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“The Elijah Complex”Geometrical Approach

June 28, 2009

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ElijahA Benjamite, the son of Jeroham (1 Chr.

8:27).

An influential prophet • lived in the ninth century B.C. • during the reigns of Ahab and Ahaziah in

the northern kingdom of Israel.• opposed to the accepted standards of his

day, when belief in many gods was normal. Youngblood, Ronald F. ; Bruce, F. F. ; Harrison, R. K. ; Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1995

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Elijah’s exploits

• Declares a long draught – 1 Kings 17:1• Multiplies widow’s flour and oil – 1 Kings

17-7-6• Widow’s son comes back to life – 1 Kings

17:17-24• Calls down fire from heaven – 1 Kings

18:1-40

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Elijah’s exploits

• Sends a rainstorm – 1 Kings 18:41-45• Outruns a chariot – 1 Kings 18: 46

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The Problem

• 1 Kings 19:1-3 - And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. – “Kill Elijah”

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“Kill Elijah” . . . Jezebel

1 Kings 19:3-4 - And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

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Elijah’s reaction to the problem1 Kings 19:3-4 • And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his

life…and left his servant there. • He went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and

came and sat down under a juniper tree• and he requested that he might die

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What’s going on with Elijah• Afraid – He run for his life ( v 3)• Worthlessness – he wanted to die (v4)• At winds end – “I had enough” (v4)• Feeling of failure – “I am no better than.. (v4)• Physically exhausted (v 5-6)• Disappointed (v 10)• Deserted – “I am the only one left” (v 10)• Hopelessness – “they want to kill me (v10)

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Victory

Defeat

Depression

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DepressionDefinition

• disorder marked especially by sadness,• Inactivity• difficulty in thinking and concentration• a significant increase or decrease in appetite

and time spent sleeping• feelings of dejection and hopelessness• sometimes suicidal tendencies

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Victory

Defeat

“Elijah Complex” (part 1)

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Downward Slope

Victory

Defeat

• Elijah’s viewpoint over God’s viewpoint

• He ran for his life• Jezebels threat over Gods care• Wrong view of God (limited

God)• Physically and emotionally

drained• “himself”

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Elijah “himself”

1 Kings 19:3-4 - And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

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Victory

Defeat

“Elijah Complex” (part 2)

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Victory

Defeat

“Elijah Complex” (part 2)

? 1 Kings 19: starting at v 5

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Victory

Defeat

• God provided sleep, food and drink

• God touched Elijah• God allowed Elijah to “pour out”• God taught Elijah – Its not always

“dramatic and big events”• Gods reassurance – You are not

alone

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Summary

Part 1 of Elijah Complex• Elijah’s viewpoint over

God’s viewpoint• He ran for his life• Jezebels threat over Gods

care• Wrong view of God (limited

God)• Physically and emotionally

drained• “himself”

Part 2 of Elijah Complex• God provided sleep, food

and drink• God touched Elijah• God allowed Elijah to “pour

out”• God taught Elijah – Its not

always “dramatic and big events”

• Gods reassurance – You are not alone

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Conclusion … When Depressed…• Pour it out! – Elijah did this• Physical needs should be considered – God

gave that• Don’t run around – there is a “ still small

voice”• Don’t forget – God is in control• Keep serving God • Praise God for his powers

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