Worship Wednesday: Days of Elijah
This song has become a staple here at Horizon. And most people only know the chorus. There is so much Biblical history written into this one song. We have Elijah, Moses, the voice in the Desert, Ezekiel, David, Laborer's in the Vineyard, And Jehovah coming out of the hills of Zion!
The Days of Elijah: Elijah was a major prophet of God during the time of the Kings. He was specifically around during King Ahab's reign. King Ahab was known as one of the most wicked kings to ever rule over Israel. He allowed his wife Jezebel to distract his heart and he led the people worship false gods. The Canaanite god Baal specifically. Baal was the god of nature and life. Because he followed Baal instead of Yahweh, there was a three year drought over the land. And then the drought ends at the showdown on Mount Carmel. This was a high place dedicated to Baal worship and on this mount. Elijah called down fire in a miraculous showdown of the power of the gods. God came through when Baal did not and this turned the people away from Baal and to God himself.
The Days of Moses: These actually happen long before Elijah. Moses was a Hebrew boy raised as an Egyptian prince in the time that the Hebrew nation was held captive in Egypt. After killing an Egyptian soldier he runs away to the desert. Here he marries and becomes a shepherd. While shepherding he is called by God from a burning bush. He returns to Egypt with the epic plagues and with the help of God and his big brother Aaron, he convinces Pharaoh to release the Hebrews. He then leads them through the desert to the promised land over the next 40 years. From a shepherd of sheep to a shepherd of God's chosen people.
The voice in the desert: John the Baptist is known as the voice in the desert calling out to God's people to tell them that the Messiah is coming. He is quoted in scripture as preparing the way for the Lord.
The Days of Ezekiel: Ezekiel was another major prophet sent to the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon. Ezekiel had many great visions from God, that are worthy of the book of Revelations. He also stands over a valley of dry bones and with the power of God he calls these bones back to life. This was a prophecy telling the Israelite's that at some point God would bring them back to the promised land and restore them as a nation.
The Days of David: It specifically says rebuilding the Temple of praise. But David wasn't allowed to rebuild the Temple, this was a job for his son Solomon. Instead of building an actual building David built the nation up to follow God and praise Him. David is responsible for many of the Psalms and was known for his praising of God no matter the situation. David was a man after God's own heart and even in the midst of his biggest mistake he still sought God and did his best to keep the nation worshiping and praising God.
The Laborer's in the Vineyard: This was a parable of Jesus. Jesus use this illustration to inform the people that the reward of Heaven was for all who came to work for the Vineyard keeper or all who come to believe in Jesus.
Jehovah coming out of the hills of Zion: This is a description of the second coming of Jesus.
There is so much to this song. The history of God's people, the world we live in now and the future to come. Campers dance and sing to this song in a way that reminds me of David's fearless praise of God. He didn't care who thought he looked foolish. Even one of his wives Michal got upset with him for his reckless abandon in his praise and worship to God. Not even the love of his life could stop him from praising God with his whole being. This is one of the best things we do at camp. We teach campers to praise God with their whole being! This isn't often taught in church because many churches are traditional in nature and dancing around doesn't fit too well. It is fun to see first time campers look around the first day in awe and shock that they don't have to sit or stand still in worship at camp. Dancing is encouraged!!!
What can you do today to open yourself up to some reckless, unfiltered praise and worship to God? Jesus loves us in a reckless way, we should do the same!
The Days of Elijah: Elijah was a major prophet of God during the time of the Kings. He was specifically around during King Ahab's reign. King Ahab was known as one of the most wicked kings to ever rule over Israel. He allowed his wife Jezebel to distract his heart and he led the people worship false gods. The Canaanite god Baal specifically. Baal was the god of nature and life. Because he followed Baal instead of Yahweh, there was a three year drought over the land. And then the drought ends at the showdown on Mount Carmel. This was a high place dedicated to Baal worship and on this mount. Elijah called down fire in a miraculous showdown of the power of the gods. God came through when Baal did not and this turned the people away from Baal and to God himself.
The Days of Moses: These actually happen long before Elijah. Moses was a Hebrew boy raised as an Egyptian prince in the time that the Hebrew nation was held captive in Egypt. After killing an Egyptian soldier he runs away to the desert. Here he marries and becomes a shepherd. While shepherding he is called by God from a burning bush. He returns to Egypt with the epic plagues and with the help of God and his big brother Aaron, he convinces Pharaoh to release the Hebrews. He then leads them through the desert to the promised land over the next 40 years. From a shepherd of sheep to a shepherd of God's chosen people.
The voice in the desert: John the Baptist is known as the voice in the desert calling out to God's people to tell them that the Messiah is coming. He is quoted in scripture as preparing the way for the Lord.
The Days of Ezekiel: Ezekiel was another major prophet sent to the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon. Ezekiel had many great visions from God, that are worthy of the book of Revelations. He also stands over a valley of dry bones and with the power of God he calls these bones back to life. This was a prophecy telling the Israelite's that at some point God would bring them back to the promised land and restore them as a nation.
The Days of David: It specifically says rebuilding the Temple of praise. But David wasn't allowed to rebuild the Temple, this was a job for his son Solomon. Instead of building an actual building David built the nation up to follow God and praise Him. David is responsible for many of the Psalms and was known for his praising of God no matter the situation. David was a man after God's own heart and even in the midst of his biggest mistake he still sought God and did his best to keep the nation worshiping and praising God.
The Laborer's in the Vineyard: This was a parable of Jesus. Jesus use this illustration to inform the people that the reward of Heaven was for all who came to work for the Vineyard keeper or all who come to believe in Jesus.
Jehovah coming out of the hills of Zion: This is a description of the second coming of Jesus.
There is so much to this song. The history of God's people, the world we live in now and the future to come. Campers dance and sing to this song in a way that reminds me of David's fearless praise of God. He didn't care who thought he looked foolish. Even one of his wives Michal got upset with him for his reckless abandon in his praise and worship to God. Not even the love of his life could stop him from praising God with his whole being. This is one of the best things we do at camp. We teach campers to praise God with their whole being! This isn't often taught in church because many churches are traditional in nature and dancing around doesn't fit too well. It is fun to see first time campers look around the first day in awe and shock that they don't have to sit or stand still in worship at camp. Dancing is encouraged!!!
What can you do today to open yourself up to some reckless, unfiltered praise and worship to God? Jesus loves us in a reckless way, we should do the same!
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