““I have made no trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “You and your family are the troublemakers, for you have refused to obey the commands of the Lord and have worshiped the images of Baal instead.”
1 Kings 18:18 NLT
Ahab calls Elijah a troublemaker and indeed believes it to be so. He has a bounty upon the head of Elijah, enough that Obadiah is fearful in even mentioning having seen him. Yet, Elijah approaches Ahab confidently. Whereas Ahab has the authority of a king, Elijah has the authority of God. Elijah doesn’t mince words. It is no laughing matter to be called the Troublemaker. It is an indictment and Elijah will not stand this. Whereas Ahab jabbed at Elijah with this statement, Elijah convicts Ahab. This is not a game and he doesn’t treat it as such, As children of God in a pagan land, we are often jabbed it in the same way. We can take Elijah’s example to show that there are times when we must be direct. When God is mocked, we must not fear the consequence and we must be bold in stating the facts and calling for repentance. This did not lead to an easy life for Elijah but it did lead to a righteous one. Pray for boldness and discernment as to when it makes sense to accept a jab or not.
JOSH McGARY. COM 