Who is that Man?

Today's Verse:

And he said unto them, What manner of man was he which came up to meet you, and told you these words? ~2 Kings 1:7 

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Our church has been blessed by God with weekly visitors for many years. It is a blessing to look out among the congregation and see many new faces. Oftentimes, I will ask one of our core leaders, “Do you know who that man or woman is?” They will reply, “Which man or woman are you referring to?” I then try to distinguish the visitor by whom they might be sitting nearest to or by the color of their clothing. The king of Israel asked one of his servants, “What manner of man was he which came up to meet you, and told you these words? “ 

The man was identified by his vow. 

He is described as a hairy man. Elijah wore an outer garment made of camel hair. This identified him as a man who spent time outdoors and was from an area where men were considered rugged. It also identified him as a prophet of God. As a prophet of God, he served under a vow as God’s messenger. He brought God’s Word to the people. During that time, the prophets of God were distinguished from the prophets of Baal by their appearance. Elijah’s appearance made it very clear that he was separated to the service of the Lord. Make sure that the way you dress and do your business communicates to people that you are a Christian who serves the Lord. 

The man was identified by his virtue. 

He wore a girdle made of leather. A girdle was worn about the waist and was necessary for pulling up and tightening the garments when walking and running. This prevented the garment from getting in the man’s way and making him prone to tripping or falling. Girding up the lions symbolically tells us we need to tighten our thoughts and intents of the heart. We must be careful not to let our desires and thoughts be loose and impede our walk and service to the Lord. God’s men should be men who are holy in their thoughts, hearts, and words. 

This man was identified by his voice. 

“What manner of man was he which came up to meet you, and told you these words?” The nature of the message was clear, convicting, and concise. It was not a message that beat around the bush. There was authority attached to this message. The words did not sound like one of the watered-down, people-pleasing messages spoken by the prophets of Baal. The message we proclaim tells men that there is a Hell to shun and a Heaven to gain. It tells men, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Our message is spiritual, sobering, and Spirit-led. 

This man was identified by his veracity. 

“And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.” Elijah was this man! His message was all truth. God confirmed the authority and authenticity of Elijah by bringing fire down from Heaven and consuming the captain and his fifty men. The message of God should have fire in it. It is a consuming message. It is a convicting message. It is a cleansing message. It is a converting message. The third captain and his fifty submitted to the authority of God and Elijah. There was no mistake about it: Elijah was the man! 

Make sure that the marks in your life identify you as a Christian who loves God and lives for Him. 

Have a Christ-like God Morning! 

 Reading Schedule: 1 Chronicles 21-24

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