James 5:17-18

Passage

Elijah was a man with a nature similar to ours.  He prayed a prayer to not have it rain and it did not rain upon the earth for three years and six months.  And again he prayed and the heavens gave rain and the earth bore its fruit.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

James speaks of Elijah as a person of the same nature as you and I.  Which, he was.  Elijah was completely and fully a human being.  However, the Jews also consider Elijah to be the greatest prophet to have ever lived.  Here we see that it is not the nature of the man that makes one great.  Rather, it is our desire to submit to God and allow Him to work through us that makes greatness and righteousness.

Does it make sense that greatness can come through submission?  Do you think many in the world would agree with this statement?

Second Thought:

The Jews have a saying: one who prays surrounds his house with a substance stronger than iron.  In these verses we see an effective demonstration of prayer.  Elijah prayed that it would not rain and for three and a half years no rain came to the Hebrew people.  James’ point is not that we should use prayer however we see fit or in ways to bring about our own will and judgment.  Rather, James’ point is that prayer is more powerful than nature.  God’s power trumps nature.  Prayer is our opportunity to align ourselves with the most powerful force in the universe!

Do you consider prayer to be powerful?  Why do you think that we treat prayer as if it isn’t very powerful?

Third Thought:

At the end of the three and a half years, Elijah prayed.  Rain came.  The earth bore fruit.  Notice the point of prayer and God’s action.  When we align ourselves with God, fruit is the result!

What is your fruit?  How is God working through you? 

Passage for Tomorrow: James 5:19-20