1 Kings 18:17-18

Troubler.

Elijah, who during the terrible drought was con-coaled, now, at the word of the Lord, came forth to show himself to Ahab, as God was about to give rain. What a meeting! One of the worst of kings with one of the noblest of prophets. What confrontings will there be in the great day of judgment l Here each charges the other with being the troubler of Israel. Observe, then—

I. THAT THE WICKED SEEK TO MALIGN THE GOOD .

1 . Ahab accused Elijah .

2 . He found a pretext .

3 . He had a motive .

II. TRUTH COMES HOME IN DUE TIME .

1 . Goodness will be vindicated .

2 . Sin will be shamed .

Sin is the troubler of humanity. It invaded the tranquillity of Eden and broke it up. It brought down judgments of God upon individuals and communities. Upon Cain. Upon the antediluvians. Upon the cities of the plain. Upon Israel It has provoked wars, in whose wake came pestilences and famines. It troubles the abyss of hell.—J.A.M.