First Kings chapters 11-16 are some of the darkest times in Israel’s history. Then suddenly from the darkness there comes a blazing light. Elijah appears on the stage of Israel’s history like a crash of thunder, and disappears in a whirlwind. The writer of Kings doesn’t give Elijah much of an introduction. Readers are left with a thousand questions. Who are Elijah’s parents? What did he do for a living in Gilead? Where did he go to seminary? What is his Twitter handle? How many followers does he have? What books has he written? Does he have a podcast? Is he married? What about children? Who are his friends? What conferences has he preached? How did he meet Ahab? Where did he get that outfit?
The writer doesn’t give answers to the questions readers might be asking. All that’s given is his name, and his hometown. Elijah’s name means “My God is Yahweh.” His hometown of Gilead was located just east of the Jordan River. Gilead was a rugged and mountainous area. The people of Gilead reflected the nature of their country. They were rough and rugged, solemn and stern, dwelling in rather plain villages and managing to get by with shepherding. They were hardened by an open-air life, dressed in a cloaks of camel’s hair, and accustomed to spending most of their time in solitude. It’s no question as to why Elijah stood out in Israel. He didn’t live, look, or sound like the rest of Israelite culture.
Why is it important to note the abruptness of Elijah’s ministry? The great movement of evil in Israel made it seem as if darkness would prevail. The majority of people were worshipping Baal, and neglecting the True God. But we must be sure that God, in unexpected places and times, has already secretly prepared a counter-movement. God can raise men and women out of nowhere. Elijah’s life stands out like a diamond laying upon black velvet. But like any diamond, it has to be mined, cut, and molded into the dazzling wonder that it is. Keeping with this analogy, God shaped a prophet to stand out in Israel’s bleakest of moments.
Part of Elijah’s preparation was in the school of loneliness. Elijah might be the loneliest man in Scripture. Unlike other heroes of the Old and New Testaments, Elijah worked alone. He didn’t have the support of a wife, family, friends or associates. He appears and disappears by himself. Elijah was educated in the desert, and discipled in solitude.
There is no question that many are struggling during this pandemic crisis. For many, the recommendation to stay at home and quarantine is worse than the virus itself. Some are dependent on being connected to others. Whether physically or digitally, they have to be in constant contact with people. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with that. Even the Lord said, “It’s not good for man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18).
On the other hand, if a man is to be much for God, then he must be much with God. I’d dare say, during this dark time, God is raising up men and women who will be much for God, because they have spent much time with God. Before the rise of digital photos, we developed pictures in the dark. Likewise, the greatest of ministries are those that are developed in the dark. Seasons of lonely prayer, and study time in conjunction with periods spent alone with God.
I’m reminded of an old chorus, “Shut in with God in a secret place. There in the spirit, beholding His face gaining new power to run in this race. Oh, I love to be shut in with God.” Beloved, let us never be afraid to be alone with God.