Day 99 -1 Kings 17-19, Psalm 99

In the next few chapters, we find ourselves in Isreal (North). In 1 Kings 17, Elijah bursts onto the scene in dramatic fashion, declaring a drought in Israel because of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel’s sin. This is the first time we see the prophet Elijah! God then sends Elijah into hiding, first by the brook of Kerith, where ravens feed him, a supernatural form of daily provision. When the brook dries up, God sends him to a widow in Zarephath, a Gentile woman with almost nothing. Yet through Elijah, her jar of flour and jug of oil never ran out. Later, her son dies, and Elijah prays earnestly, God raises the boy from the dead. This is the first recorded resurrection in Scripture.

In 1 Kings 18, Elijah comes out of hiding for a dramatic confrontation with King Ahab. On Mount Carmel, he challenges 450 prophets of Baal to a spiritual duel. They call on Baal all day, nothing happens. Elijah then soaks his altar in water, prays a simple prayer, and God sends fire from heaven.

In 1 Kings 19, After his greatest victory, Elijah faces Jezebel’s death threat and crashes emotionally. He runs into the wilderness and prays to die. Elijah feels completely alone and exhausted. God meets him with a gentle whisper.

Psalm 99 opens with: The Lord reigns; let the nations tremble. What does it take you to tremble? How does fear govern your life? Psalm 99 is a declaration of God's sovereignty. This Psalm reminds us that even when life feels unjust or chaotic, God is still on the throne.