This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Dr. Ron Braley.
This is NOT the opinion of the Taylor Press.
In an ‘anything goes’ world interested in pursuing pleasure more than God, even inside the Church, it’s easy to feel isolated.
Overwhelmed. Like you’re the only one chasing purity, charity, and transformation as YHVH desires (e.g., Hebrews 13:16, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, and 1 Timothy 4:12). It’s easy to feel like He’s far away and disinterested.
If that’s you, you’re in good company. Allow me to introduce the eighthcentury BCE prophet Elijah, who thought he stood alone against the wickedness of his day.
Let’s set the stage first. Israel’s king was Ahab, and his pagan wife Jezebel introduced Baal worship. Bad? Yep.
They were to have only ONE Elohim: YHVH.
And they killed infants and engaged in the sexual perversions and deviances we see today.
Don’t be surprised. King Solomon wrote about 100 years earlier: “… there is nothing new under the sun.” Anyway, YHVH withheld rain for 3.5 years because of Israel’s rebellion. Enter Elijah.
Read 1 Kings 18:2040, and you’ll find an elated prophet who overcame 450 of Baal’s prophets by YHVH’s power. Victory. Rain.
On the other hand, continue reading 1 Kings 19:4-18, and you’ll find a depressed Elijah on the run from Ahab. In verses 10 and 14, he cries, “Am I the only one?” In a small, still voice, mighty YHVH whispers: “No.
Seven thousand others are like you.” (1 Kings 19:11-18) Similarly, you are not alone.
You are not alone.
Statistically, up to 90% of a church’s congregation is passive, spiritually lethargic, unfruitful and doomed. But that means that 10% or more are authentic Godfearing, Christ-following partners and not pewwarming freeloaders … They’re disciples. They study, pray, care for others and devote their bodies to YHVH. You are not alone. Others love justice and mercy and salvation, too.
You are not alone.
You’ll see. Jesus revealed this post-end-times rescuing to John: “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Revelation 7:910).
You are not alone.
You’re not the only one.
Stay the course. “… the one who endures to the end … will be saved.”
(Matthew 24:13).
Summary: Elijah believed he was the only God-fearing, righteous person left. He was mistaken. If you think you’re the only one today, you, too, are wrong. You are not alone. But I encourage you to encourage others: tell them they’re not alone as you’re not.
Now what? I mentioned discipleship and transformation in this article, so we’ll consider the relationship between foundational discipleship and formational spiritual disciplines as we go to the ‘spiritual gym’ next.
Meanwhile, remember that if you claim Christianity, you and yourself belong to Christ, not to yourself for carnal pleasure. Questions or comments? Email [email protected].
Blessings and peace, Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.
