1Kings 18:41-46/ Ps. 65/ Matt.5:20-26
At the end of the drought Elijah instructed Ahab to “Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain.” While himself climbed to the top of Mount Carmel. As the rain was fast approaching Elijah through his servant told Ahab to get into his chariot and go back home before the rain stops him. Eventually, at Elijah departure from the Mountain top the hand of God came upon him and his chariot outran the chariot of Ahab.
Beloved, in this kingdom we don’t win by running, we win by waiting. Elijah waited in prayers even after God has assured him of the rain. While waiting in prayers grace took him and he outran Ahab. Isaiah 40:31 says “… those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” Therefore, in the race of destiny, if we must excel we must learn how to wait for the Lord.
True Christians walk according to the promptings of the Spirit. In addition Jesus says unless our righteousness exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees we shall not enter the kingdom of God. True Christians must live above pharisaic attitudes. We must cultivate the attitude of waiting and finally, we must lay aside every prejudice, anger and resentment that characterized the Scribes and the Pharisees.
LET US PRAY
Father, we pray that you remove our guilt and wipe away our sins so that we can draw closer to you. We praise you for the grace of forgiveness we have received. We resolve to do better and exceed the average through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
