Are you demonstrating humility with your power? (103-2)

Great humility keeps a leader from abusing great power. Read 2 Kings 1:1-17.

Ahaziah became king of Israel after his father Ahab died. He suffered a serious injury from a fall and was so concerned that he may not live that he sent messengers to inquire of the false god Baal-Zebub concerning his recovery. This act of inquiring of a false god angered the Lord who sent Elijah to intercept the messengers and send a message to Ahaziah that he in fact would not live. Ahaziah wanted to hear this directly from Elijah so he sent some soldiers to physically escort him to his bedside.

Two different groups of soldiers arrived and made some harsh demands of Elijah, but Elijah called down fire and burned them where they stood. When the third group arrived they humbled themselves before God’s prophet and requested that Elijah accompany them to meet with the king. He went peacefully with the soldiers and informed Ahaziah directly of the information God had for him.

Elijah had great power from God but demonstrated humility and restraint in how that power was used. Leaders in positions of authority can learn from Elijah’s actions:

• When Elijah met the king’s messengers on their way to Baal-Zebub he simply delivered the message God gave to him and sent the messengers back to the king. He could have made a flashy demonstration of his power to impress them so his message would have added credibility but he simply delivered the message.
• Often leaders with power use that power to gain resources. Elijah maintained a simple lifestyle as seen by the description of Elijah given to the king by the returning messengers.
• When the third group of soldiers spoke to Elijah in civil tones he went with them to meet with the king. He could have been so arrogant that he forced the king to come to him but he went willingly, demonstrating the king’s authority to request his presence.
• He did not take credit for words the Lord had spoken for Ahaziah. Elijah gave full credit for the words to the Lord demonstrating his position and God’s position.

Matthew 20:25-28 “Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”