THE 7,000 WHO DIDN'T BOW - "LET'S STOP BEING SO CRITICAL" (PART 1 OF 6)

 

Statue of Elijah, "Cave of Elijah", Mt. Carmel; courtesy of Joe Freeman

Ash Wednesday started Lent. I have a suggestion on what to give up for Lent: Being critical when you don't have enough information to justify the criticism. So during the six Sundays of Lent (which technically are not part of the 40 days of Lent), As I dealt for the past 6 weeks with obscure people who grabbed my curiosity, the next 6 weeks will focus on Biblical people that have been unnecessarily criticized.

Today, I'll be dealing not with one, not with seven, but with 7000 individuals mentioned only a couple of times in Scripture. But first, background. Do you need me to recount the duel on Mt Carmel between Elijah and the Prophets of Baal? I'll assume you know that one, as well as the prophet's race into the wilderness when threatened by Jezebel and his conversation in the cave with the Still Small Voice. Elijah complained he was the only prophet of Yahweh left, and Yahweh countered He reserved 7000 men in Israel who had not bowed their knee to Baal.

Would you believe there are Christians who criticize these faithful believers?

Would you believe there are well-known, highly respected, godly gentlemen who criticize these faithful believers?

Surprisingly, the first question is answered yes. Scandously, so is the second. I'm not going to tell you who because it might take away deserved respect from these great Bible teachers. 

Why are the 7000 criticized? Because Elijah didn't know about them. Because they did not stand up and start a revival. Only thing - the text does not criticize them. Neither does the Lord. 

There are people who are called to start an awakening. But not all. All are called to be faithful. If they're not noticed for their faithfulness, there is no blame or shame for these faithful. Rather, they should be complimented for that faithfulness.

We need to remember that God uses everyday people, not just the big wigs.