The Rules of Engagement

The Rules of Engagement

Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word” (emphasis added). Elijah had all the authority of heaven behind him when he pronounced this judgment over Ahab’s kingdom, for they had disgraced God and had given themselves to idol worship. It may appear that Elijah capriciously decided to withhold rain, but no. If you look closely at James 5:17, you will see the secret of his power: “Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly …” (niv, emphasis added). Earnest prayer from this righteous man produced supernatural results. (See James 5:16.) Elijah knew the power of prayer, and throughout his dealings with Ahab, he maintained clear communication to the God of heaven. His place was well established in God; therefore, he had a right to speak against things that were not in line with what God commanded. He knew that as he pronounced his judgment over things that displeased God, God would pronounce the same judgment. What we must learn from Elijah’s example is that because God created us in His image and after His likeness, crowning us with His glory and estab lishing us as His earthly representatives, we have authority in the earth to decree God’s judgments (Gen. 1:28; Ps. 115:15–16). Adam and Eve may have fallen into sin, but we have been restored to our high place in God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. What was lost has been regained and returned to us by our General and mighty Man of war. It is up to us to enforce that authority (Ps. 8:4–6; 115:16; Luke 10:19; Eph. 2:2). Our authority and dominion can be activated in the same way as Elijah’s—through fervent, earnest prayer. When I look at the state of the world, I have come to the conclusion that the world does not need more churches, more revivals, more choirs, more psalmists, or more minstrels. What the church needs is more men and women of prayer. Prayer is a divine technology that, when implemented, gives God permission to intervene in the affairs of humanity. If there was ever a time when the world could use some divine intervention, it sure is now. I read a story titled “Spurgeon’s Boiler Room.” It told of five young college students who were spending a Sunday in London. They went to hear the famed C. H. Spurgeon preach. While waiting for the doors to open, the students were greeted by a man who asked if they would like to see the heating plant of this church. It was mid-July, so they were not interested in seeing a hot place in any building. The story continues:

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