He was the last prophet faithful to God in a kingdom with a weak and indecisive king influenced by the cunning queen Jezebel. The Pagan religion introduced by the queen had spread widely; the people of Israel had left the faith of their fathers. Elijah the prophet offered a kind of competition between himself and the pagan priests. The sacrifice offered by the latter appeared to be in vain despite long prayers: the heavens didn’t answer. Elijah the prophet was more successful: after his prayer fire from heaven devoured his sacrifice. As a result 400 pagan priests were caught and killed at once. It was a great triumph for Elijah. But when the infuriated queen promised revenge, this poor man got scared and escaped asking God to take his life away. His success turned into a personal disaster. Eventually he reached a sacred mountain Horeb, the place where God had made the covenant with Moses and Israel.
Last Sunday we heard about Jesus’ triumph, when he multiplied bread, feeding over 5,000 people following him. They were so amazed by that miracle they wanted to pronounce Jesus a king. But he decided to step back; he climbed the mountain far from the cheering crowd. Perhaps some modern public relations experts would say that he missed his best chance to seize power. Jesus’ teachings would not attract the crowds later on. As it turned out he ended up as a criminal abandoned by friends and crucified by the Romans.
Both stories look quite similar: great triumphs, admiration of the crowds, fame and power at the fingertips. There is just one difference between Elijah and Jesus: the first one didn’t manage to deal with the queen’s threat; the second one decided to move aside. They both went to the mountain – Elijah the prophet forcibly, Christ the Lord willingly – to ponder over their achievements in prayer. As a result Elijah regained peace of mind, Jesus remained cool; and then both accomplished their missions.
Nowadays we have too many examples among politicians, businessmen, artists and celebrities who weren’t able to cope with their fame, wealth, power, and popularity. They have developed some serious addictions, or a sense of impunity, or frustration… Unfortunately this might also relate to us, ordinary people. High or low self-esteem can be similarly dangerous either for ourselves or the people we live with. Inability to make right decisions or making them under an impulse has ruined too many lives and families. Proper prayer helps us to see ourselves in the right perspective. It leads us to look for good solutions to our problems and to seek compromise with others. Prayer doesn’t guarantee good life; but dramatically increases the chance to have one.