RUSSELL SANDERS
4-26-2024
JESUS’ PRE-INCARNATION MANIFESTATIONS PART 14 OF 14 ELIJAH’S FLIGHT

1 Kings chapter 18 tells of Elijah’s conquest of over 450 prophets of Baal at an altar. After the victory he killed those prophets of Baal. In chapter 19, Jezebel learns of this defeat and threatens to kill him. Elijah runs for his life, full of fear (1 Kings 19:4) and eventually came to Mount Sinai (Mt. Horeb), the mountain of God, (vs. 8) and hid himself in a cave.

This journey to the cave brought Elijah to a pity party (vs. 5). An angel touched him and spoke to Elijah. In verse 7 it says, “And the angel of the LORD came again the second time and touched him” and gave him instructions.

Scholars generally agree that this event was another theophany. So, why would Elijah’s discouragement be so important to God that Jesus would actually appear to him? God was not finished with him. There was still work to do.

Elijah’s ministry came during the evil reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Nearly all Israel was deep into idol worship. Elijah preached faithfully despite knowing the king and queen wanted to kill him and constantly pursued him. He performed seven mighty miracles that are recorded in scripture.

It was after his ministry was fulfilled that we can see just how special he was to cause Jesus to physically appear to him in person. Here are three indications:

1. Elijah did not die. He was transported to heaven in a chariot of fire.

2. He appeared with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration witnessed by Peter, James, and John.

3. The Prophecy of Messiah’s forerunner would come in the spirit of Elijah. This was fulfilled through John the Baptist.

In conclusion of this series, may I point out that there are other scriptural references to “the angel of the LORD,” so these few may not be the only pre-incarnate theophanies of Jesus. He has always made himself known to mankind in various ways. The world has never been without Jesus’ witness. Now, we are in the New Covenant relationship where the Holy Spirit resides within us. We are the living witness to the living God, the life of Christ within us.

He is the light of the world, and that light shines from within us as his witness.