“Is it because there is no God in Israel for you to consult that you have sent messengers to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron? II Kings 1:4b (I Kings 22:41-II Kings 2)
Elijah was sent on a mission of hope in the face of unyielding rulers. These kings led their people in idolatry and debauchery of the most destructive and dysfunctional kind. All the while, God was patiently, but fervently, waiting and preparing for the best case scenario.
Three times the words above are stated in reference to an incident where Ahaziah, Ahab’s son and heir to Israel, injured himself and sought hope in Baal. The One True God’s response? “Why are you walking past healing into death?” Wickedness and arrogance followed Ahaziah and his parent to their graves, but God did not hold Elijah accountable. Elijah answered and acted every time God called. He was taken into Heaven by a radiant Chariot to stand with Moses as a great hero of God’s message, a message for us today.
Don’t walk past hope. It is yours and you are worthy. Stop, receive and bask in all that God has for you.
Love,
Gretchen