Gods Sabbath

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E NTERING INTO G OD ’ S S ABBATH R EST

judgments were due to fall on the unrighteous queen, provided Elijah continued to follow His specific orders. Such events would have deepened the effect that had already been made on the peo ple as they witnessed the fire consuming Elijah’s sacrifice, and there would have been a mighty turning back to God. “Had he remained where he was, had he made God his refuge and strength, standing steadfast for the truth, he would have been shielded from harm. The Lord would have given him an other signal victory by sending His judgments on Jezebel; and the impression made on the king and the people would have wrought a great reformation.” Prophets and Kings , 160.1. Satan was desperate. He knew there was no hope of his frus trating God’s plans unless he could induce Elijah to renounce them in favor of his own. Though staring defeat in the face, both Satan and his agent, Jezebel, acted as though everything was go ing their way. A messenger was sent to Elijah threatening him: “You killed my prophets, and now I swear by the gods that I am going to kill you by this time tomorrow night.” 1Kings 19:2 (The Living Bible). Through this device, Satan aimed to convince Elijah that nothing had been gained, that God’s plans were not trustworthy, and that he was about to sacrifice his life in vain. It proved to be an effective bluff. Elijah should have reacted, as Jezebel had, confidently as if everything was going the Lord’s way. This was in fact so. But instead, he allowed Satan to persuade him that the cause was lost and that he must take immediate steps to ensure his own safety. “Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beer sheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert.” 1Kings 19:3. Instead, Elijah should have turned to the Lord for strength in his hour of need. If he had trusted in his divine Protector who had never let him down, and taken the step of praying for extra protection, then God would have been His shield against Jeze bel’s threats. “But a reaction such as frequently follows high faith and glo rious success was pressing upon Elijah. He feared that the ref ormation begun on Carmel might not be lasting; and depression