A Tishbite from Gilead. We know nothing of his family or background. He bursts onto the scene fully formed, like a storm. He lived during the reign of Ahab and Jezebel, the darkest spiritual time in Israel's history.

He wore a garment of hair and a leather belt (2 Kings 1:8). He was a man of the wilderness, not the city. He was formed by isolation and austerity.

He was formed by The Secret Place. Before he spoke to the King, he stood before God. His opening words define his life: "As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve..."

He was shaped by humility. The great prophet had to depend on a starving Gentile widow for food. He learned that God's power works through the "jar of flour" that does not run dry.

1. The Drought (Prayer).
2. The Ravens (Trust).
3. Mt. Carmel (Fire).
4. The Cave (Whisper).
5. The Mantle (Succession).

The Troubler of Israel. Elijah was the "conscience" of the nation. He carried the burden of confronting a culture that had totally abandoned God. He stood alone when 7,000 others were silent.

He provided The Fire. He proved that Yahweh is God and Baal is nothing. He turned the hearts of the people back to the fathers (Malachi 4:6).

The "Remnant." The 7,000 who had not bowed the knee to Baal needed a voice to rally around.

He represents the Prophetic Office. He appeared with Moses (The Law) on the Mount of Transfiguration to testify to Jesus.

He broke under Exhaustion and Isolation. After his greatest victory (Carmel), a single threat from Jezebel sent him running. He believed the lie: "I am the only one left." He lost his perspective.

He held fast to Zeal. "I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty." Even in his depression, his heart burned for God's honor. He never compromised with idols.