1 Kings 16, 17 [The Message]

While in music school, I had an honors composition assignment to write for chorus and instrumental ensemble. I became so impressed with the life of the prophet Elijah that I made him my theme. My composition was performed by music students from the college and later by the Hope Temple choir of Findlay, Ohio. I remember working on it during the night while my wife lay sleeping in the bed next to my desk. That was nearly 50 years ago. I used her maiden name, Pat Beck, as my pseudonym to acknowledge her latent contribution.

The point is … I was so taken by the dramatic way God used Elijah to annoy the wicked King Ahab of Israel. Elijah was so raw and uncouth they called him “An hairy man.” Yet his message and anointing were the most violent and authentic the nation had ever known. He could call down fire from heaven and consume army troops sent to apprehend him. If we saw him today, we would probably consider him a homeless, street person. But, he had great POWER WITH GOD.

We shall begin a several day examination of his remarkable life and ministry. If I can find a recording of my composition, I will share it.