left His people without hope. In Isaiah 46:9-11 God says,
“Remember the former things of old, for I am God and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure, calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes My counsel from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it, I will bring it to pass. I have purposed it, I will also do it.”
The fulfillment of God’s plans and purposes is not dependent upon men, but upon God Himself. Men may fail because of human frailty (2 Corinthians 4:7) or blatant disobedience (1 Samuel 15:1-26). Nevertheless God knows those who are His (2 Timothy 2:19) and will use them to fulfill his plans and purposes (verse 21).
The Ultimate Plan Sidetracked and Fulfilled
God’s ultimate plan for man is that he would live in fellowship with Him. This plan was initiated in the Garden of Eden with God’s relationship with Adam. However, this plan was interrupted by Adam’s disobedience to God’s command (Genesis 2:16, 17; 3:6). God responded to this interruption by setting in motion a plan to redeem mankind and restore the broken fellowship (Genesis 3:15). His plan of redemption (1 John 4:10) and restoration (1 John 2:23) was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Hope of Glory (Colossians 1:27).
The Hope Within
"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossins 1:27.
References
Hayford, Jack W., ed. Spirit-Filled Life Bible. New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1991.
Zodhaites, Spiros, ed. The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible. King James Version. Red Letter Edition. World Bible Publishers.
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