The prophet Elijah suddenly appeared on the scene and boldly... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.
1 Kings 17:1.

The prophet Elijah suddenly appeared on the scene and boldly confronted the wicked king Ahab. Elijah referred to the one true, living God, before whom he stood. He knew that he was seen and protected by God, and he served Him.

"The LORD, He is God!" was Elijah's basic message (1 Kings 18:39) and the meaning of his name. These were words that shocked, penetrated and polarised the people, being out of place in the age in which he lived.

In chapter 16 of the book we learn that Israel no longer reckoned with a living God. Godless kings surpassed each other in the evil they did. Ahab was the worst; he did more to provoke God than all the kings of Israel before him (ch. 16:33). And the nation was also led astray by these kings.

At that time one man defied the curse that God had pronounced on Jericho through Joshua and rebuilt the city (ch. 16:34; cf. Joshua 6:26). That the curse came to pass didn't trouble him: he lost both his sons. His name was Hiel, which means "God lives". But his action contradicted the meaning of his name. The kings of Israel and many of the people not only lived godlessly; they purposely opposed Him.

In that era Elijah spoke out. His appearance and his words confirmed God's existence. Ahab and his people had to reckon with their God whom Elijah resolutely upheld. God therefore supported him.

Today's world no longer reckons with God, but opposes Him. Shouldn't we rather follow Elijah's example and trust Him? It will not be to no avail.

Today's reading: Hosea 6:1-11 · James 3:1-12