In 1925, the American Midwest endured a tornado that devastated whole communities. With barely any warning, it ripped through three states and left behind a trail of debris. Its surreal ferocity is still remembered as one of the most devastating tornadoes in American history.

 

As epic stories go, Elijah, the prophet, is best known for his dramatic, fiery exit recorded in 2 Kings 2:11. That day, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated Elijah and Elisha as they were walking. Then a whirlwind whirled him heavenward. As heavenward departures go, this ranks near impossible to beat.

 

Intriguingly, Scripture does not provide an origin story for him either. He arrived on the scene as a swashbuckling, animal-skin-clad Gilead native waltzing into the royal court of King Ahab, proclaiming that no rain would fall in the land for about three and a half years.

 

The king, described as the one who did more to arouse the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, than did all the kings of Israel before him, according to 1 Kings 16:33, may have been, as you can imagine, incandescent with rage.

 

Just before drought’s end, Elijah literally prayed that fire would come from heaven and consume the drenched sacrifice he had used to goad the prophets of Baal – even when water was hard to come by. God incinerated the sacrifice, what we might describe as Shekinah glory on full display.

 

Elijah then had Baal’s prophets killed. Thereafter, Jezebel issues a death threat. Elijah then fled and prayed to die. Absolutely scared of a woman, really? Nevertheless, in Elijah’s time of turmoil, God came to his aid. The last verses in the Old Testament also concern him. “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” (Malachi 4:5-6)

 

Not only does he wrap up the Old Testament, Jesus confirmed that John the Baptist – another camel-hair wearing, locust eating, leather-belt wearing prophet – would come along in the spirit and power of Elijah.

 

He was also there the night that Jesus was transfigured. And Revelation 11 hints at end-time Elijah-like activities. Time will reveal all.

 

Are you struggling in your faith? You are not alone. If a man of God with Elijah’s credentials and spirit-power can falter, so can you and I.

 

Prayer: Father God, our eyes are on you, the God of the Shekinah-glory fire. Please keep impressing your Word upon our hearts. Amen.