Original subtitles

Before me,

Before me,

Before me, there was a man.

there was a man.

there was a man. A man

A man

A man who did not fear kings. [music]

who did not fear kings. [music]

who did not fear kings. [music] In an age when kings bowed before idols

In an age when kings bowed before idols

In an age when kings bowed before idols carved by human hands, [music] and the

carved by human hands, [music] and the

carved by human hands, [music] and the people, little by little, forgot the

people, little by little, forgot the

people, little by little, forgot the name of the one who had delivered them.

A voice began to rise. Not in palaces,

A voice began to rise. Not in palaces,

A voice began to rise. Not in palaces, not in temples, but in the harsh silence

not in temples, but in the harsh silence

not in temples, but in the harsh silence of the desert. It was a voice like

of the desert. It was a voice like

of the desert. It was a voice like distant thunder,

distant thunder,

distant thunder, carrying authority, as if heaven itself

carrying authority, as if heaven itself

carrying authority, as if heaven itself had chosen to break the silence.

had chosen to break the silence.

had chosen to break the silence. Elijah,

Elijah,

Elijah, the prophet of fire.

the prophet of fire.

the prophet of fire. He did not seek approval. He did not

He did not seek approval. He did not

He did not seek approval. He did not fear kings. And he did not compromise

fear kings. And he did not compromise

fear kings. And he did not compromise truth.

truth.

truth. Before a corrupted nation, Elijah became

Before a corrupted nation, Elijah became

Before a corrupted nation, Elijah became like a line drawn [music] in the sand.

like a line drawn [music] in the sand.

like a line drawn [music] in the sand. On one side, the living God.

On one side, the living God.

On one side, the living God. On the other, everything that had

On the other, everything that had

On the other, everything that had replaced [music] him.

replaced [music] him.

replaced [music] him. He confronted kings. He challenged false

He confronted kings. He challenged false

He confronted kings. He challenged false prophets. And he cried out to the

prophets. And he cried out to the

prophets. And he cried out to the heavens

heavens

heavens >> [music]

>> [music]

>> [music] >> until the impossible happened.

>> [music]

>> [music] >> On the heights of Mount Carmel, before

>> On the heights of Mount Carmel, before

>> On the heights of Mount Carmel, before the eyes of a divided crowd, he lifted

the eyes of a divided crowd, he lifted

the eyes of a divided crowd, he lifted his voice,

his voice,

his voice, and fire answered.

and fire answered.

and fire answered. Flames descended from heaven as a divine

Flames descended from heaven as a divine

Flames descended from heaven as a divine response. They consumed the altar, the

response. They consumed the altar, the

response. They consumed the altar, the water, even [music] the stones. An

water, even [music] the stones. An

water, even [music] the stones. An undeniable sign that the God of Israel

undeniable sign that the God of Israel

undeniable sign that the God of Israel still reigns.

still reigns.

still reigns. But Elijah's journey [music] was not

But Elijah's journey [music] was not

But Elijah's journey [music] was not built on visible miracles alone.

built on visible miracles alone.

built on visible miracles alone. It was marked by silent persecution,

It was marked by silent persecution,

It was marked by silent persecution, by flight, by moments of deep solitude,

by flight, by moments of deep solitude,

by flight, by moments of deep solitude, and encounters with the presence of God

and encounters with the presence of God

and encounters with the presence of God so intense, they could not be described

so intense, they could not be described

so intense, they could not be described with words.

with words.

with words. And when his mission reached its peak,

And when his mission reached its peak,

And when his mission reached its peak, he did not taste death like other men.

he did not taste death like other men.

he did not taste death like other men. There was no tomb,

There was no tomb,

There was no tomb, no mourning.

no mourning.

no mourning. There was fire.

There was fire.

There was fire. A chariot of flame cut through the

A chariot of flame cut through the

A chariot of flame cut through the heavens.

heavens.

heavens. Horses like living fire crossed the

Horses like living fire crossed the

Horses like living fire crossed the horizon, and Elijah was taken [music]

horizon, and Elijah was taken [music]

horizon, and Elijah was taken [music] alive beyond human reach into eternity.

This is not the story of an ordinary

This is not the story of an ordinary

This is not the story of an ordinary man.

man.

man. This is the story of a prophet.

This is the story of a prophet.

This is the story of a prophet. This is the story of Elijah,

This is the story of Elijah,

This is the story of Elijah, the prophet of fire.

The land of Israel had been plunged into

The land of Israel had been plunged into

The land of Israel had been plunged into darkness,

darkness,

darkness, spiritual darkness.

spiritual darkness.

spiritual darkness. Its streets, which once echoed with

Its streets, which once echoed with

Its streets, which once echoed with praises to the living God, were now

praises to the living God, were now

praises to the living God, were now contaminated.

contaminated.

contaminated. Altars dedicated to Baal sprang up like

Altars dedicated to Baal sprang up like

Altars dedicated to Baal sprang up like scars on the land.

scars on the land.

scars on the land. The incense no longer rose to heaven in

The incense no longer rose to heaven in

The incense no longer rose to heaven in honor of Jehovah,

honor of Jehovah,

honor of Jehovah, but mingled with distorted chants,

but mingled with distorted chants,

but mingled with distorted chants, profane dances, and rituals that had

profane dances, and rituals that had

profane dances, and rituals that had nothing holy about them.

nothing holy about them.

nothing holy about them. In the fields, where [music] once the

In the fields, where [music] once the

In the fields, where [music] once the goodness of the creator was remembered,

goodness of the creator was remembered,

goodness of the creator was remembered, another cry was heard. Baal,

another cry was heard. Baal,

another cry was heard. Baal, hear us.

hear us.

hear us. Baal, send us rain.

Baal, send us rain.

Baal, send us rain. The people had exchanged the source for

The people had exchanged the source for

The people had exchanged the source for illusion,

illusion,

illusion, the covenant for deception.

the covenant for deception.

the covenant for deception. They called upon a god who promised

They called upon a god who promised

They called upon a god who promised fertility,

fertility,

fertility, but could not answer.

but could not answer.

but could not answer. And while this happened, the voices

And while this happened, the voices

And while this happened, the voices [music] of the true prophets were

[music] of the true prophets were

[music] of the true prophets were silenced.

silenced.

silenced. Not by argument,

Not by argument,

Not by argument, but by blood.

At the center of it all, one figure

At the center of it all, one figure

At the center of it all, one figure stood.

stood.

stood. Jezebel, [music]

Jezebel, [music]

Jezebel, [music] determined,

determined,

determined, relentless. With unyielding hands and a

relentless. With unyielding hands and a

relentless. With unyielding hands and a hard and heart, she imposed her foreign

hard and heart, she imposed her foreign

hard and heart, she imposed her foreign religion [music] upon the entire nation.

And Israel

And Israel

And Israel bowed.

It was in this moment that he appeared.

It was in this moment that he appeared.

It was in this moment that he appeared. Unannounced, unexpected.

Unannounced, unexpected.

Unannounced, unexpected. Like a man shaped by the mountains

Like a man shaped by the mountains

Like a man shaped by the mountains themselves.

themselves.

themselves. Rough as the desert, unshaken as the

Rough as the desert, unshaken as the

Rough as the desert, unshaken as the rocks of Gilead.

rocks of Gilead.

rocks of Gilead. His face, marked by sun and time,

His face, marked by sun and time,

His face, marked by sun and time, carried something uncommon.

carried something uncommon.

carried something uncommon. Not just endurance,

Not just endurance,

Not just endurance, conviction.

conviction.

conviction. The certainty of one who lives in the

The certainty of one who lives in the

The certainty of one who lives in the presence of the most high.

presence of the most high.

presence of the most high. His steps were not hurried,

His steps were not hurried,

His steps were not hurried, but they carried weight.

Every movement echoed something greater

Every movement echoed something greater

Every movement echoed something greater than himself.

And then,

And then,

And then, he entered.

he entered.

he entered. Through the palace halls, guards glanced

Through the palace halls, guards glanced

Through the palace halls, guards glanced at one another, [music] confused. Yet no

at one another, [music] confused. Yet no

at one another, [music] confused. Yet no one dared stop him.

one dared stop him.

one dared stop him. There was something about him that

There was something about him that

There was something about him that commanded silence without a word.

commanded silence without a word.

commanded silence without a word. His gaze cut through the room like

His gaze cut through the room like

His gaze cut through the room like lightning,

lightning,

lightning, and stopped before the throne.

and stopped before the throne.

and stopped before the throne. Ahab, king of Israel.

Ahab, king of Israel.

Ahab, king of Israel. Elijah did not bow.

Elijah did not bow.

Elijah did not bow. He did not ask permission.

He did not ask permission.

He did not ask permission. He did not soften his words.

He did not soften his words.

He did not soften his words. With a voice stronger than any storm, he

With a voice stronger than any storm, he

With a voice stronger than any storm, he declared,

declared,

declared, As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel

As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel

As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand,

lives, before whom I stand,

lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither rain nor dew

there will be neither rain nor dew

there will be neither rain nor dew [music] in these years, except by my

[music] in these years, except by my

[music] in these years, except by my word.

word.

word. The effect [music] was immediate.

The effect [music] was immediate.

The effect [music] was immediate. Silence fell like a blow, heavy,

Silence fell like a blow, heavy,

Silence fell like a blow, heavy, sharp.

sharp.

sharp. Jezebel's lips tightened. Ahab's face

Jezebel's lips tightened. Ahab's face

Jezebel's lips tightened. Ahab's face hardened.

hardened.

hardened. This was not a warning.

This was not a warning.

This was not a warning. It was a decree.

It was a decree.

It was a decree. The god of rain had been challenged and

The god of rain had been challenged and

The god of rain had been challenged and exposed.

exposed.

exposed. The land would close, the heavens

The land would close, the heavens

The land would close, the heavens not by human will,

not by human will,

not by human will, but by the word of the living God.

but by the word of the living God.

but by the word of the living God. And before any command was given, before

And before any command was given, before

And before any command was given, before the guards could react,

the guards could react,

the guards could react, Elijah was gone

Elijah was gone

Elijah was gone as suddenly as he had appeared.

as suddenly as he had appeared.

as suddenly as he had appeared. Who does he think he is to speak to me

Who does he think he is to speak to me

Who does he think he is to speak to me like that?

like that?

like that? I don't know, my lord.

But his words had done more than

But his words had done more than

But his words had done more than confront a king.

confront a king.

confront a king. They planted unrest, [music]

They planted unrest, [music]

They planted unrest, [music] confusion, and a fear no one dared name.

confusion, and a fear no one dared name.

confusion, and a fear no one dared name. Meanwhile, far from the eyes of the

Meanwhile, far from the eyes of the

Meanwhile, far from the eyes of the palace,

palace,

palace, God was leading his prophet

God was leading his prophet

God was leading his prophet into the hidden, into the silence,

into the hidden, into the silence,

into the hidden, into the silence, [music]

[music]

[music] into a place forgotten by men, the brook

into a place forgotten by men, the brook

into a place forgotten by men, the brook of Cherith, east [music] of the Jordan.

of Cherith, east [music] of the Jordan.

of Cherith, east [music] of the Jordan. There,

There,

There, where there were no crowds,

where there were no crowds,

where there were no crowds, no applause,

no applause,

no applause, no human witnesses,

no human witnesses,

no human witnesses, Elijah learned something deeper.

Elijah learned something deeper.

Elijah learned something deeper. The faithfulness of God

The faithfulness of God

The faithfulness of God in the secret place.

The brook flowed quietly between the

The brook flowed quietly between the

The brook flowed quietly between the stones, and with every sunrise and every

stones, and with every sunrise and every

stones, and with every sunrise and every sunset,

sunset,

sunset, something unlikely happened.

something unlikely happened.

something unlikely happened. Ravens,

Ravens,

Ravens, creatures considered unclean, descended

creatures considered unclean, descended

creatures considered unclean, descended from the sky.

from the sky.

from the sky. They landed among the rocks, and carried

They landed among the rocks, and carried

They landed among the rocks, and carried in their beaks bread and meat.

in their beaks bread and meat.

in their beaks bread and meat. Heaven sustained the prophet

Heaven sustained the prophet

Heaven sustained the prophet in a way no one could have imagined.

in a way no one could have imagined.

in a way no one could have imagined. Rejected creatures became instruments of

Rejected creatures became instruments of

Rejected creatures became instruments of divine provision.

divine provision.

divine provision. Elijah sat by the brook, eating the

Elijah sat by the brook, eating the

Elijah sat by the brook, eating the bread in silent [music] reverence.

bread in silent [music] reverence.

bread in silent [music] reverence. It was not just food.

It was not just food.

It was not just food. It was a reminder.

It was a reminder.

It was a reminder. The same God who shuts the heavens is

The same God who shuts the heavens is

The same God who shuts the heavens is the God who sustains his own when

the God who sustains his own when

the God who sustains his own when everything around them begins to dry.

everything around them begins to dry.

everything around them begins to dry. The sound of the water running through

The sound of the water running through

The sound of the water running through the stones grew weaker day after day,

the stones grew weaker day after day,

the stones grew weaker day after day, more distant, until what once flowed

more distant, until what once flowed

more distant, until what once flowed strong became only a thread.

strong became only a thread.

strong became only a thread. Elijah watched,

Elijah watched,

Elijah watched, not with despair,

not with despair,

not with despair, but with understanding.

but with understanding.

but with understanding. The drought was not [music] symbolic.

The drought was not [music] symbolic.

The drought was not [music] symbolic. It was not only spiritual.

It was not only spiritual.

It was not only spiritual. It was real.

It was real.

It was real. It moved across the land like a silent

It moved across the land like a silent

It moved across the land like a silent judgment,

judgment,

judgment, consuming fields, emptying springs,

consuming fields, emptying springs,

consuming fields, emptying springs, testing hearts.

Until finally,

Until finally,

Until finally, the brook dried up.

the brook dried up.

the brook dried up. No water,

No water,

No water, no sound.

no sound.

no sound. The provision of that place had come to

The provision of that place had come to

The provision of that place had come to an end.

an end.

an end. And then,

And then,

And then, the voice of the Lord came again. Not as

the voice of the Lord came again. Not as

the voice of the Lord came again. Not as a distant echo,

a distant echo,

a distant echo, but as clear direction.

but as clear direction.

but as clear direction. Elijah had to leave.

Elijah had to leave.

Elijah had to leave. His destination [music] was not Israel.

His destination [music] was not Israel.

His destination [music] was not Israel. It was Zarephath, a foreign land,

It was Zarephath, a foreign land,

It was Zarephath, a foreign land, Sidon,

Sidon,

Sidon, the very place from which [music]

the very place from which [music]

the very place from which [music] Jezebel had brought the idolatry that

Jezebel had brought the idolatry that

Jezebel had brought the idolatry that corrupted the nation.

corrupted the nation.

corrupted the nation. God did not send him to [music] a king,

God did not send him to [music] a king,

God did not send him to [music] a king, not to a priest, not to a powerful man,

not to a priest, not to a powerful man,

not to a priest, not to a powerful man, but to a widow,

but to a widow,

but to a widow, poor,

poor,

poor, unknown,

unknown,

unknown, and by every human measure unable to

and by every human measure unable to

and by every human measure unable to sustain anyone,

sustain anyone,

sustain anyone, much less a prophet.

much less a prophet.

much less a prophet. When Elijah arrived, the scene was

When Elijah arrived, the scene was

When Elijah arrived, the scene was simple,

simple,

simple, almost silent.

almost silent.

almost silent. At the entrance of the village, he saw

At the entrance of the village, he saw

At the entrance of the village, he saw her,

her,

her, bent over, gathering sticks,

bent over, gathering sticks,

bent over, gathering sticks, the last ones.

the last ones.

the last ones. With a steady voice, without [music]

With a steady voice, without [music]

With a steady voice, without [music] harshness, he said,

"Please, bring me some water and also a

"Please, bring me some water and also a

"Please, bring me some water and also a piece of bread."

piece of bread."

piece of bread." "As surely as the Lord your God lives, I

"As surely as the Lord your God lives, I

"As surely as the Lord your God lives, I have no bread.

have no bread.

have no bread. I only have a handful of flour

I only have a handful of flour

I only have a handful of flour and a little olive oil.

and a little olive oil.

and a little olive oil. I'm gathering these sticks to prepare

I'm gathering these sticks to prepare

I'm gathering these sticks to prepare our last meal."

our last meal."

our last meal." There was no drama,

There was no drama,

There was no drama, only reality, raw,

only reality, raw,

only reality, raw, final.

final.

final. But Elijah did not step [music] back

But Elijah did not step [music] back

But Elijah did not step [music] back because he was not speaking from

because he was not speaking from

because he was not speaking from himself.

himself.

himself. Something greater [music] carried his

Something greater [music] carried his

Something greater [music] carried his words.

words.

words. "Do not be afraid."

"Do not be afraid."

"Do not be afraid." Those three words broke the weight of

Those three words broke the weight of

Those three words broke the weight of that moment.

that moment.

that moment. "Do as you said, but first,

"Do as you said, but first,

"Do as you said, but first, make me a small loaf of bread

make me a small loaf of bread

make me a small loaf of bread >> [music]

>> [music]

>> [music] >> and then some for yourself and your son.

>> and then some for yourself and your son.

>> and then some for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord says,

For this is what the Lord says,

For this is what the Lord says, the jar of flour will not be used up

the jar of flour will not be used up

the jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will [music] not run

and the jug of oil will [music] not run

and the jug of oil will [music] not run dry

dry

dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the

until the day the Lord sends rain on the

until the day the Lord sends rain on the land."

land."

land." Time seemed to stop.

Time seemed to stop.

Time seemed to stop. The wind fell silent.

The wind fell silent.

The wind fell silent. The quiet became almost tangible.

The quiet became almost tangible.

The quiet became almost tangible. She stood before a choice

She stood before a choice

She stood before a choice between what she could see

between what she could see

between what she could see and what had been spoken,

and what had been spoken,

and what had been spoken, between the logic of scarcity [music]

between the logic of scarcity [music]

between the logic of scarcity [music] and the possibility of a miracle.

and the possibility of a miracle.

and the possibility of a miracle. Her hands trembled,

Her hands trembled,

Her hands trembled, but

but

but she obeyed.

she obeyed.

she obeyed. And in that silent act of faith,

And in that silent act of faith,

And in that silent act of faith, the impossible began.

the impossible began.

the impossible began. The jar never became empty. The jug

The jar never became empty. The jug

The jar never became empty. The jug never ran dry.

never ran dry.

never ran dry. Day after day, when her hand reached

Day after day, when her hand reached

Day after day, when her hand reached into [music] the flour,

into [music] the flour,

into [music] the flour, there was still more.

there was still more.

there was still more. When she poured the oil,

When she poured the oil,

When she poured the oil, it flowed.

it flowed.

it flowed. While the land around her was fading,

While the land around her was fading,

While the land around her was fading, while entire nations felt [music] the

while entire nations felt [music] the

while entire nations felt [music] the weight of famine,

weight of famine,

weight of famine, inside that simple house,

inside that simple house,

inside that simple house, there was bread

there was bread

there was bread every day.

every day.

every day. Not in overwhelming abundance, but in

Not in overwhelming abundance, but in

Not in overwhelming abundance, but in provision,

provision,

provision, enough,

enough,

enough, constant,

constant,

constant, faithful.

faithful.

faithful. But the work of God

But the work of God

But the work of God was not yet finished

was not yet finished

was not yet finished because the faith that is sustained

because the faith that is sustained

because the faith that is sustained must also be tested.

must also be tested.

must also be tested. The widow's son fell ill, suddenly,

The widow's son fell ill, suddenly,

The widow's son fell ill, suddenly, severely, until

severely, until

severely, until his breath stopped.

his breath stopped.

his breath stopped. The silence of death filled the room.

The silence of death filled the room.

The silence of death filled the room. And then,

And then,

And then, the cry,

the cry,

the cry, a deep cry tearing through the air,

a deep cry tearing through the air,

a deep cry tearing through the air, a mother's pain.

a mother's pain.

a mother's pain. And with it,

And with it,

And with it, questions,

questions,

questions, hard questions.

hard questions.

hard questions. "Did you come to me to remind me of my

"Did you come to me to remind me of my

"Did you come to me to remind me of my sins

sins

sins and to make my son die?"

Faith was now confronted by sorrow.

Faith was now confronted by sorrow.

Faith was now confronted by sorrow. Elijah did not answer with arguments.

Elijah did not answer with arguments.

Elijah did not answer with arguments. He acted. He took the child in his arms,

He acted. He took the child in his arms,

He acted. He took the child in his arms, carried him upstairs, and laid him on

carried him upstairs, and laid him on

carried him upstairs, and laid him on his own bed.

his own bed.

his own bed. There, alone, he cried out, not as one

There, alone, he cried out, not as one

There, alone, he cried out, not as one repeating words, but as one pouring out

repeating words, but as one pouring out

repeating words, but as one pouring out his soul. "Oh Lord, my God, I implore

his soul. "Oh Lord, my God, I implore

his soul. "Oh Lord, my God, I implore you,

you,

you, give this child back his life."

give this child back his life."

give this child back his life." He stretched himself [music] over the

He stretched himself [music] over the

He stretched himself [music] over the boy once, twice, three times.

boy once, twice, three times.

boy once, twice, three times. And with each cry, heaven remained

And with each cry, heaven remained

And with each cry, heaven remained silent

silent

silent as though all creation was waiting

as though all creation was waiting

as though all creation was waiting until something changed. [music]

until something changed. [music]

until something changed. [music] The lifeless body responded.

The lifeless body responded.

The lifeless body responded. Breath returned. The chest rose. Life

Breath returned. The chest rose. Life

Breath returned. The chest rose. Life came back.

came back.

came back. Elijah lifted the boy, carried him

Elijah lifted the boy, carried him

Elijah lifted the boy, carried him downstairs, and placed [music] him in

downstairs, and placed [music] him in

downstairs, and placed [music] him in his mother's arms.

his mother's arms.

his mother's arms. There was no spectacle, no crowd,

There was no spectacle, no crowd,

There was no spectacle, no crowd, only truth.

only truth.

only truth. And in [music] that moment, the woman

And in [music] that moment, the woman

And in [music] that moment, the woman understood.

"Now I know

"Now I know

"Now I know that you are a man of God

that you are a man of God

that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord in your

and that the word of the Lord in your

and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is true."

mouth is true."

mouth is true." So began the ministry of Elijah [music]

So began the ministry of Elijah [music]

So began the ministry of Elijah [music] with a word that shut the heavens,

with a word that shut the heavens,

with a word that shut the heavens, with ravens [music] that fed him in the

with ravens [music] that fed him in the

with ravens [music] that fed him in the wilderness,

wilderness,

wilderness, with a foreign widow who witnessed daily

with a foreign widow who witnessed daily

with a foreign widow who witnessed daily provision,

provision,

provision, and with a child who returned from

and with a child who returned from

and with a child who returned from death.

death.

death. A prophet without a crown, without an

A prophet without a crown, without an

A prophet without a crown, without an army, without human support,

army, without human support,

army, without human support, yet sustained by the presence of the

yet sustained by the presence of the

yet sustained by the presence of the eternal God.

eternal God.

eternal God. Because when everything around seems to

Because when everything around seems to

Because when everything around seems to fall apart, God remains faithful,

fall apart, God remains faithful,

fall apart, God remains faithful, sustaining those who trust in him.

sustaining those who trust in him.

sustaining those who trust in him. And Elijah learned in Cherith and in

And Elijah learned in Cherith and in

And Elijah learned in Cherith and in Zarephath that the same hand that

Zarephath that the same hand that

Zarephath that the same hand that provides in secret

provides in secret

provides in secret is the same hand that sends him to

is the same hand that sends him to

is the same hand that sends him to confront kings.

confront kings.

confront kings. This is how men and women of God are

This is how men and women of God are

This is how men and women of God are forged, not in palaces, not in applause,

forged, not in palaces, not in applause,

forged, not in palaces, not in applause, but in the fire of testing [music]

but in the fire of testing [music]

but in the fire of testing [music] and in the simplicity of dependence.

and in the simplicity of dependence.

and in the simplicity of dependence. Three years,

Three years,

Three years, three long years of drought had passed

three long years of drought had passed

three long years of drought had passed over Israel like an invisible weight,

over Israel like an invisible weight,

over Israel like an invisible weight, yet devastating.

yet devastating.

yet devastating. The fields produced nothing,

The fields produced nothing,

The fields produced nothing, dust.

dust.

dust. The rivers no longer flowed. Only cracks

The rivers no longer flowed. Only cracks

The rivers no longer flowed. Only cracks split the earth.

split the earth.

split the earth. Cattle staggered [music] and fell

Cattle staggered [music] and fell

Cattle staggered [music] and fell beneath the relentless sun.

beneath the relentless sun.

beneath the relentless sun. The sky remained closed, still,

The sky remained closed, still,

The sky remained closed, still, silent.

silent.

silent. Baal, the god who claimed to control the

Baal, the god who claimed to control the

Baal, the god who claimed to control the rain,

rain,

rain, said nothing.

said nothing.

said nothing. No clouds, no drops,

No clouds, no drops,

No clouds, no drops, not even the morning dew dared to

not even the morning dew dared to

not even the morning dew dared to appear.

appear.

appear. Famine spread through the villages like

Famine spread through the villages like

Famine spread through the villages like a slow shadow.

a slow shadow.

a slow shadow. And still,

And still,

And still, the people did not return to the Lord.

the people did not return to the Lord.

the people did not return to the Lord. Then,

Then,

Then, the voice of God came again to Elijah,

the voice of God came again to Elijah,

the voice of God came again to Elijah, clear,

clear,

clear, direct.

direct.

direct. "Go,

"Go,

"Go, show yourself to Ahab,

show yourself to Ahab,

show yourself to Ahab, for I will send rain upon the earth."

for I will send rain upon the earth."

for I will send rain upon the earth." The one who had been hidden

The one who had been hidden

The one who had been hidden was now called to be revealed.

was now called to be revealed.

was now called to be revealed. The prophet stepped out of anonymity and

The prophet stepped out of anonymity and

The prophet stepped out of anonymity and walked back into the center of conflict.

walked back into the center of conflict.

walked back into the center of conflict. The encounter came quickly.

The encounter came quickly.

The encounter came quickly. When Ahab saw Elijah, the man who had

When Ahab saw Elijah, the man who had

When Ahab saw Elijah, the man who had shut the heavens with a single word,

shut the heavens with a single word,

shut the heavens with a single word, his eyes burned with anger.

his eyes burned with anger.

his eyes burned with anger. "Is it you, the one who troubles

"Is it you, the one who troubles

"Is it you, the one who troubles Israel?"

Israel?"

Israel?" "I have not troubled Israel,

"I have not troubled Israel,

"I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father's house, because

but you and your father's house, because

but you and your father's house, because you have abandoned the commandments of

you have abandoned the commandments of

you have abandoned the commandments of the Lord and followed the Baals."

the Lord and followed the Baals."

the Lord and followed the Baals." This was not just accusation, [music]

This was not just accusation, [music]

This was not just accusation, [music] it was revelation.

it was revelation.

it was revelation. And then, Elijah issued the challenge, a

And then, Elijah issued the challenge, a

And then, Elijah issued the challenge, a challenge that would echo [music]

challenge that would echo [music]

challenge that would echo [music] through generations.

through generations.

through generations. "Gather all Israel and gather on Mount

"Gather all Israel and gather on Mount

"Gather all Israel and gather on Mount Carmel, the 450 prophets of Baal and the

Carmel, the 450 prophets of Baal and the

Carmel, the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 [music] of Asherah."

400 [music] of Asherah."

400 [music] of Asherah." There, before everyone,

There, before everyone,

There, before everyone, it would be decided who is God.

it would be decided who is God.

it would be decided who is God. The day came

The day came

The day came and like an unavoidable call, the people

and like an unavoidable call, the people

and like an unavoidable call, the people ascended

ascended

ascended from cities, [music]

from cities, [music]

from cities, [music] from villages, from dry fields. Men,

from villages, from dry fields. Men,

from villages, from dry fields. Men, women, elders, all gathered to witness

women, elders, all gathered to witness

women, elders, all gathered to witness something [music] that could not be

something [music] that could not be

something [music] that could not be ignored.

ignored.

ignored. The prophets of Baal arrived in

The prophets of Baal arrived in

The prophets of Baal arrived in grandeur,

grandeur,

grandeur, ritual garments, confident eyes. They

ritual garments, confident eyes. They

ritual garments, confident eyes. They moved with the certainty of those who

moved with the certainty of those who

moved with the certainty of those who believed they were in control. [music]

believed they were in control. [music]

believed they were in control. [music] And Elijah stood alone,

And Elijah stood alone,

And Elijah stood alone, no army,

no army,

no army, no support.

no support.

no support. Just one man before a multitude.

Just one man before a multitude.

Just one man before a multitude. But when he rose,

But when he rose,

But when he rose, it was like a lion among men.

it was like a lion among men.

it was like a lion among men. "How long will you waver between two

"How long will you waver between two

"How long will you waver between two paths? If the Lord is God, follow him.

paths? If the Lord is God, follow him.

paths? If the Lord is God, follow him. But if Baal is God, follow him."

But if Baal is God, follow him."

But if Baal is God, follow him." The people remained silent.

The people remained silent.

The people remained silent. No answer, no reaction.

No answer, no reaction.

No answer, no reaction. Their indecision was visible.

Their indecision was visible.

Their indecision was visible. Two altars were prepared, one for Baal,

Two altars were prepared, one for Baal,

Two altars were prepared, one for Baal, one for the Lord.

one for the Lord.

one for the Lord. No human fire, no tricks, no

No human fire, no tricks, no

No human fire, no tricks, no interference.

interference.

interference. The rule was clear.

The rule was clear.

The rule was clear. The god who answers with fire,

The god who answers with fire,

The god who answers with fire, he is God.

he is God.

he is God. The prophets of Baal began from early

The prophets of Baal began from early

The prophets of Baal began from early morning, crying out, "Baal, answer us!"

morning, crying out, "Baal, answer us!"

morning, crying out, "Baal, answer us!" Their voices echoed through the

Their voices echoed through the

Their voices echoed through the mountain. They danced. They leaped. They

mountain. They danced. They leaped. They

mountain. They danced. They leaped. They circled the altar in frenzy.

circled the altar in frenzy.

circled the altar in frenzy. Hours passed. The sun rose higher

Hours passed. The sun rose higher

Hours passed. The sun rose higher burning their skin.

burning their skin.

burning their skin. But no answer came.

But no answer came.

But no answer came. At noon, Elijah spoke.

At noon, Elijah spoke.

At noon, Elijah spoke. And his voice cut through the air.

And his voice cut through the air.

And his voice cut through the air. Shout louder.

Shout louder.

Shout louder. Perhaps he's thinking.

Perhaps he's thinking.

Perhaps he's thinking. Or busy.

Or busy.

Or busy. Or traveling.

Or traveling.

Or traveling. Some laughed nervously. Others shifted

Some laughed nervously. Others shifted

Some laughed nervously. Others shifted uneasily.

uneasily.

uneasily. Perhaps he is sleeping.

Perhaps he is sleeping.

Perhaps he is sleeping. Ah, who knows? Maybe he needs to be

Ah, who knows? Maybe he needs to be

Ah, who knows? Maybe he needs to be woken up.

woken up.

woken up. The mockery [music] fed their

The mockery [music] fed their

The mockery [music] fed their desperation. They cried louder, more

desperation. They cried louder, more

desperation. They cried louder, more intensely, until they began to cut

intensely, until they began to cut

intensely, until they began to cut themselves. Knives, spears. [music]

themselves. Knives, spears. [music]

themselves. Knives, spears. [music] Blood ran down their bodies.

Blood ran down their bodies.

Blood ran down their bodies. But the sky remained [music] silent. No

But the sky remained [music] silent. No

But the sky remained [music] silent. No voice. No answer.

voice. No answer.

voice. No answer. No one to respond.

No one to respond.

No one to respond. The altar of Baal remained untouched.

The altar of Baal remained untouched.

The altar of Baal remained untouched. [music]

[music]

[music] Then Elijah called.

Then Elijah called.

Then Elijah called. Come to me.

Come to me.

Come to me. The crowd drew [music] near. And the

The crowd drew [music] near. And the

The crowd drew [music] near. And the contrast was undeniable.

contrast was undeniable.

contrast was undeniable. No shouting. No frenzy.

No shouting. No frenzy.

No shouting. No frenzy. Only reverence.

Only reverence.

Only reverence. He began by restoring

He began by restoring

He began by restoring the altar of the Lord that had been

the altar of the Lord that had been

the altar of the Lord that had been broken. Stone by stone. 12 stones. One

broken. Stone by stone. 12 stones. One

broken. Stone by stone. 12 stones. One for each tribe [music] of Israel.

for each tribe [music] of Israel.

for each tribe [music] of Israel. A reminder

A reminder

A reminder they were still one people. Even broken.

they were still one people. Even broken.

they were still one people. Even broken. Even lost.

Even lost.

Even lost. He dug a trench around [music] the

He dug a trench around [music] the

He dug a trench around [music] the altar. Prepared the wood. Placed the

altar. Prepared the wood. Placed the

altar. Prepared the wood. Placed the sacrifice.

sacrifice.

sacrifice. And then

And then

And then he did something no one expected. In the

he did something no one expected. In the

he did something no one expected. In the middle of a drought he asked for water.

middle of a drought he asked for water.

middle of a drought he asked for water. Four jars poured over the altar. Once.

Four jars poured over the altar. Once.

Four jars poured over the altar. Once. Twice.

Twice.

Twice. Three times. [music]

Three times. [music]

Three times. [music] Until everything was soaked. Water ran

Until everything was soaked. Water ran

Until everything was soaked. Water ran down. Filled the trench.

down. Filled the trench.

down. Filled the trench. Humanly, there [music] was no chance. No

Humanly, there [music] was no chance. No

Humanly, there [music] was no chance. No possibility of fire.

possibility of fire.

possibility of fire. Elijah raised his arms [music] and

Elijah raised his arms [music] and

Elijah raised his arms [music] and prayed. No spectacle. No repetition.

prayed. No spectacle. No repetition.

prayed. No spectacle. No repetition. Only truth. Oh Lord.

Only truth. Oh Lord.

Only truth. Oh Lord. God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel.

God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel.

God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. May it be known today that [music] you

May it be known today that [music] you

May it be known today that [music] you are God.

are God.

are God. And that I am your servant. And that I

And that I am your servant. And that I

And that I am your servant. And that I did all this at your word. [music]

did all this at your word. [music]

did all this at your word. [music] Answer me, Lord.

Answer me, Lord.

Answer me, Lord. So that this people may know

So that this people may know

So that this people may know that you are God.

that you are God.

that you are God. And that you turn their hearts back.

And that you turn their hearts back.

And that you turn their hearts back. And then

And then

And then without warning without transition

without warning without transition

without warning without transition it happened.

it happened.

it happened. The fire of the Lord fell. Not like an

The fire of the Lord fell. Not like an

The fire of the Lord fell. Not like an ordinary flame, but like a torrent from

ordinary flame, but like a torrent from

ordinary flame, but like a torrent from heaven. It consumed the sacrifice, the

heaven. It consumed the sacrifice, the

heaven. It consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, the dust. Even the

wood, the stones, the dust. Even the

wood, the stones, the dust. Even the water vanished before it.

water vanished before it.

water vanished before it. Nothing remained.

The mountain trembled. The air tore open

The mountain trembled. The air tore open

The mountain trembled. The air tore open with the sound of divine fire.

And the people fell

And the people fell

And the people fell face to the ground.

The truth

The truth

The truth had been revealed.

The Lord is God!

No debate.

No debate.

No debate. No doubt.

No doubt.

No doubt. And then Elijah commanded.

And then Elijah commanded.

And then Elijah commanded. You know what to do. Arrest the prophets

You know what to do. Arrest the prophets

You know what to do. Arrest the prophets of Baal. Let none of them escape.

The people, now gripped with conviction

The people, now gripped with conviction

The people, now gripped with conviction obeyed.

obeyed.

obeyed. The 450

The 450

The 450 were taken.

Led down from the heights of Carmel to

Led down from the heights of Carmel to

Led down from the heights of Carmel to the valley.

the valley.

the valley. To the Brook [music] Kishon.

To the Brook [music] Kishon.

To the Brook [music] Kishon. Which on that day was nothing more than

Which on that day was nothing more than

Which on that day was nothing more than a dry bed.

There

There

There Elijah executed judgment.

Elijah executed judgment.

Elijah executed judgment. Not as revenge but as obedience to the

Not as revenge but as obedience to the

Not as revenge but as obedience to the law.

law.

law. A judgment against those who had [music]

A judgment against those who had [music]

A judgment against those who had [music] corrupted the nation and led the people

corrupted the nation and led the people

corrupted the nation and led the people into apostasy.

into apostasy.

into apostasy. Idolatry had been exposed.

Idolatry had been exposed.

Idolatry had been exposed. Truth had fallen in fire.

Truth had fallen in fire.

Truth had fallen in fire. And Israel

And Israel

And Israel had witnessed it.

had witnessed it.

had witnessed it. But something more was still to come.

But something more was still to come.

But something more was still to come. Elijah did not stop there.

Elijah did not stop there.

Elijah did not stop there. While the echo of fire still seemed to

While the echo of fire still seemed to

While the echo of fire still seemed to linger over Mount Carmel

linger over Mount Carmel

linger over Mount Carmel he climbed higher.

he climbed higher.

he climbed higher. Alone.

Alone.

Alone. Away from the crowd. Away from the

Away from the crowd. Away from the

Away from the crowd. Away from the noise.

noise.

noise. Away from [music] visible victory.

Away from [music] visible victory.

Away from [music] visible victory. At the summit

At the summit

At the summit he fell to the ground. Face down.

There was no celebration.

There was no celebration.

There was no celebration. There was intercession.

There was intercession.

There was intercession. Because the same God who answers with

Because the same God who answers with

Because the same God who answers with [music] fire

[music] fire

[music] fire is the God who sends rain.

is the God who sends rain.

is the God who sends rain. Elijah began to pray.

Elijah began to pray.

Elijah began to pray. Not once.

Not once.

Not once. Not quickly.

Not quickly.

Not quickly. But with persistence. With perseverance.

But with persistence. With perseverance.

But with persistence. With perseverance. With faith.

With faith.

With faith. Seven times he sent his servant to the

Seven times he sent his servant to the

Seven times he sent his servant to the horizon.

The same God who sent fire will send us

The same God who sent fire will send us

The same God who sent fire will send us rain.

rain.

rain. Go and see toward the sea.

Go and see toward the sea.

Go and see toward the sea. The servant went. Looked. And returned.

The servant went. Looked. And returned.

The servant went. Looked. And returned. Once. Twice. Three times.

Once. Twice. Three times.

Once. Twice. Three times. Four.

Four.

Four. Five. Six.

There is nothing.

Nothing.

Nothing.

Nothing. The sky remained closed.

But Elijah

But Elijah

But Elijah did not rise.

On the seventh time, the servant

On the seventh time, the servant

On the seventh time, the servant returned differently.

returned differently.

returned differently. Tell me what you saw.

Tell me what you saw.

Tell me what you saw. I see a small cloud.

I see a small cloud.

I see a small cloud. About the size of the palm of my hand.

About the size of the palm of my hand.

About the size of the palm of my hand. It was almost nothing.

It was almost nothing.

It was almost nothing. A minimal sign. Nearly invisible.

A minimal sign. Nearly invisible.

A minimal sign. Nearly invisible. But for Elijah

But for Elijah

But for Elijah it was everything.

it was everything.

it was everything. Because faith is not based on the size

Because faith is not based on the size

Because faith is not based on the size of the sign.

of the sign.

of the sign. But on the certainty of the promise.

But on the certainty of the promise.

But on the certainty of the promise. Run!

Run!

Run! Tell Ahab to prepare his chariot. And

Tell Ahab to prepare his chariot. And

Tell Ahab to prepare his chariot. And get down. So that the rain does not stop

get down. So that the rain does not stop

get down. So that the rain does not stop him.

him.

him. And then

And then

And then the sky changed. Clouds gathered. The

the sky changed. Clouds gathered. The

the sky changed. Clouds gathered. The wind rose. The dry air grew heavy.

wind rose. The dry air grew heavy.

wind rose. The dry air grew heavy. And suddenly

the rain fell. Strong. Abundant.

the rain fell. Strong. Abundant.

the rain fell. Strong. Abundant. Unstoppable.

Unstoppable.

Unstoppable. The dry ground began to drink again. The

The dry ground began to drink again. The

The dry ground began to drink again. The fields received life.

fields received life.

fields received life. >> [music]

>> [music]

>> [music] >> The silence of drought was broken by the

>> The silence of drought was broken by the

>> The silence of drought was broken by the sound of rain.

But that rain was more than water.

But that rain was more than water.

But that rain was more than water. It was restoration. It was answer. It

It was restoration. It was answer. It

It was restoration. It was answer. It was grace after judgment.

>> [music]

>> Finally.

Rain. Thank God.

Rain. Thank God.

Rain. Thank God. Mount Carmel had been marked

Mount Carmel had been marked

Mount Carmel had been marked by fire.

by fire.

by fire. By water.

By water.

By water. By revealed truth.

By revealed truth.

By revealed truth. The altars of Baal reduced to ashes.

The altars of Baal reduced to ashes.

The altars of Baal reduced to ashes. The people prostrate. Crying out

The people prostrate. Crying out

The people prostrate. Crying out The Lord is God. And the rain finally

The Lord is God. And the rain finally

The Lord is God. And the rain finally returned after [music] years of silence.

returned after [music] years of silence.

returned after [music] years of silence. Elijah ran. But it was not just a run.

It was as if something unseen was

It was as if something unseen was

It was as if something unseen was driving him forward.

driving him forward.

driving him forward. As if the very hand of God was pushing

As if the very hand of God was pushing

As if the very hand of God was pushing him ahead.

him ahead.

him ahead. Ahead of Ahab's chariot. [music]

Ahead of Ahab's chariot. [music]

Ahead of Ahab's chariot. [music] Ahead of the impossible.

Ahead of the impossible.

Ahead of the impossible. The wind cut across his [music] face.

The wind cut across his [music] face.

The wind cut across his [music] face. Dust rose beneath his feet. And still he

Dust rose beneath his feet. And still he

Dust rose beneath his feet. And still he did not stop.

did not stop.

did not stop. His heart burned. Not only from effort

His heart burned. Not only from effort

His heart burned. Not only from effort but from expectation.

but from expectation.

but from expectation. There was hope.

There was hope.

There was hope. A living flame within him.

Perhaps now, after the fire fell from

Perhaps now, after the fire fell from

Perhaps now, after the fire fell from heaven after the people bowed after the

heaven after the people bowed after the

heaven after the people bowed after the rain broke the drought

rain broke the drought

rain broke the drought perhaps now everything would change.

perhaps now everything would change.

perhaps now everything would change. But when he arrived when he passed

But when he arrived when he passed

But when he arrived when he passed through the gates of the palace

through the gates of the palace

through the gates of the palace the atmosphere was different.

the atmosphere was different.

the atmosphere was different. Heavy.

Heavy.

Heavy. Cold.

Cold.

Cold. As if the presence that filled Mount

As if the presence that filled Mount

As if the presence that filled Mount Carmel was not there.

Ahab, still shaken still trying to

Ahab, still shaken still trying to

Ahab, still shaken still trying to comprehend [music]

comprehend [music]

comprehend [music] what he had seen reported everything.

what he had seen reported everything.

what he had seen reported everything. Every detail.

Every detail.

Every detail. The rebuilt altar, the water poured, the

The rebuilt altar, the water poured, the

The rebuilt altar, the water poured, the fire from heaven, the people falling

fire from heaven, the people falling

fire from heaven, the people falling face to the ground, the prophets slain,

face to the ground, the prophets slain,

face to the ground, the prophets slain, the rain returning [music]

the rain returning [music]

the rain returning [music] to the dry land.

to the dry land.

to the dry land. But as he spoke, another presence filled

But as he spoke, another presence filled

But as he spoke, another presence filled the room.

the room.

the room. Jezebel listened,

Jezebel listened,

Jezebel listened, and her eyes did not reflect repentance.

and her eyes did not reflect repentance.

and her eyes did not reflect repentance. They burned.

They burned.

They burned. Not with heavenly fire,

Not with heavenly fire,

Not with heavenly fire, but with fury.

but with fury.

but with fury. Like living embers fed by wounded pride,

Like living embers fed by wounded pride,

Like living embers fed by wounded pride, she would not bow.

she would not bow.

she would not bow. Not to a prophet, [music]

Not to a prophet, [music]

Not to a prophet, [music] not to a sign, not even to God himself.

not to a sign, not even to God himself.

not to a sign, not even to God himself. That defeat would not go [music]

That defeat would not go [music]

That defeat would not go [music] unanswered.

unanswered.

unanswered. Without hesitation, she sent a message

Without hesitation, she sent a message

Without hesitation, she sent a message direct, without symbols, without

direct, without symbols, without

direct, without symbols, without metaphor.

metaphor.

metaphor. It was a sentence.

It was a sentence.

It was a sentence. A messenger departed at once, carrying

A messenger departed at once, carrying

A messenger departed at once, carrying words that did not hold only threat,

words that did not hold only threat,

words that did not hold only threat, but death. Take this message to him.

but death. Take this message to him.

but death. Take this message to him. May the gods punish me,

May the gods punish me,

May the gods punish me, and punish me with all rigor,

and punish me with all rigor,

and punish me with all rigor, if by tomorrow at this hour, I do not do

if by tomorrow at this hour, I do not do

if by tomorrow at this hour, I do not do to you what you did to them.

to you what you did to them.

to you what you did to them. Yes, my queen.

This was no rumor,

This was no rumor,

This was no rumor, no politics.

no politics.

no politics. It was personal,

It was personal,

It was personal, direct,

direct,

direct, final.

final.

final. A sentence against Elijah's life,

A sentence against Elijah's life,

A sentence against Elijah's life, and he heard it.

and he heard it.

and he heard it. And in that moment, something changed.

And in that moment, something changed.

And in that moment, something changed. The man who had confronted kings, who

The man who had confronted kings, who

The man who had confronted kings, who had faced crowds, [music]

had faced crowds, [music]

had faced crowds, [music] who had called fire from heaven,

who had called fire from heaven,

who had called fire from heaven, now felt something different.

now felt something different.

now felt something different. The weight.

The weight.

The weight. Not the weight of the mission,

Not the weight of the mission,

Not the weight of the mission, but the weight of the soul.

but the weight of the soul.

but the weight of the soul. The pressure.

The pressure.

The pressure. The pursuit.

The pursuit.

The pursuit. The silence after the miracle.

The silence after the miracle.

The silence after the miracle. His heart raced, his knees weakened. The

His heart raced, his knees weakened. The

His heart raced, his knees weakened. The exhaustion that had been hidden rose to

exhaustion that had been hidden rose to

exhaustion that had been hidden rose to the surface.

the surface.

the surface. Loneliness.

Loneliness.

Loneliness. Tension. Emotional weariness.

Tension. Emotional weariness.

Tension. Emotional weariness. All of it reached him at once.

All of it reached him at once.

All of it reached him at once. And for the first time, [music]

And for the first time, [music]

And for the first time, [music] fear spoke louder.

fear spoke louder.

fear spoke louder. Elijah did not respond. He did not

Elijah did not respond. He did not

Elijah did not respond. He did not confront. [music]

confront. [music]

confront. [music] He did not call for fire. He ran.

He did not call for fire. He ran.

He did not call for fire. He ran. He left behind his servant,

He left behind his servant,

He left behind his servant, left behind the place of victory,

left behind the place of victory,

left behind the place of victory, and went alone,

and went alone,

and went alone, south, into the wilderness.

south, into the wilderness.

south, into the wilderness. That same wilderness where God speaks,

That same wilderness where God speaks,

That same wilderness where God speaks, but also where a man faces his limits.

The sun burned. The silence was [music]

The sun burned. The silence was [music]

The sun burned. The silence was [music] absolute.

absolute.

absolute. Each step heavier than the last,

Each step heavier than the last,

Each step heavier than the last, until, without strength, [music]

until, without strength, [music]

until, without strength, [music] he stopped.

he stopped.

he stopped. Under the fragile shade [music] of a

Under the fragile shade [music] of a

Under the fragile shade [music] of a broom tree, there, the prophet of fire

broom tree, there, the prophet of fire

broom tree, there, the prophet of fire collapsed,

collapsed,

collapsed, exhausted,

exhausted,

exhausted, empty.

empty.

empty. Enough, Lord.

Enough, Lord.

Enough, Lord. Take my life,

Take my life,

Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.

for I am no better than my ancestors.

for I am no better than my ancestors. It was the cry of a man who had won

It was the cry of a man who had won

It was the cry of a man who had won outwardly,

outwardly,

outwardly, but was broken within.

but was broken within.

but was broken within. Public victory revealed private

Public victory revealed private

Public victory revealed private loneliness.

loneliness.

loneliness. But God did not let him fall.

But God did not let him fall.

But God did not let him fall. While Elijah slept, a touch,

While Elijah slept, a touch,

While Elijah slept, a touch, gentle,

gentle,

gentle, an angel awakened him.

Get up

Get up

Get up and eat.

and eat.

and eat. Beside him, bread baked over coals,

Beside him, bread baked over coals,

Beside him, bread baked over coals, fresh water,

fresh water,

fresh water, provision in the wilderness. He ate. He

provision in the wilderness. He ate. He

provision in the wilderness. He ate. He drank.

drank.

drank. And lay down again.

And lay down again.

And lay down again. And once more, the touch.

Rise and eat, man of faith,

for the journey is too long for you.

It was not only food for the body.

It was not only food for the body.

It was not only food for the body. It was grace.

It was grace.

It was grace. It was care.

It was care.

It was care. It was God sustaining a man who could no

It was God sustaining a man who could no

It was God sustaining a man who could no longer sustain himself.

longer sustain himself.

longer sustain himself. Strengthened, Elijah rose,

Strengthened, Elijah rose,

Strengthened, Elijah rose, and he walked.

and he walked.

and he walked. One day,

One day,

One day, then another,

then another,

then another, and another,

and another,

and another, until days became weeks.

until days became weeks.

until days became weeks. 40 days, 40 nights,

40 days, 40 nights,

40 days, 40 nights, until he reached the mountain of God,

until he reached the mountain of God,

until he reached the mountain of God, Horeb,

the place where heaven and earth seemed

the place where heaven and earth seemed

the place where heaven and earth seemed to meet.

There, he entered a cave and hid.

Not from men, but from himself.

Still carrying the weight, still

Still carrying the weight, still

Still carrying the weight, still carrying the sense of failure.

carrying the sense of failure.

carrying the sense of failure. And then, the voice came.

And then, the voice came.

And then, the voice came. Not distant,

Not distant,

Not distant, but near. Elijah,

but near. Elijah,

but near. Elijah, what are you doing here?

what are you doing here?

what are you doing here? I feel a burning zeal for you, Lord.

I feel a burning zeal for you, Lord.

I feel a burning zeal for you, Lord. Your altars have been destroyed. Your

Your altars have been destroyed. Your

Your altars have been destroyed. Your prophets have been killed. And I am the

prophets have been killed. And I am the

prophets have been killed. And I am the only one left, and they seek to take my

only one left, and they seek to take my

only one left, and they seek to take my life. Then the Lord brought [music] him

life. Then the Lord brought [music] him

life. Then the Lord brought [music] him to the entrance of the cave

to the entrance of the cave

to the entrance of the cave and told him to watch.

and told him to watch.

and told him to watch. Something was about to happen.

Something was about to happen.

Something was about to happen. Something that would mark his soul

Something that would mark his soul

Something that would mark his soul forever.

forever.

forever. First,

First,

First, >> [music]

>> [music]

>> [music] >> came the wind.

>> came the wind.

>> came the wind. Violent, relentless,

Violent, relentless,

Violent, relentless, tearing through the mountains,

tearing through the mountains,

tearing through the mountains, shattering rocks, sweeping [music]

shattering rocks, sweeping [music]

shattering rocks, sweeping [music] everything in its path.

everything in its path.

everything in its path. The sound was deafening.

But,

But,

But, the Lord was not in the wind.

Then, the earth shook. [music]

Then, the earth shook. [music]

Then, the earth shook. [music] An earthquake shattered the ground, the

An earthquake shattered the ground, the

An earthquake shattered the ground, the earth split open, the stones broke

earth split open, the stones broke

earth split open, the stones broke apart,

apart,

apart, as if creation itself was collapsing.

But, the Lord was [music] not in the

But, the Lord was [music] not in the

But, the Lord was [music] not in the earthquake.

Then, came the fire.

Then, came the fire.

Then, came the fire. Intense, consuming,

Intense, consuming,

Intense, consuming, the flames danced as they had on Carmel,

the flames danced as they had on Carmel,

the flames danced as they had on Carmel, like a living altar.

But,

But,

But, the Lord was not in the fire.

And then, after the chaos, after the

And then, after the chaos, after the

And then, after the chaos, after the noise, after the force,

noise, after the force,

noise, after the force, came silence.

came silence.

came silence. And in the silence, [music]

And in the silence, [music]

And in the silence, [music] a whisper,

a whisper,

a whisper, soft, gentle,

soft, gentle,

soft, gentle, almost imperceptible,

almost imperceptible,

almost imperceptible, yet impossible to ignore.

yet impossible to ignore.

yet impossible to ignore. It was not a sound that frightened.

It was not a sound that frightened.

It was not a sound that frightened. It was a presence that [music]

It was a presence that [music]

It was a presence that [music] surrounded.

surrounded.

surrounded. A voice that did not crush,

A voice that did not crush,

A voice that did not crush, but restored.

but restored.

but restored. And in that moment,

And in that moment,

And in that moment, Elijah understood.

Elijah understood.

Elijah understood. The wind, the earthquake, the fire.

The wind, the earthquake, the fire.

The wind, the earthquake, the fire. These were how man imagines God.

These were how man imagines God.

These were how man imagines God. Power, strength, judgment, visible

Power, strength, judgment, visible

Power, strength, judgment, visible greatness.

greatness.

greatness. But God was revealing [music] something

But God was revealing [music] something

But God was revealing [music] something deeper.

deeper.

deeper. That he is not found only in what

That he is not found only in what

That he is not found only in what impresses, not only in what destroys,

impresses, not only in what destroys,

impresses, not only in what destroys, not only in what shakes the earth,

not only in what shakes the earth,

not only in what shakes the earth, but also

but also

but also in what speaks to the heart.

in what speaks to the heart.

in what speaks to the heart. When Elijah heard the whisper,

When Elijah heard the whisper,

When Elijah heard the whisper, he stopped. His entire being responded.

he stopped. His entire being responded.

he stopped. His entire being responded. Without seeing, he knew. God was there.

Without seeing, he knew. God was there.

Without seeing, he knew. God was there. Not in the wind that tore the mountains,

Not in the wind that tore the mountains,

Not in the wind that tore the mountains, [music]

[music]

[music] not in the earthquake that shook the

not in the earthquake that shook the

not in the earthquake that shook the earth,

earth,

earth, not in the fire that consumed

not in the fire that consumed

not in the fire that consumed everything,

everything,

everything, but in what is barely heard,

but in what is barely heard,

but in what is barely heard, in what does not force,

in what does not force,

in what does not force, but invites.

but invites.

but invites. Then Elijah covered his face with his

Then Elijah covered his face with his

Then Elijah covered his face with his mantle.

mantle.

mantle. Not out of fear,

Not out of fear,

Not out of fear, but out of reverence.

but out of reverence.

but out of reverence. And he stepped out.

And he stepped out.

And he stepped out. Every movement was different now.

Every movement was different now.

Every movement was different now. Slower,

Slower,

Slower, more aware.

more aware.

more aware. There

There

There was the true presence of God.

was the true presence of God.

was the true presence of God. Not in violence, [music]

Not in violence, [music]

Not in violence, [music] but in a tenderness that transforms the

but in a tenderness that transforms the

but in a tenderness that transforms the heart.

heart.

heart. And there,

And there,

And there, a silent truth was established.

a silent truth was established.

a silent truth was established. The power of God does not always come

The power of God does not always come

The power of God does not always come with noise.

with noise.

with noise. Sometimes, it comes as a [music]

Sometimes, it comes as a [music]

Sometimes, it comes as a [music] whisper.

whisper.

whisper. Intimate. Personal.

Intimate. Personal.

Intimate. Personal. Deep.

Deep.

Deep. Once again, the voice asked,

Once again, the voice asked,

Once again, the voice asked, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

"What are you doing here, Elijah?"

"What are you doing here, Elijah?" And once again,

And once again,

And once again, the prophet opened his soul.

the prophet opened his soul.

the prophet opened his soul. No masks, no strength,

No masks, no strength,

No masks, no strength, only truth.

only truth.

only truth. The loneliness was still there.

The loneliness was still there.

The loneliness was still there. The pain was still there.

The pain was still there.

The pain was still there. But now,

But now,

But now, God was there, too.

God was there, too.

God was there, too. And then,

And then,

And then, the answer came.

the answer came.

the answer came. Not as rebuke, but as direction, as

Not as rebuke, but as direction, as

Not as rebuke, but as direction, as hope,

hope,

hope, as restoration.

as restoration.

as restoration. "You are not alone."

"You are not alone."

"You are not alone." Those words echoed beyond the moment.

Those words echoed beyond the moment.

Those words echoed beyond the moment. There were, and still are, 7,000 in

There were, and still are, 7,000 in

There were, and still are, 7,000 in Israel who have not bowed down to Baal.

Israel who have not bowed down to Baal.

Israel who have not bowed down to Baal. 7,000.

7,000.

7,000. While Elijah believed he was the last,

While Elijah believed he was the last,

While Elijah believed he was the last, heaven had already preserved a remnant,

heaven had already preserved a remnant,

heaven had already preserved a remnant, faithful, silent,

faithful, silent,

faithful, silent, unshaken.

unshaken.

unshaken. And more than that,

And more than that,

And more than that, there was still a mission.

there was still a mission.

there was still a mission. You will

You will

You will and each word seemed to rekindle

and each word seemed to rekindle

and each word seemed to rekindle something within him.

something within him.

something within him. You will anoint kings.

You will anoint kings.

You will anoint kings. You will overthrow empires.

You will overthrow empires.

You will overthrow empires. You will execute my judgment.

You will execute my judgment.

You will execute my judgment. But then, something even deeper.

But then, something even deeper.

But then, something even deeper. You will raise up prophets.

You will raise up prophets.

You will raise up prophets. The voice wasn't just restoring [music]

The voice wasn't just restoring [music]

The voice wasn't just restoring [music] the present.

the present.

the present. It was building the future.

It was building the future.

It was building the future. Call Elisha, son of Shaphat.

Call Elisha, son of Shaphat.

Call Elisha, son of Shaphat. A name that until then meant nothing,

A name that until then meant nothing,

A name that until then meant nothing, but which carried continuity.

but which carried continuity.

but which carried continuity. He will inherit your mantle.

He will inherit your mantle.

He will inherit your mantle. The mantle, a symbol of authority, of

The mantle, a symbol of authority, of

The mantle, a symbol of authority, of calling, of legacy.

calling, of legacy.

calling, of legacy. Elijah had asked to die,

Elijah had asked to die,

Elijah had asked to die, but God was multiplying his life.

but God was multiplying his life.

but God was multiplying his life. His ministry would not end there.

His ministry would not end there.

His ministry would not end there. It would continue through another.

It would continue through another.

It would continue through another. The flame would not go out.

The flame would not go out.

The flame would not go out. It would be passed on.

It would be passed on.

It would be passed on. The prophet who thought he was alone

The prophet who thought he was alone

The prophet who thought he was alone discovered that heaven was already

discovered that heaven was already

discovered that heaven was already moving, preparing successors, organizing

moving, preparing successors, organizing

moving, preparing successors, organizing the unseen.

the unseen.

the unseen. And what began with fire on Carmel

And what began with fire on Carmel

And what began with fire on Carmel would not end in the silence of the

would not end in the silence of the

would not end in the silence of the desert.

desert.

desert. It would continue beyond him,

It would continue beyond him,

It would continue beyond him, far beyond.

far beyond.

far beyond. But while heaven was setting its plans,

But while heaven was setting its plans,

But while heaven was setting its plans, [music]

[music]

[music] on earth,

on earth,

on earth, another story was unfolding.

another story was unfolding.

another story was unfolding. Ahab,

Ahab,

Ahab, a man of palaces, of wealth, of power,

a man of palaces, of wealth, of power,

a man of palaces, of wealth, of power, set his eyes on something small,

set his eyes on something small,

set his eyes on something small, a vineyard

a vineyard

a vineyard beside his palace in Jezreel.

beside his palace in Jezreel.

beside his palace in Jezreel. It belonged to a simple man, Naboth.

It belonged to a simple man, Naboth.

It belonged to a simple man, Naboth. But that vineyard [music] was not just

But that vineyard [music] was not just

But that vineyard [music] was not just land.

land.

land. It was inheritance. It was identity.

It was inheritance. It was identity.

It was inheritance. It was identity. It was promise passed down through

It was promise passed down through

It was promise passed down through generations, [music]

generations, [music]

generations, [music] a sacred symbol of belonging.

a sacred symbol of belonging.

a sacred symbol of belonging. Ahab desired it as if it [music] were

Ahab desired it as if it [music] were

Ahab desired it as if it [music] were ordinary,

ordinary,

ordinary, as if everything could be bought.

as if everything could be bought.

as if everything could be bought. He offered exchange. He offered value.

He offered exchange. He offered value.

He offered exchange. He offered value. But Naboth answered, firm, unshaken.

So, you accept? Not my king. May the

So, you accept? Not my king. May the

So, you accept? Not my king. May the Lord forbid me from giving you the

Lord forbid me from giving you the

Lord forbid me from giving you the inheritance of my ancestors. [music]

It was not stubbornness.

It was not stubbornness.

It was not stubbornness. It was faithfulness. Faithfulness to the

It was faithfulness. Faithfulness to the

It was faithfulness. Faithfulness to the law.

law.

law. Faithfulness to the covenant.

Faithfulness to the covenant.

Faithfulness to the covenant. But Ahab did not understand. He returned

But Ahab did not understand. He returned

But Ahab did not understand. He returned to the palace

to the palace

to the palace angry,

angry,

angry, defeated,

defeated,

defeated, like a powerful man unable to deal with

like a powerful man unable to deal with

like a powerful man unable to deal with a no.

a no.

a no. He lay down, turned his face [music] to

He lay down, turned his face [music] to

He lay down, turned his face [music] to the wall, refused to eat.

the wall, refused to eat.

the wall, refused to eat. The king of Israel reduced [music] to

The king of Israel reduced [music] to

The king of Israel reduced [music] to the silence of frustration.

the silence of frustration.

the silence of frustration. And then,

And then,

And then, Jezebel entered.

Jezebel entered.

Jezebel entered. And when she saw him, her eyes showed no

And when she saw him, her eyes showed no

And when she saw him, her eyes showed no compassion.

compassion.

compassion. They showed contempt.

They showed contempt.

They showed contempt. Are you the king of Israel?

Are you the king of Israel?

Are you the king of Israel? Then get up, eat and be merry.

Then get up, eat and be merry.

Then get up, eat and be merry. I will give you Naboth's vineyard,

I will give you Naboth's vineyard,

I will give you Naboth's vineyard, But what she offered was not a solution.

But what she offered was not a solution.

But what she offered was not a solution. It was a crime.

It was a crime.

It was a crime. Jezebel acted without hesitation,

Jezebel acted without hesitation,

Jezebel acted without hesitation, without conscience.

without conscience.

without conscience. Letters were written in the name of the

Letters were written in the name of the

Letters were written in the name of the king, sealed with authority, sent to the

king, sealed with authority, sent to the

king, sealed with authority, sent to the leaders of the city.

leaders of the city.

leaders of the city. And the order was clear. A staging, a

And the order was clear. A staging, a

And the order was clear. A staging, a fast, an assembly, an accusation.

fast, an assembly, an accusation.

fast, an assembly, an accusation. Naboth would be placed in the spotlight,

Naboth would be placed in the spotlight,

Naboth would be placed in the spotlight, not to be honored,

not to be honored,

not to be honored, but to be condemned.

but to be condemned.

but to be condemned. Two men, wicked, [clears throat]

Two men, wicked, [clears throat]

Two men, wicked, [clears throat] would be the witnesses, [music]

would be the witnesses, [music]

would be the witnesses, [music] false.

false.

false. And the lie was proclaimed as truth.

It was him.

It was him.

It was him. That man. He blasphemed against God and

That man. He blasphemed against God and

That man. He blasphemed against God and against the king. He deserves to be

against the king. He deserves to be

against the king. He deserves to be punished.

punished.

punished. The crowd reacted,

The crowd reacted,

The crowd reacted, not with discernment, but with fury,

not with discernment, but with fury,

not with discernment, but with fury, driven by power.

driven by power.

driven by power. They dragged Naboth outside the city.

They dragged Naboth outside the city.

They dragged Naboth outside the city. And there, under the weight of stones,

And there, under the weight of stones,

And there, under the weight of stones, life was taken,

life was taken,

life was taken, silently,

silently,

silently, unjustly,

unjustly,

unjustly, definitively.

Jezebel received the news without

Jezebel received the news without

Jezebel received the news without emotion, without guilt, only efficiency.

Rise, [music] my king.

Rise, [music] my king.

Rise, [music] my king. Take possession of Naboth's vineyard,

Take possession of Naboth's vineyard,

Take possession of Naboth's vineyard, which is now yours, for he is no longer

which is now yours, for he is no longer

which is now yours, for he is no longer [music] alive.

[music] alive.

[music] alive. The king went down confident

The king went down confident

The king went down confident to take what [music] never belonged to

to take what [music] never belonged to

to take what [music] never belonged to him,

him,

him, not knowing

not knowing

not knowing that heaven had already responded.

Elijah was coming.

Elijah was coming.

Elijah was coming. The man of the wilderness, of the rough

The man of the wilderness, of the rough

The man of the wilderness, of the rough mantle, of the cutting word.

mantle, of the cutting word.

mantle, of the cutting word. He appeared in the vineyard and his

He appeared in the vineyard and his

He appeared in the vineyard and his presence interrupted [music] the moment,

presence interrupted [music] the moment,

presence interrupted [music] the moment, like thunder in an open sky.

like thunder in an open sky.

like thunder in an open sky. Ahab stopped.

Ahab stopped.

Ahab stopped. And there,

And there,

And there, the confrontation happened, not between

the confrontation happened, not between

the confrontation happened, not between two men, but between a king and the

two men, but between a king and the

two men, but between a king and the justice [music] of God.

justice [music] of God.

justice [music] of God. Ahab, son of Omri, king of Israel,

Ahab, son of Omri, king of Israel,

Ahab, son of Omri, king of Israel, you killed and also took possession?

you killed and also took possession?

you killed and also took possession? Truly, I tell you,

Truly, I tell you,

Truly, I tell you, >> [music]

>> [music]

>> [music] >> in the very place where dogs licked up

>> in the very place where dogs licked up

>> in the very place where dogs licked up Naboth's blood, dogs will lick up your

Naboth's blood, dogs will lick up your

Naboth's blood, dogs will lick up your blood, yes, yours.

blood, yes, yours.

blood, yes, yours. Silence fell over [music] the vineyard,

Silence fell over [music] the vineyard,

Silence fell over [music] the vineyard, heavy,

heavy,

heavy, dense.

dense.

dense. Ahab trembled.

Ahab trembled.

Ahab trembled. The man who bowed before Jezebel

The man who bowed before Jezebel

The man who bowed before Jezebel now trembled before God.

now trembled before God.

now trembled before God. So, you found me, my enemy? I found you.

So, you found me, my enemy? I found you.

So, you found me, my enemy? I found you. Because you sold yourself to do evil in

Because you sold yourself to do evil in

Because you sold yourself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord. [music]

the eyes of the Lord. [music]

the eyes of the Lord. [music] I will destroy your descendants. I will

I will destroy your descendants. I will

I will destroy your descendants. I will bring evil upon you. The dogs will

bring evil upon you. The dogs will

bring evil upon you. The dogs will devour [music] Jezebel.

devour [music] Jezebel.

devour [music] Jezebel. Every word carried eternal weight.

Every word carried eternal weight.

Every word carried eternal weight. The vineyard that should have been a

The vineyard that should have been a

The vineyard that should have been a place of life

place of life

place of life was now a stage of judgment. [music]

was now a stage of judgment. [music]

was now a stage of judgment. [music] Where there should have been harvest,

Where there should have been harvest,

Where there should have been harvest, there was condemnation.

there was condemnation.

there was condemnation. The scriptures [music] say, there was

The scriptures [music] say, there was

The scriptures [music] say, there was never a king like Ahab who sold himself

never a king like Ahab who sold himself

never a king like Ahab who sold himself to do evil, driven by Jezebel.

to do evil, driven by Jezebel.

to do evil, driven by Jezebel. Evil had ceased to be an exception.

Evil had ceased to be an exception.

Evil had ceased to be an exception. It had become a system,

It had become a system,

It had become a system, politics, law.

politics, law.

politics, law. But even in the midst of this empire of

But even in the midst of this empire of

But even in the midst of this empire of [music] corruption,

[music] corruption,

[music] corruption, one voice remained.

one voice remained.

one voice remained. A man with a simple mantle,

A man with a simple mantle,

A man with a simple mantle, but with an authority no throne could

but with an authority no throne could

but with an authority no throne could surpass.

surpass.

surpass. And he rose to declare that there is no

And he rose to declare that there is no

And he rose to declare that there is no power on earth

power on earth

power on earth greater than the judgment of the Most

greater than the judgment of the Most

greater than the judgment of the Most High.

High.

High. The message struck [music] Ahab like an

The message struck [music] Ahab like an

The message struck [music] Ahab like an invisible sword, piercing not only his

invisible sword, piercing not only his

invisible sword, piercing not only his ears, but the deepest part of his

ears, but the deepest part of his

ears, but the deepest part of his spirit.

spirit.

spirit. The king, the one who had hardened his

The king, the one who had hardened his

The king, the one who had hardened his heart so many times,

heart so many times,

heart so many times, now broke.

now broke.

now broke. He tore his garments before everyone,

He tore his garments before everyone,

He tore his garments before everyone, put on sackcloth, fasted, and walked in

put on sackcloth, fasted, and walked in

put on sackcloth, fasted, and walked in humility,

humility,

humility, like someone who had finally understood

like someone who had finally understood

like someone who had finally understood the weight of his own sin.

the weight of his own sin.

the weight of his own sin. And the Lord, rich in mercy,

And the Lord, rich in mercy,

And the Lord, rich in mercy, looked upon that humiliation,

looked upon that humiliation,

looked upon that humiliation, not as a performance,

not as a performance,

not as a performance, but as a sign.

but as a sign.

but as a sign. So, the judgment was restrained, not

So, the judgment was restrained, not

So, the judgment was restrained, not canceled, but delayed.

canceled, but delayed.

canceled, but delayed. It would not come upon him,

It would not come upon him,

It would not come upon him, but upon his descendants.

but upon his descendants.

but upon his descendants. For God is just,

For God is just,

For God is just, but also patient.

but also patient.

but also patient. And in that heavy silence, a truth

And in that heavy silence, a truth

And in that heavy silence, a truth echoed like restrained thunder.

echoed like restrained thunder.

echoed like restrained thunder. The voice of the prophet does not bow to

The voice of the prophet does not bow to

The voice of the prophet does not bow to crowns, is not intimidated [music] by

crowns, is not intimidated [music] by

crowns, is not intimidated [music] by thrones, does not negotiate with power.

thrones, does not negotiate with power.

thrones, does not negotiate with power. When kings corrupt themselves, God

When kings corrupt themselves, God

When kings corrupt themselves, God raises voices, voices that tear through

raises voices, voices that tear through

raises voices, voices that tear through comfort, that expose sin, that remind

comfort, that expose sin, that remind

comfort, that expose sin, that remind that the earth

that the earth

that the earth does not belong to men,

does not belong to men,

does not belong to men, but to the Lord.

but to the Lord.

but to the Lord. The vineyard of Naboth,

The vineyard of Naboth,

The vineyard of Naboth, that small piece of land stained with

that small piece of land stained with

that small piece of land stained with blood,

blood,

blood, became more than an injustice.

became more than an injustice.

became more than an injustice. It became a testimony,

It became a testimony,

It became a testimony, an eternal sign that no act of violence

an eternal sign that no act of violence

an eternal sign that no act of violence goes unnoticed, [music]

goes unnoticed, [music]

goes unnoticed, [music] that innocent blood cries out and is

that innocent blood cries out and is

that innocent blood cries out and is never forgotten in heaven.

Time passed and as so often happens in

Time passed and as so often happens in

Time passed and as so often happens in history,

history,

history, a new king arose,

a new king arose,

a new king arose, but not a new heart.

but not a new heart.

but not a new heart. After the death of Ahab, his son Ahaziah

After the death of Ahab, his son Ahaziah

After the death of Ahab, his son Ahaziah took the throne. And with him

took the throne. And with him

took the throne. And with him came the repetition [music] of the same

came the repetition [music] of the same

came the repetition [music] of the same errors, the same idols, the same crooked

errors, the same idols, the same crooked

errors, the same idols, the same crooked paths, the same provocation against the

paths, the same provocation against the

paths, the same provocation against the God of Israel.

God of Israel.

God of Israel. It was as if the lessons of the past had

It was as if the lessons of the past had

It was as if the lessons of the past had been buried with the dead.

been buried with the dead.

been buried with the dead. Then, on an ordinary day, without

Then, on an ordinary day, without

Then, on an ordinary day, without warning, destiny reached him.

warning, destiny reached him.

warning, destiny reached him. Ahaziah fell from the window of his room

Ahaziah fell from the window of his room

Ahaziah fell from the window of his room in Samaria.

in Samaria.

in Samaria. The impact was violent. His body [music]

The impact was violent. His body [music]

The impact was violent. His body [music] was broken, fragile, on the edge of

was broken, fragile, on the edge of

was broken, fragile, on the edge of death.

death.

death. And in that moment, when any man would

And in that moment, when any man would

And in that moment, when any man would seek heaven,

seek heaven,

seek heaven, he looked to the wrong place.

he looked to the wrong place.

he looked to the wrong place. Instead of crying out to the Lord, he

Instead of crying out to the Lord, he

Instead of crying out to the Lord, he commanded,

commanded,

commanded, "Go and consult Baal-Zebub, [music] the

"Go and consult Baal-Zebub, [music] the

"Go and consult Baal-Zebub, [music] the god of Ekron. Ask him if I will

god of Ekron. Ask him if I will

god of Ekron. Ask him if I will recover."

It was not just a decision. It was a

It was not just a decision. It was a

It was not just a decision. It was a defiance, a direct [music] insult to the

defiance, a direct [music] insult to the

defiance, a direct [music] insult to the living God.

living God.

living God. The king of Israel, called to lead the

The king of Israel, called to lead the

The king of Israel, called to lead the people in truth,

people in truth,

people in truth, now sought answers from a foreign idol.

now sought answers from a foreign idol.

now sought answers from a foreign idol. But before those [music] messengers

But before those [music] messengers

But before those [music] messengers reached their destination, heaven had

reached their destination, heaven had

reached their destination, heaven had already responded.

already responded.

already responded. The angel of the Lord spoke to Elijah,

The angel of the Lord spoke to Elijah,

The angel of the Lord spoke to Elijah, and the prophet

and the prophet

and the prophet >> [music]

>> [music]

>> [music] >> once again rose, without hesitation,

>> once again rose, without hesitation,

>> once again rose, without hesitation, without fear.

without fear.

without fear. He intercepted [music] the messengers on

He intercepted [music] the messengers on

He intercepted [music] the messengers on the road and declared,

the road and declared,

the road and declared, "Is there no god in Israel? And why do

"Is there no god in Israel? And why do

"Is there no god in Israel? And why do you go to consult [music] Baal-Zebub,

you go to consult [music] Baal-Zebub,

you go to consult [music] Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?

the god of Ekron?

the god of Ekron? Then take this message to the king.

Then take this message to the king.

Then take this message to the king. You will not get [music] down from the

You will not get [music] down from the

You will not get [music] down from the bed you climbed onto. You will surely

bed you climbed onto. You will surely

bed you climbed onto. You will surely die."

die."

die." The messengers returned sooner than

The messengers returned sooner than

The messengers returned sooner than expected.

expected.

expected. And when he saw them, Ahaziah questioned

And when he saw them, Ahaziah questioned

And when he saw them, Ahaziah questioned them.

them.

them. And they told everything, every word,

And they told everything, every word,

And they told everything, every word, every detail.

every detail.

every detail. They described the man who had stopped

They described the man who had stopped

They described the man who had stopped them on the road,

them on the road,

them on the road, a man covered with hair,

a man covered with hair,

a man covered with hair, with a leather belt [music] around his

with a leather belt [music] around his

with a leather belt [music] around his waist.

waist.

waist. And when he heard,

And when he heard,

And when he heard, the king's face tightened. He knew,

the king's face tightened. He knew,

the king's face tightened. He knew, there was no doubt.

there was no doubt.

there was no doubt. "It's him, it's him. It's Elijah the

"It's him, it's him. It's Elijah the

"It's him, it's him. It's Elijah the Tishbite. Who does he think he is? Call

Tishbite. Who does he think he is? Call

Tishbite. Who does he think he is? Call the captain of the royal guard."

the captain of the royal guard."

the captain of the royal guard." The same voice, the same prophet, the

The same voice, the same prophet, the

The same voice, the same prophet, the same god.

same god.

same god. Consumed with anger, he sent a captain

Consumed with anger, he sent a captain

Consumed with anger, he sent a captain with 50 soldiers to bring Elijah by

with 50 soldiers to bring Elijah by

with 50 soldiers to bring Elijah by force.

force.

force. They found him on the top of [music] a

They found him on the top of [music] a

They found him on the top of [music] a hill,

hill,

hill, sitting

sitting

sitting still,

still,

still, like a man who had nothing to flee from.

like a man who had nothing to flee from.

like a man who had nothing to flee from. "Elijah, man of God, the king commands

"Elijah, man of God, the king commands

"Elijah, man of God, the king commands you to come down immediately."

you to come down immediately."

you to come down immediately." And Elijah answered without raising his

And Elijah answered without raising his

And Elijah answered without raising his voice, without haste.

voice, without haste.

voice, without haste. "If I am a man of God,

"If I am a man of God,

"If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and

may fire come down from heaven and

may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your 50 men."

consume you and your 50 men."

consume you and your 50 men." And in that instant, heaven answered.

And in that instant, heaven answered.

And in that instant, heaven answered. Fire fell,

Fire fell,

Fire fell, violent,

violent,

violent, irresistible,

irresistible,

irresistible, and consumed them.

>> [screaming]

[screaming]

[groaning]

[screaming]

[screaming]

>> But the king's heart still had not

>> But the king's heart still had not

>> But the king's heart still had not learned.

learned.

learned. A second group was [music] sent,

A second group was [music] sent,

A second group was [music] sent, harsher, more arrogant.

harsher, more arrogant.

harsher, more arrogant. "Elijah, man of God, come down right

"Elijah, man of God, come down right

"Elijah, man of God, come down right now. The king of Israel commands you to

now. The king of Israel commands you to

now. The king of Israel commands you to come with us."

And Elijah, with the same firmness,

And Elijah, with the same firmness,

And Elijah, with the same firmness, answered again.

answered again.

answered again. And the fire fell once more,

And the fire fell once more,

And the fire fell once more, like a seal from heaven.

like a seal from heaven.

like a seal from heaven. >> [screaming]

[screaming and groaning]

>> Even then, Ahaziah persisted.

>> Even then, Ahaziah persisted.

>> Even then, Ahaziah persisted. A third captain was sent,

A third captain was sent,

A third captain was sent, but this one did not come with [music]

but this one did not come with [music]

but this one did not come with [music] commands. He came with fear.

He knelt before the prophet and pleaded,

"Elijah, man of God, I implore you,

"Elijah, man of God, I implore you,

"Elijah, man of God, I implore you, spare my life and the lives of these

spare my life and the lives of these

spare my life and the lives of these men."

men."

men." He understood.

He understood.

He understood. This was not merely a human

This was not merely a human

This was not merely a human confrontation.

confrontation.

confrontation. It was heaven responding to earth.

It was heaven responding to earth.

It was heaven responding to earth. Then the angel of the Lord spoke to

Then the angel of the Lord spoke to

Then the angel of the Lord spoke to Elijah.

Elijah.

Elijah. "Elijah,

"Elijah,

"Elijah, go down with him.

go down with him.

go down with him. Do not be afraid."

And Elijah went down,

And Elijah went down,

And Elijah went down, not as a prisoner,

not as a prisoner,

not as a prisoner, but as a messenger.

but as a messenger.

but as a messenger. Standing before the king, he repeated,

Standing before the king, he repeated,

Standing before the king, he repeated, without changing a single word,

without changing a single word,

without changing a single word, "This is what the Lord says.

"This is what the Lord says.

"This is what the Lord says. Because you sent messengers [music] to

Because you sent messengers [music] to

Because you sent messengers [music] to consult Baal and not the god of Israel,

consult Baal and not the god of Israel,

consult Baal and not the god of Israel, you will not get up from the bed you are

you will not get up from the bed you are

you will not get up from the bed you are lying on.

lying on.

lying on. You will surely die."

And so it happened.

And so it happened.

And so it happened. Ahaziah died according to the word

Ahaziah died according to the word

Ahaziah died according to the word [music] of the Lord,

[music] of the Lord,

[music] of the Lord, without delay, without error,

without delay, without error,

without delay, without error, exactly as it was spoken.

exactly as it was spoken.

exactly as it was spoken. And the story echoes like a warning

And the story echoes like a warning

And the story echoes like a warning through the ages.

through the ages.

through the ages. God does not share his glory with idols.

God does not share his glory with idols.

God does not share his glory with idols. No throne, no crown,

No throne, no crown,

No throne, no crown, no human authority can rise above

no human authority can rise above

no human authority can rise above heaven.

heaven.

heaven. The same fire that fell on Carmel

The same fire that fell on Carmel

The same fire that fell on Carmel fell again,

fell again,

fell again, not only to judge,

not only to judge,

not only to judge, but to confirm.

but to confirm.

but to confirm. Elijah did not speak [music] for

Elijah did not speak [music] for

Elijah did not speak [music] for himself,

himself,

himself, but as the voice of the Most High.

but as the voice of the Most High.

but as the voice of the Most High. After hearing the voice [music] of God

After hearing the voice [music] of God

After hearing the voice [music] of God at Horeb, not in the wind, not in the

at Horeb, not in the wind, not in the

at Horeb, not in the wind, not in the earthquake, nor in the fire,

earthquake, nor in the fire,

earthquake, nor in the fire, but in the whisper,

but in the whisper,

but in the whisper, Elijah understood.

Elijah understood.

Elijah understood. It was not just a momentary realization.

It was not just a momentary realization.

It was not just a momentary realization. It was a deep breaking.

It was a deep breaking.

It was a deep breaking. There, in that silence that pierces the

There, in that silence that pierces the

There, in that silence that pierces the soul,

soul,

soul, he perceived something greater [music]

he perceived something greater [music]

he perceived something greater [music] than his own pain.

than his own pain.

than his own pain. His journey was not yet finished.

His journey was not yet finished.

His journey was not yet finished. The calling was not only to confront

The calling was not only to confront

The calling was not only to confront kings,

kings,

kings, nor to tear down altars,

nor to tear down altars,

nor to tear down altars, but to build continuity,

but to build continuity,

but to build continuity, to ensure that the flame would not go

to ensure that the flame would not go

to ensure that the flame would not go out with his departure. For the work of

out with his departure. For the work of

out with his departure. For the work of God does not end in one man.

God does not end in one man.

God does not end in one man. It continues.

It continues.

It continues. It stretches like a river that never

It stretches like a river that never

It stretches like a river that never runs dry,

runs dry,

runs dry, flowing through time,

flowing through time,

flowing through time, breaking through generations. And in

breaking through generations. And in

breaking through generations. And in that silence, heavy with purpose,

that silence, heavy with purpose,

that silence, heavy with purpose, a mission was given

a mission was given

a mission was given to raise successors,

to raise successors,

to raise successors, men who would not only hear,

men who would not only hear,

men who would not only hear, but carry the weight of the presence,

but carry the weight of the presence,

but carry the weight of the presence, men who would sustain the flame

men who would sustain the flame

men who would sustain the flame when his voice would fall silent.

when his voice would fall silent.

when his voice would fall silent. Among them,

Among them,

Among them, a name was called,

a name was called,

a name was called, Elisha, son of Shaphat,

Elisha, son of Shaphat,

Elisha, son of Shaphat, a common man, without titles,

a common man, without titles,

a common man, without titles, without recorded history,

without recorded history,

without recorded history, but about to be marked by the

but about to be marked by the

but about to be marked by the extraordinary. [music]

extraordinary. [music]

extraordinary. [music] And then,

And then,

And then, the day came.

the day came.

the day came. Not with signs in the heavens, nor with

Not with signs in the heavens, nor with

Not with signs in the heavens, nor with grand announcements, but with the

grand announcements, but with the

grand announcements, but with the simplicity that so often accompanies the

simplicity that so often accompanies the

simplicity that so often accompanies the movements of God. Elijah went out,

movements of God. Elijah went out,

movements of God. Elijah went out, without noise, without announcement,

without noise, without announcement,

without noise, without announcement, only obedience.

only obedience.

only obedience. Each step carried purpose,

Each step carried purpose,

Each step carried purpose, even without witnesses.

even without witnesses.

even without witnesses. And he found Elisha in the field,

And he found Elisha in the field,

And he found Elisha in the field, plowing the land with 12 yoke of oxen.

plowing the land with 12 yoke of oxen.

plowing the land with 12 yoke of oxen. The sound of the plow breaking the soil,

The sound of the plow breaking the soil,

The sound of the plow breaking the soil, the smell of freshly turned earth,

the smell of freshly turned earth,

the smell of freshly turned earth, >> [music]

>> [music]

>> [music] >> the constant labor under the sun, the

>> the constant labor under the sun, the

>> the constant labor under the sun, the weight of work, the repetitive rhythm of

weight of work, the repetitive rhythm of

weight of work, the repetitive rhythm of ordinary life.

ordinary life.

ordinary life. Everything seemed the same [music] as

Everything seemed the same [music] as

Everything seemed the same [music] as every other day.

every other day.

every other day. Another day of routine, another day of

Another day of routine, another day of

Another day of routine, another day of silent effort.

silent effort.

silent effort. But that day was not ordinary. [music]

But that day was not ordinary. [music]

But that day was not ordinary. [music] It was the day when the invisible would

It was the day when the invisible would

It was the day when the invisible would touch the visible.

touch the visible.

touch the visible. Then, along the path, Elijah appeared,

Then, along the path, Elijah appeared,

Then, along the path, Elijah appeared, walking in silence, without haste,

walking in silence, without haste,

walking in silence, without haste, without hesitation,

without hesitation,

without hesitation, like someone who knows exactly what must

like someone who knows exactly what must

like someone who knows exactly what must be done.

be done.

be done. No speeches, no explanations,

No speeches, no explanations,

No speeches, no explanations, just a gesture. He took his mantle and

just a gesture. He took his mantle and

just a gesture. He took his mantle and cast it upon Elisha's shoulders.

cast it upon Elisha's shoulders.

cast it upon Elisha's shoulders. And in that instant, time seemed to

And in that instant, time seemed to

And in that instant, time seemed to stand still.

stand still.

stand still. Everything changed because it was not

Everything changed because it was not

Everything changed because it was not just a garment.

just a garment.

just a garment. It was a calling.

It was a calling.

It was a calling. It was a transfer.

It was a transfer.

It was a transfer. It was the invisible weight of God's

It was the invisible weight of God's

It was the invisible weight of God's presence resting upon a new man.

presence resting upon a new man.

presence resting upon a new man. It was the continuation of a story that

It was the continuation of a story that

It was the continuation of a story that could not be interrupted.

could not be interrupted.

could not be interrupted. Elisha understood, without words,

Elisha understood, without words,

Elisha understood, without words, without doubt, as if something within

without doubt, as if something within

without doubt, as if something within him awakened irreversibly.

him awakened irreversibly.

him awakened irreversibly. He left the plow and ran after the

He left the plow and ran after the

He left the plow and ran after the prophet.

prophet.

prophet. Let me just say goodbye to my parents.

Let me just say goodbye to my parents.

Let me just say goodbye to my parents. Go.

There was urgency,

There was urgency,

There was urgency, but also honor.

but also honor.

but also honor. He did not want to leave without [music]

He did not want to leave without [music]

He did not want to leave without [music] acknowledging his roots.

acknowledging his roots.

acknowledging his roots. Elijah answered with few words,

Elijah answered with few words,

Elijah answered with few words, but enough. For when God calls,

but enough. For when God calls,

but enough. For when God calls, there is no need for long explanations.

there is no need for long explanations.

there is no need for long explanations. [music]

[music]

[music] Elisha returned home and before those

Elisha returned home and before those

Elisha returned home and before those who had raised [music] him declared,

who had raised [music] him declared,

who had raised [music] him declared, Father, Mother,

Father, Mother,

Father, Mother, today I must answer God's call.

There was firmness in his [music] voice,

There was firmness in his [music] voice,

There was firmness in his [music] voice, but also awareness of the cost.

but also awareness of the cost.

but also awareness of the cost. It was not a light decision.

It was not a light decision.

It was not a light decision. It was final.

It was final.

It was final. He took the wood of the plow and turned

He took the wood of the plow and turned

He took the wood of the plow and turned it into [music] fire.

it into [music] fire.

it into [music] fire. He sacrificed the oxen, prepared food,

He sacrificed the oxen, prepared food,

He sacrificed the oxen, prepared food, and gave it to the people.

and gave it to the people.

and gave it to the people. A simple act, but filled with meaning.

A simple act, but filled with meaning.

A simple act, but filled with meaning. It was more than a gesture. It was a

It was more than a gesture. It was a

It was more than a gesture. It was a breaking point. It was an altar raised

breaking point. It was an altar raised

breaking point. It was an altar raised from the remains of his former life.

from the remains of his former life.

from the remains of his former life. It was a severing from the past.

It was a severing from the past.

It was a severing from the past. No return, [music]

No return, [music]

No return, [music] no backup plans, no way back.

And from that day on,

And from that day on,

And from that day on, Elisha walked beside Elijah.

Elisha walked beside Elijah.

Elisha walked beside Elijah. Not only as a disciple,

Not only as a disciple,

Not only as a disciple, but as a man in process. [music]

but as a man in process. [music]

but as a man in process. [music] Learning, observing, serving,

Learning, observing, serving,

Learning, observing, serving, absorbing not only words, but the spirit

absorbing not only words, but the spirit

absorbing not only words, but the spirit of the mission.

of the mission.

of the mission. As time moved forward, silent but

As time moved forward, silent but

As time moved forward, silent but inevitable,

inevitable,

inevitable, like a clock no one sees, but that never

like a clock no one sees, but that never

like a clock no one sees, but that never stops. [music]

Until the day came,

Until the day came,

Until the day came, the day when heaven would come to take

the day when heaven would come to take

the day when heaven would come to take him.

him.

him. They departed from Gilgal, walking

They departed from Gilgal, walking

They departed from Gilgal, walking together.

together.

together. Each step now carried farewell.

Each step now carried farewell.

Each step now carried farewell. They passed through Bethel,

They passed through Bethel,

They passed through Bethel, through Jericho,

through Jericho,

through Jericho, and in every place, Elijah would say,

and in every place, Elijah would say,

and in every place, Elijah would say, You must stay here, my son.

You must stay here, my son.

You must stay here, my son. I don't want you [music] to carry the

I don't want you [music] to carry the

I don't want you [music] to carry the weight of what is to come.

As if testing him, as if preparing him,

As if testing him, as if preparing him,

As if testing him, as if preparing him, as if deep down, trying to spare him.

as if deep down, trying to spare him.

as if deep down, trying to spare him. But Elisha remained firm, without

But Elisha remained firm, without

But Elisha remained firm, without retreating, without hesitating,

retreating, without hesitating,

retreating, without hesitating, not out of stubbornness,

not out of stubbornness,

not out of stubbornness, but out of faithfulness,

but out of faithfulness,

but out of faithfulness, out of love,

out of love,

out of love, out of conviction.

out of conviction.

out of conviction. Then they came to the Jordan, the

Then they came to the Jordan, the

Then they came to the Jordan, the boundary, the point of transition,

boundary, the point of transition,

boundary, the point of transition, the place [music] where stories change.

the place [music] where stories change.

the place [music] where stories change. Elijah took his mantle, folded it, and

Elijah took his mantle, folded it, and

Elijah took his mantle, folded it, and struck the waters.

The waters parted as if recognizing the

The waters parted as if recognizing the

The waters parted as if recognizing the authority of that act,

authority of that act,

authority of that act, and both crossed on dry ground, like in

and both crossed on dry ground, like in

and both crossed on dry ground, like in ancient days,

ancient days,

ancient days, like a living echo of the God who does

like a living echo of the God who does

like a living echo of the God who does not change,

not change,

not change, now repeating before new eyes.

now repeating before new eyes.

now repeating before new eyes. On the other side, the moment came.

On the other side, the moment came.

On the other side, the moment came. The silence grew heavier.

The silence grew heavier.

The silence grew heavier. Tell me, my son, what [music] you want

Tell me, my son, what [music] you want

Tell me, my son, what [music] you want me to do for you before I am taken away.

I ask you, my lord,

I ask you, my lord,

I ask you, my lord, for a double portion [music] of your

for a double portion [music] of your

for a double portion [music] of your spirit.

spirit.

spirit. It was not ambition.

It was not ambition.

It was not ambition. It was responsibility.

It was responsibility.

It was responsibility. It was the recognition that what [music]

It was the recognition that what [music]

It was the recognition that what [music] was coming would require more.

was coming would require more.

was coming would require more. It was the desire to continue and to go

It was the desire to continue and to go

It was the desire to continue and to go further.

further.

further. As they walked, suddenly, heaven opened.

As they walked, suddenly, heaven opened.

As they walked, suddenly, heaven opened. Not as a spectacle, but as a divine

Not as a spectacle, but as a divine

Not as a spectacle, but as a divine intervention.

intervention.

intervention. A chariot of fire with horses of fire

A chariot of fire with horses of fire

A chariot of fire with horses of fire came down between them, separating

came down between them, separating

came down between them, separating master and disciple.

And then, Elijah was [music] taken

And then, Elijah was [music] taken

And then, Elijah was [music] taken in a whirlwind, rising, being carried,

in a whirlwind, rising, being carried,

in a whirlwind, rising, being carried, disappearing into the heavens.

disappearing into the heavens.

disappearing into the heavens. My father! My father!

My father! My father!

My father! My father! The chariots of Israel and their

The chariots of Israel and their

The chariots of Israel and their horsemen!

horsemen!

horsemen! His cry tore through the silence, filled

His cry tore through the silence, filled

His cry tore through the silence, filled with grief and honor.

with grief and honor.

with grief and honor. His eyes followed

His eyes followed

His eyes followed until he could see no more.

until he could see no more.

until he could see no more. Silence.

Silence.

Silence. Absence.

Absence.

Absence. The emptiness of departure.

The emptiness of departure.

The emptiness of departure. But then,

But then,

But then, something fell.

something fell.

something fell. The mantle.

The mantle.

The mantle. The same mantle now before him.

The same mantle now before him.

The same mantle now before him. As an answer,

As an answer,

As an answer, as a confirmation.

as a confirmation.

as a confirmation. Elisha tore his garments, [music]

Elisha tore his garments, [music]

Elisha tore his garments, [music] mourning, but also transition.

mourning, but also transition.

mourning, but also transition. The end of one phase and the beginning

The end of one phase and the beginning

The end of one phase and the beginning of another.

of another.

of another. He took the mantle in his hands.

He took the mantle in his hands.

He took the mantle in his hands. Now not as a spectator, but as a bearer.

Now not as a spectator, but as a bearer.

Now not as a spectator, but as a bearer. And he returned to the Jordan.

And he returned to the Jordan.

And he returned to the Jordan. Each step carried decision.

Each step carried decision.

Each step carried decision. He stood before the waters, lifted the

He stood before the waters, lifted the

He stood before the waters, lifted the mantle, and declared,

Where is the God of Elijah?

They parted again,

They parted again,

They parted again, because it was never about Elijah.

because it was never about Elijah.

because it was never about Elijah. It was about God.

It was about God.

It was about God. And he crossed,

And he crossed,

And he crossed, no longer as a servant,

no longer as a servant,

no longer as a servant, but as a prophet.

but as a prophet.

but as a prophet. The sons of the prophets watched from a

The sons of the prophets watched from a

The sons of the prophets watched from a distance,

distance,

distance, witnesses of a moment unseen by natural

witnesses of a moment unseen by natural

witnesses of a moment unseen by natural eyes.

eyes.

eyes. And they recognized it.

And they recognized it.

And they recognized it. The spirit of Elijah

The spirit of Elijah

The spirit of Elijah now rested upon Elisha.

now rested upon Elisha.

now rested upon Elisha. Thus began a new story,

Thus began a new story,

Thus began a new story, a new season,

a new season,

a new season, a new voice.

a new voice.

a new voice. For God does not choose only the strong,

For God does not choose only the strong,

For God does not choose only the strong, nor the most prepared.

nor the most prepared.

nor the most prepared. He chooses the available.

He chooses the available.

He chooses the available. Those who are willing to leave

Those who are willing to leave

Those who are willing to leave everything,

everything,

everything, to obey without reserve.

to obey without reserve.

to obey without reserve. Elisha left the plow and began to divide

Elisha left the plow and began to divide

Elisha left the plow and began to divide rivers, not by his own strength, but by

rivers, not by his own strength, but by

rivers, not by his own strength, but by obedience.

obedience.

obedience. The mantle that fell upon him was not

The mantle that fell upon him was not

The mantle that fell upon him was not just a garment. It was the beginning of

just a garment. It was the beginning of

just a garment. It was the beginning of a life marked by the presence of God.

a life marked by the presence of God.

a life marked by the presence of God. Elijah, the prophet of fire, was taken

Elijah, the prophet of fire, was taken

Elijah, the prophet of fire, was taken into heaven.

into heaven.

into heaven. But the fire did not go out,

But the fire did not go out,

But the fire did not go out, because the mantle was passed.

because the mantle was passed.

because the mantle was passed. And in the hands of Elisha,

And in the hands of Elisha,

And in the hands of Elisha, a new era began.

>> [music]