1 Reis 17

1 Reis 17

Poole - “A prayer full of powerful arguments. Thou art the Lord, that canst revive the child; and my God, and therefore wilt not, do not, deny me. She is a widow; add not affliction to the afflicted; deprive her not of the great support and staff of her age. She hath given me kind entertainment; let her not fare the worse for her kindness to a prophet, whereby wicked men will take occasion to reproach both her and religion” One is reminded of Abraham in Hebrews 11:19 "He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type." A. W. Pink's spiritual lessons from Elijah’s prayer: First, Elijah’s retiring to his own private chamber, that he might be alone with God. Second, his fervency: he “cried unto the Lord”—no mere lip-service was this. Third, his reliance upon his own personal interest in the Lord, avowing his covenant relationship: “O Lord, my God.” Fourth, his encouraging himself in God’s attributes: here, the Divine sovereignty and supremacy—“hast Thou also brought evil upon the widow.” Fifth, his earnestness and importunity: evidenced by his “stretching himself upon the child” no less than three times. Sixth, his appeal to God’s tender mercy: “the widow with whom I sojourn.” Finally, the definiteness of his petition: “Let this child’s soul come into him again.” (Scroll down to paragraph beginning with "But it is not sufficient for us to cry, "Lord, teach us to pray" in Pink's Life of Elijah) Ryken adds "These are all valuable lessons. But perhaps the most outstanding virtue of Elijah’s prayer is that he prayed in faith. Bear in mind that the prophet was praying for something he had never experienced before. In fact, this is the first resuscitation recorded in all of Scripture. In all likelihood, therefore, it is the first return from death in the history of the human race. Elijah had no miraculous example upon which to base his prayer. Yet because he knew the power of God, the great prophet prayed with resurrection faith." Even Elijah’s posture for prayer demonstrated his faith. According to the Levitical laws, it was unlawful and impure for a holy man to touch a corpse (see Lev. 22:4)....Anyone who believes in the resurrection can pray with the faith of Elijah. Remember that Elijah is a man just like us. Remember, too, that God has raised Jesus Christ from the grave with the power of everlasting life. On the basis of that saving resurrection we should be bold in asking God for the vision to pray for spiritual blessings beyond anything we have ever experienced before (1 Kings) 1 Kings 17:22 The LORD heard the voice of Elijah, and the life of the child returned to him and he revived. he revived: De 32:39 1Sa 2:6 2Ki 13:21 Lu 8:54 Joh 5:28,29 11:43 Ac 20:12 Ro 14:9 Rev 11:11 1 Kings 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries YAHWEH ANSWERS WITH REVIVING OF THE CHILD The LORD heard the voice of Elijah, and the life of the child returned to him and he revived - Here we have the first recorded resurrection from the dead in the Bible. Henry