The story of Elijah is thousands of years old. Artists, poets, and composers have long been fascinated with his remarkable life. The prophet Elijah sealed the heavens from rain and was fed by ravens, then by a widow whose barrel of meal was never empty again. On other occasions, he divided the Jordan River and called down fire from heaven to ignite wood drenched with water. In the end, he ascended into heaven in a chariot of fire.
Not the least of Elijah’s miracles was his strength of character. He was determined and resolute. He understood his purpose and lived according to his beliefs. He challenged the Israelites with a question that resonates through the ages: “How long halt ye between two opinions?”¹
In our time, we have more choices, more opportunities, more freedom than ever. And yet, how easily we get stuck between two opinions. Our indecision then becomes a choice of its own, as circumstances often make the choice for us. And sometimes we spend days, weeks, and even years regretting such moments of weakness.
On the other hand, when we demonstrate strength of character and become more resolute, choosing wisely, we take responsibility for our choices and begin to recognize purpose in our life. We may not be able to call down fire from heaven, but we can seek divine guidance. As we do, we’ll feel good about right decisions and uneasy about wrong ones. But first, we must decide.
Of course, we need to be thoughtful and wise. Hasty decisions can be as tragic as delayed ones. So think it through, and then heed the timeless counsel to “choose you this day,”² not putting off until tomorrow or next year what needs to be decided today.
Program #4054
¹1 Kings 18:21.
²Joshua 24:15; italics added.
Music & the Spoken Word
A program of inspirational music and spoken word.