Ezekiel 17::3 And say, Thus saith the Lord God; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar:

This is how my new day started. I was searching for scriptures on eagles to write a soaring narrative. This verse caught my eye and it was so compelling I had to read more, all of chapters 16, 17 and 18. I saw things in a new light. Perhaps it was because I am older, wiser, and more familiar with the Word than ever, or it could be that the world I live in has changed and things seem to relate more.

So I tucked away my thoughts in my heart and attended church. The sermon covered prophesies about the Second Coming. Right up front, buried ever so shallow in the message was the Word of the Lord.

Prophesy is given to prepare the hearts and minds of my people.

Wow, that really put into context all that I had read earlier in the day. Prophesy had not changed from when I read it years earlier, nor had its relevant meaning changed. What had changed was my heart and mind.

Prophesy can be a difficult read. Coming to a right understanding of future events may never be perfect no matter how much you study and meditate on a subject. But given this new light, it dawns on me that if my heart and mind are prepared properly, then as that prophesy unfolds, I will be ready to receive it according to God’s preparation and not my limited understanding.

A new day will dawn that brings a new light of perfect understanding.

1 Corinthians 13:9-10 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

1 Kings 19:4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

This Elijah at his weakest moment. A great prophet of God, Elijah had just defeated and killed four hundred prophets of Baal. He had just outrun Ahab’s chariot to Jezreel from Mount Carmel. Then Ahab’s wife Jezebel write’s a note to Elijah threatening his life and Elijah runs off to Beersheba to take refuge, like a coward. What happened to this great man of God to cause him to fear Jezebel?

This is the great lesson for all servants of the Most High God, no matter their calling, no matter their position, no matter their mighty deeds.

“I am not better than my fathers.”

Nothing is more dangerous than success. Never read your press clippings. You might begin to believe them. I was just one chapter earlier that Ahab faced Elijah and declared, “Art thou he that troubleth Israel?” Ahab was giving Elijah credit for the drought which plagued Israel. At that point Elijah spoke the truth and told Ahab that he had brought this upon himself for not following the commandments of the Lord.

While this is true, Elijah did not give God glory in his declaration. He told Ahab “You deserved it.” Elijah did not say, “It is the LORD God who troubles you for your sins.” Those are salvation words. Words that lead sinners to repentance. But no, Ahab got “what he deserved.”

I know this sounds like such a trite remark, that Elijah did not do anything wrong. It was just after this that Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal. No, not really, God defeated them. See how easy it is to give credit where credit isn’t deserved. Elijah saw that in his heart when he read the note from Jezebel.

A dear friend reminded me during this time, “To whom much is given, much is required.” We don’t get to bask in the glow of the marquee which declares “Now Playing”. We are no better than anyone else.

To God be the Glory forever and ever AMEN.