1 Kings 18:41-46

The return of blessing.

I. ELIJAH 'S ASSURANCE OF GOD 'S MERCY . "There is a sound of abundance of rain," but it was only as yet a sound in the prophet's ear .

1 . The ground of the assurance .

2 . The use he made of it . "He said unto Ahab," and through him to all Israel, "Get thee up," etc. The work of the believer is to comfort God's people, and strengthen their expectation of good.

II. HIS PREVAILING WITH GOD .

1 . The assurance of God ' s mercy does not exclude prayer . "Ahab went up to eat and drink," but "Elijah went up to the top of Carmel." The worldling may expect good and know nothing of supplication; not so with the man of God. Expectation is but encouragement to prayer. The desire that the blessing might come at once and cause the seed of faith to spring up in the people's hearts, made earnest prayer more necessary to Elijah than the refreshment which his body craved.

2 . The utter lowliness of the true worshipper . "He cast himself down upon the earth." His face was hid. The man who stands nearest God is the lowliest of all God's worshippers.

3 . His importunity . He did not cease till his prayer was granted. Again and again was the servant sent till the small cloud was seen.

III. HIS ATTEMPT TO PREVAIL WITH MAN .

1 . His message to Ahab (" Prepare, " etc.) showed his care for the king . He was a foe to the sin, but not to the man.

2 . He honoured him . He "ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel." The mighty prophet became the erring king's servant. The ministers of God must seek to win the sinful as well as to smite their sin. Hatred and contempt will neither advance God's cause nor man's well being.—J.U.

HOMILIES BY E. DE PRESSENSE