THIRD MONDAY OF ADVENT
SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Kng 17:1-16, 18:17-46
Elijah
was a powerful prophet sent by God to call the people of Israel back to
faithfulness during a time of widespread idolatry and corruption under King
Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Through Elijah, God performed many miracles, such as
providing food for the widow of Zarephath during a famine and raising her son
from the dead.
One
of Elijah’s greatest moments was his confrontation with the prophets of the
false god Baal on Mount Carmel. Elijah prayed, and
God sent fire from heaven to consume the offering on the
altar, showing His power and proving He alone is the true God (1 Kings 18:38).
Despite his bold faith, Elijah also experienced fear and discouragement,
reminding us that even strong believers rely on God’s strength.
Elijah’s
life ended in a miraculous way: he was taken up to heaven in a chariot
of fire (2 Kings 2:11), symbolizing his closeness to God. Elijah’s
mission points forward to John the Baptist, who prepared the way
for Jesus, and to Jesus Himself, who performed even
greater miracles and called people back to God.
PRAYER:
