“Of God”

I’ve been struck by the levity of the phrase “man (or woman) of God.” This label is simple, only three words, and commonly used, at least within the church; but far more wonderful than what I’ve realized. To be primarily identified in relationship to God is possibly the greatest achievement man can find in this life. That we can ascend to the humble title “of God.” What marvelous grace He has given!

To be “of” something means that something is the origin of who we are. Often this “of” is geographic, socio-economic, political, or familial. We derive rank and pedigree from land, wealth, and privilege. The more integrated we become in the lustful web of worldly status, the loftier and increasingly elaborate these titles become. Yet one stands above them all. Stunningly simple and mysteriously complex—“of God.”

Elijah was a Tishbite, meaning he was from the land of Gilead, the town of Tishbe. He had a prophetic gifting on his life and God used him to prophesy of a drought coming to the land of Israel. The nation was lukewarm and infected with idolatry, and God’s answer to this was to raise up a deliverer—a man “of God”—that could turn Israel back to covenant faithfulness. The problem is that at the beginning of the story, Elijah was a Tishbite. He was anointed by God, but not yet “of God.” 

As the drought proceeded to wreak havoc on the economy of Israel, Elijah was sent into the wilderness to hide in a ravine called Cherith (“ker-EETH”). This word in the Hebrew language means “cutting or separation,” and it is here that God accomplished a deep work of severing Elijah from anything derived in self-reliance. To be “of God” will require time in Cherith. All independence must be cut and separated if we are to live and move and have our being completely in God.

Practically, the cutting takes place as we embrace our need for God. For Elijah, following the Spirit to Cherith meant embracing a situation where he would need God for the provision of food and nourishment. In reply, God used ravens and a poor widow to provide for the prophet. This need humbled Elijah and that is the point of Cherith.

Needing God is a terrifying idea for a Western civilized citizen, even for Christians. The allure of wealth is self-sufficiency. Riches and status promise that you will be able to take care of all your needs and never have to face the scary reality of life’s extreme vulnerability. And this is where the choice for all of us lies: What will my life be characterized “of?”

Riches may bring temporary security. Status may manufacture a sense of self-importance. Title may procure worldly power. But all these fall short “of God.”

Elijah emerged from Cherith leaning on God, needy for His provision, weak and despised by worldly standard. He then raised a boy from the dead. Why this power? Cherith transformed Elijah the Tishbite into a man “of God.” The creative life-force of God could now flow unhindered through the humbled prophet. His power is perfected in weakness.

One of the questions I have received frequently over the years in ministry is “Why does God move more powerfully in impoverished nations than in America?” The answer is simple: need and dependence. In the west, we are full of contingency plans and only come to places of need when crisis causes all of them to fail.

I believe right now is a time when God is inviting many to come to the Cherith ravine. Following God into situations where you actually need Him is scary, but truly invigorating. Cherith is the door of entrance to a life of adventure with God. It’s not comfortable, but it is full of miracles, and when embraced makes us “of God!”

Abounding in hope,

Jordan