“They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run
and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
As we read of this great event in the life of Daniel we are reminded of a close parallel that ended with very different results. As we compare the two events and prophets there are lessons to be learned to help us in our walk with the Lord.
The prophets Elijah was a prophet of God to the northern kingdom of Israel two hundred and fifty years before Daniel became a Jewish slave in the land of Babylon.
Their age Daniel was a young man in his earl twenties. Elijah’s age is unknown.
Their background Both prophets appear to have been raised in Godly families.
The kings Elijah faces an idolatrous cruel Jewish king, Ahab, who was one of the most evil kings in Israel. Daniel faces Nebuchadnezzar, the powerful, cruel and idolatrous king of Babylon.
Their current situation Elijah appears before the king to prove God is the living and true God. Daniel appears before the king for the same purpose.
The Prophets’ desire Elijah desires revival in the land of Israel. Daniel is trying to save his and the other wise men’s lives by interpreting God’s dream.
The Prophets preparation We find both prophets praying for God to intervene.
The message Both prophets proclaim to the kings that what they are about to see and hear can only come from the living and true God of Israel. They both give God all the praise and glory.
God’s intervention God sends fire from heaven and rain from clear skies in front of King Ahab. God sends Daniel the dream He had revealed to Nebuchadnezzar and the interpretation of that dream.
The kings’ reaction Ahab is not impressed and refuses to give credit to God for His miracles. Nebuchadnezzar praises the God of Daniel and agrees He is the king of King and Lord of Lords. Ahab and Jezebel threaten to kill Elijah. Daniel receives great rewards and a promotion into the King’s court.
The prophets’ reaction Elijah is fearful, ready to leave God’s service, runs for his life and believes he is the only believer left in all of Israel. Daniel accepts the gifts and promotion of the wicked king and asks for his three friends to be promoted as well.
What can we learn? We see similarities in the prophets. Both want God’s will done, both are willing to serve him no matter the cost, both ask and trust God to do the impossible, both engage in fervent prayer, both have no fear in front of wicked kings, both see God answer their prayers and both see their kings not trust in the living and true God.
What was the major difference? Daniel realized that the result was up to God. He could only obey God and then accept what God chooses to do. Elijah felt the responsibility for success was his. The king rejecting God was his fault.
If we are to serve God we must accept God is sovereign and in control. In both cases God answered the prophet’s prayers and both kings came to know God –but in God’s timing. Never take on
yourself what is God’s responsibility alone – let God be God in His timing and way.