NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR MARCH 28, 2021 : TOPIC – ELIJAH: PROPHET OF COURAGE
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THE NIGERIAN BAPTIST CONVENTION
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
March 28, 2021
ELIJAH: PROPHET OF COURAGE
Devotional Reading: Luke 19:28-39
Background Scriptures: 1 Kings 18-19; Matthew 17:1-13
Lesson Scripture: 1 Kings 18:5-18
GOLDEN TEXT
I have not made trouble for Israel” Elijah replied. “But you and your fathers family have. You have abandoned the LORD’S commands and have followed the Baals. 1 Kings 18:18
OBJECTIVES: By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:
• Identify some consequences of sin on a nation or people;
• Differentiate between the evils in the days of Elijah and the present age;
• Resolve to become courageous in the face of intimidation.
INTRODUCTION
Joel Osteen is a powerful preacher. In a sermon titled, “Just Go for it” he told a story of a wealthy man who organised a party in his house. In the course of the programme, the man announced that anyone who could swim across the Swimming pool, which he had filled with crocodiles and alligators, would receive anything he requested from him. In fact, no one was courageous enough to take the risk, despite the attractive reward attached to it. But suddenly, a man was pushed into the pool by one of the party attendees. Because he had no choice, the man summoned courage and began to dodge the alligators and the crocodiles, even though he was not a professional swimmer. Eventually, he made it to the other side of the pool and came out unhurt. With surprise and excitement, the rich man bowed in recognition of his courage and asked him what he wants as his reward based on his promise. The seemingly courageous man replied, “The person that pushed me into the pool should be credited for my courage.”
Today’s lesson focuses on Prophet Elijah who courageously confronted King Ahab and delivered God’s message to him, even though the king despised him. He was not afraid of the king neither was he afraid of losing his life in the process. His impact in the history of Israel remains a landmark.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED
A. The Great Search
1 Kings 18:5-8
Elijah was a prophet in Israel. He was from Tishbe in Gilead. Earlier on, he prophesied to King Ahab, in the name of the living God of Israel, that there would be no rain or dew for the next few years, except at his word. Thereafter, God commanded him to hide near the brook of Cherith, east of Jordan, where He provided him food and water (2Kings 17:1-4). According to his words, there was famine in Israel because there was no rain until the third year, when God asked Elijah to go and present himself to King Ahab with the promise to send rain. Elijah obeyed and set out on his journey. The famine in Samaria became so severe that King Ahab began to think of a permanent solution. According to verse 3, Ahab summoned Obadiah, the one who was in charge of his palace and a worshipper of God. All these happened at a time when Jezebel, the wife of Ahab persecuted and killed some prophets, which made Obadiah to hide a hundred of them. In his attempt to find a lasting solution to the famine, Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go through the land to all the springs and valleys. Maybe we can find some grass to keep the horses and mules alive so we will not have to kill any of our animals. (v. 5) Thereafter, they went toward different directions. Suddenly, Obadiah met Elijah on his way. When he saw Elijah, he bowed before him and asked if he is truly Elijah. Of course, his answer was prompt. “Yes, I am Elijah”. “Go and tell your master the king that I am here.”
The effects of sin in a nation or the life of an individual cannot be overemphasised. It could be severe famine, loss of opportunities, and sometimes death, like it was in Israel. There was no rain or dew, according to the words of Elijah because the people were rebellious and idolatrous. The period (three and half years) and the severity of the famine in the land were indications that the drought was sent by God. Throughout the period, there was no productivity because usually plants need water to survive. Unfortunately, Ahab was unrepentant; his major concern was how and where he could get food and water to keep his horses alive. Invariably, the horses became more important to Ahab than the souls of men (the prophets) who were persecuted and killed by his wicked wife, Jezebel. Contemporary Christians should learn from the people of Israel and resolve to always obey God because the consequences of disobedience are sure and terrible.
DISCUSSION TIME
1. Why is it difficult for some leaders to obey God and live in peace
2. What would Ahab have done in order to stop the famine instead of looking for a way to care for his animals?
3. Describe the nature of God, in line with verse 1b.
B. Elijah’s Courageous Resolution
1 Kings 18:9-1
The famine in Israel became so severe that the animals (the horses and mules) also starved. King Ahab and his servant Obadiah went on exploration in different directions in search of pastures for them. However Obadiah met Elijah on the way with a request to announce his return to King Ahab, his master. Obadiah declined outrightly, knowing that Elijah’s life is being sought by the king (v. 10a). According to his statement in verse 11, Obadiah knew how unsafe it would be for himself and Elijah when the king arrives and Elijah is nowhere to be found. However, it should be noted that Obadiahs refusal to announce Elijah’s arrival to King Ahab was not a sign of disrespect; rather, it was a way of protecting Elijah from the sword of the king who had put to death several prophets. Unfortunately, Obadiah did not know that Elijah was acting on God’s instruction to present himself to King Ahab and God will send rain (v. 1). And as a true prophet of God, Elijah was courageous. He resolved to see King Ahab, despite his attempt to search for him with evil intention. Therefore, he said to Obadiah, “As the Lord Almighty lives, whom I serve, I will surely present myself to Ahab today”
The dialogue that ensued between Prophet Elijah and Obadiah from verses 8 to 14 describes the wicked nature of King Ahab and his wife Jezebel. Elijah was a kind and courageous prophet in his days. This is evident in his resolution to appear before King Ahab and his call for a contest with the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel (vv. 17, 19). The evils in the days of Elijah can be likened to some of the evils in our contemporary time; like the activities of wicked leaders who have no value for human life, idolatry, incessant killings, persecution, and disobedience to the Word of God. However, Christians should be careful whole confronting these evils. We should be ready to obey God and His leading so that we will be victorious.
DISCUSSION TIME
1. Discuss the source of Elijah’s courage and boldness to present himself to King Ahab.
2. Why did King Ahab refer to Elijah as a troublemaker in verse 18?
3. What are the similarities between leadership during the time of King Ahab and our Contemporary time?
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activities
• Allow a volunteer to mention some remarkable events in the life and ministry of Elijah.
• Ask class members to discuss their experiences about a time they had to relay a bad news to someone. What was the outcome?
Take Home
• There are consequences for disobeying God.
• True prophets of God are bold and courageous.
• Disobedience can result to scarcity of food and other essentials.
• Famine could be as a result of sin against God.
• Believers should be ready to tell the truth, no matter how dangerous it may seem.
REVIEW: No doubt, we have learned some good lessons from selected faithful prophets through whom God worked in the Old Testament. Therefore, we would like to know:
• How God helped you to practise what you learned about Elijah’s courage and resolution
• What new insight in the lesson did you learn about Huldah’s wise counsel?
• What were your struggles in understanding Moses prophetic ministry?
• Mention some things you pondered on
Based on the Lessons of the Month, make a Commitment to Your Church