Powerful Prayer
There is perhaps no better word to describe the ministry of Elijah than powerful. What is recorded of his life in Scripture is filled with dramatic displays of God’s power. Not only is the powerful ministry of Elijah spoken of in the Old Testament but also in the New. The Gospel of Luke records that John the Baptist ministered in “the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17). This verse reveals the secret of Elijah’s power. There is a direct connection between the spirit and the power of Elijah. John the Baptist had the same spirit as Elijah and therefore he had the same power of Elijah.
What implication does this have on the present day believer and his prayer life? A very profound one in light of Mathew 11:11. In this verse our Savior states, “Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” This verse has astounding implications for every person who is a follower of Christ. Those who have been reborn in the Spirit (John 3:3-6) have available to them power which is greater than that of Elijah and John the Baptist. They only had inconsistent communion with the Holy Spirit. Believers today have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them (II Tim 1:14).
The question that presents itself is how does one access this power? The answer from Scripture is clear: prayer. The Bible teaches that those who ask God with pure motives in line with God's will will receive that which they ask for (Matt 7:8; 21:22; James 4:3; I John 3:22). Elijah prayed for the power to fulfill his ministry virtually every time God was about to show His power through Elijah (James 5:17; I Kings 17:20; 18:36-37, 42-44; II Kings 1). How much more should we Christians today, who have free and total access to God through Christ Jesus pray with confidence for God to show His power through us!
by His Grace,
for His glory
jrf
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