1 Kings 18:45 – And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain.
God, through Elijah, said it would not rain until God gave the word (1 Kings 17:1), and after three years, God said that time had come (1 Kings 18:1). After God defeated and Elijah destroyed the 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah, the prophet knelt likely in prayer atop the battle scene of Mount Carmel that was believed to be the seat of the defeated demon gods.
The monsoon rain begins with a single cloud rising out of the sea, seen by Elijah’s “servant” who is mentioned for the first time. Elijah’s servant tells King Ahab that there is a narrow window to return to the palace on his horse drawn chariot before the water makes travel impossible. We are then told, “the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain” (1 Kings 18:45).
Amazingly, Elijah passes King Ahab as they race to escape the floodwaters that likely felt a bit like the days of Noah. Elijah the prophet outran the horse pulling the king’s chariot because “…the hand of the LORD was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.” (1 Kings 18:46). This is a run of at least 10 miles over some rough terrain made possible by a supernatural miracle of God.
In the life of Elijah, we see miracles. God stopped the rain for three years in answering Elijah’s prayer. At the widow of Zarephath’s house, her oil and flour supply were supernaturally renewed daily, and her dead son was brought back to life, which was a miracle that had never happened previously. On Mount Carmel, God sent fire from Heaven. Then, God sent the rain in response to Elijah’s prayer, which was another first-time miracle, and Elijah outran a horse to escape the ensuing floodwaters.
How have you seen God show up in powerful ways in your life or the life of someone you know?
Text DEVOS to 99383 to be woken up with bold, unapologetic Bible teaching straight to your phone Monday-Friday bright and early. Click here to download a free Elijah study guide and find the sermons that accompany these Devos .