Followers of Jesus are called to look like their master. The amazing--perhaps incredible--testimony of scripture is that we should be
conformed to his image. For many believers this seems too high, too difficult, just plain impossible to imagine.
If we are overwhelmed by the call to imitate the Lord himself, perhaps we could find a more accessible role model? Could we choose another mentor, perhaps a pastor, a friend, or an older brother? The book of James had a remarkable suggestion: consider Elijah. “
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.” (James 5: 16–18) James, the brother of Jesus, surely must have struggled with the disparity between his actions and those of Jesus, yet he closes his letter with a suggestion that would seem still unattainable by most believers today. Who is greater, Jesus, or Elijah? Of course, we know the answer. So shouldn’t Elijah’s life of faith and practice be more attainable than that of Jesus?
“Elijah was a man just like us.” How many of us believe that? True, he was subject to uncertainty, perhaps even bouts with depression. While this similarity might resonate with us, he also miraculously multiplied food, called down fire from heaven, and raised the dead. Elijah’s life story involves a supernatural prayer life capable of changing weather patterns. Elijah was a man like us? If James seriously attempted to lower the bar by suggesting a mere human as a mentor, we are still left standing and staring at the height of the bar.
It’s a mediation worthy of the week ahead. May I suggest these questions: how are we to understand, interpret or adapt his life to our experience? What would be the response of our family or friends if we maintained that we were just like Elijah? If transformation into Christlikeness seems impossible, does Elijah’s life seem any more attainable?
Thursday’s post will return to Elijah. But in the meantime perhaps your comments can stimulate the discussion. I’m curious to read your thoughts--see you Thursday.
