Law 6 in The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is "Court Attention at All Costs." It emphasizes the importance of standing out, drawing attention, and maintaining a memorable presence, as obscurity can make one powerless.
In the Bible, several figures stand out as exemplars of this law by drawing significant attention to themselves or their actions, but Elijah may be one of the best examples.
Elijah and "Courting Attention"
Elijah’s role as a prophet of God required him to stand out, often challenging kings, leaders, and false prophets directly. Some ways he embodies this law include:
Dramatic Confrontations with Authority: Elijah frequently confronted King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, openly denouncing their idolatry and calling down judgment. By doing this, he drew public attention and made his prophetic role impossible to ignore (1 Kings 17–18).
The Contest on Mount Carmel: Elijah organized a public spectacle on Mount Carmel, where he challenged 450 prophets of Baal to a contest to prove whose God was real. By calling fire from heaven, Elijah not only won the contest but also drew the awe and attention of the people of Israel, solidifying his status as a powerful prophet of God (1 Kings 18:20-39).
Living a Distinctive Life: Elijah lived a life that was often extreme and marked by supernatural events. He lived in the wilderness, was miraculously fed by ravens, and raised the widow’s son from the dead. This type of lifestyle set him apart and continually kept people intrigued by his actions (1 Kings 17:2-24).
Departure in a Fiery Chariot: Elijah’s life ended in a dramatic ascension to heaven in a chariot of fire. This event left an enduring legacy, as even centuries later, people looked for Elijah’s return. His departure was unique, and it further elevated his legendary status in biblical history (2 Kings 2:11).
Through these actions, Elijah illustrates the importance of not only drawing attention to one’s role and mission but also of using that attention to fulfill a higher purpose.
Standing Out for God: Lessons from Elijah’s Bold Faith
Let’s dive into the story of Elijah, one of the boldest prophets in the Bible. Elijah wasn’t someone who just blended into the background—his actions were unforgettable and commanded attention. Elijah’s life teaches us about the power of stepping out in faith and standing boldly for God, even in the face of great challenges. Let’s explore how his story unfolds and how it connects to the life and mission of Jesus.
Setting the Scene with a Parable
Imagine a small village in the middle of a drought. Two farmers pray for rain every day, hoping it will come. One farmer prays quietly at home, faithful but unseen. The other farmer climbs onto his roof every morning, boldly proclaiming to the whole village that rain is coming by the grace of God. The villagers start to watch him, wondering if his faith is as strong as his words. Finally, after days of waiting, rain pours down. The quiet farmer is grateful, but no one remembers his prayers. Instead, the villagers are drawn to the boldness of the rooftop farmer, and they’re left wondering, Who is this God he believes in so deeply?
Like the rooftop farmer, Elijah understood the importance of boldness and attention in revealing God’s power to the world. His story shows us what it means to stand out for God.
Confronting Power with Bold Faith
In 1 Kings 17:1, Elijah marches up to King Ahab and declares, "As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word." This isn’t a quiet, whispered prayer—it’s a bold confrontation with a powerful king. Elijah doesn’t mince words or try to keep his message low-key. He knows that when God’s judgment needs to be heard, it has to be clear and unmistakable.
This wasn’t just about telling Ahab to change his ways. Elijah’s courage reminds us of Proverbs 28:1, which says, "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion." He didn’t fear Ahab because his faith in God made him fearless. When we’re grounded in God, we’re able to step out boldly—even if it’s in front of people who might be able to harm us.
The Showdown on Mount Carmel
Elijah takes it a step further when he challenges the prophets of Baal to a showdown on Mount Carmel. This wasn’t a private test; Elijah knew he had to make this a public event so everyone could see whose God was real. In 1 Kings 18:21-24, he calls the people of Israel together and poses the question: How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, follow him. This is a decisive moment. Elijah doesn’t just want personal victory; he wants the people to see the truth and to choose God with conviction.
Psalm 96:3 reminds us to "declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people." Elijah did exactly that. He wanted to make God’s power clear for everyone to see, like the rooftop farmer proclaiming his faith so everyone could witness the rain. Elijah didn’t care if people thought he was a little too intense; he knew this moment was crucial. God showed up in a powerful way, and the people couldn’t deny His presence.
Living Uniquely Under God’s Care
Elijah’s life itself was distinctive. We read in 1 Kings 17:6 that he was fed by ravens in the wilderness. Imagine that—living alone, isolated, but receiving miraculous provision every day. God wasn’t just providing for Elijah; He was showing the prophet and everyone who heard his story that He is faithful to those who serve Him.
In Matthew 6:26, Jesus teaches, "Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them." Elijah’s life foreshadowed this very principle. Just as God provided for Elijah, Jesus assures us that God will provide for us, even when we’re in what feels like a wilderness. Elijah’s journey is a reminder to trust God’s provision in every situation, no matter how unusual it may seem.
Elijah’s Fiery Exit
Then, there’s Elijah’s unforgettable departure. In 2 Kings 2:11, we see that Elijah is taken up into heaven in a whirlwind, riding in a chariot of fire. Talk about making an exit! Elijah’s whole life had been marked by bold actions, and his departure was no different. This wasn’t just about him going to heaven; it was God’s final stamp on a life lived powerfully and purposefully.
When Jesus ascends to heaven in Acts 1:9, it’s another public moment with a lasting impact. The disciples and early believers saw Him go, knowing He would come again. Both Elijah and Jesus left their followers with a sense of awe, a call to remember their teachings, and a charge to continue spreading God’s truth.
Conclusion: Following Christ’s Bold Example
In each of these stories, we see a thread that points us to Christ. Like Elijah, Jesus didn’t hide His mission. He lived boldly, performed miracles publicly, and confronted the religious authorities of His day, all while bringing glory to God. Jesus even tells us in John 12:32, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." His ultimate act of sacrifice was done openly for all to witness, drawing everyone to God.
Jesus also instructs us in Matthew 5:16 to "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Just as Elijah’s life was a beacon of God’s power, Jesus calls us to live boldly in faith so that others can see God in us.
So, what does this mean for us? Maybe it means speaking out when we see injustice, sharing our faith when it’s uncomfortable, or simply living in a way that makes people take notice. Elijah’s life reminds us that God can use our boldness to reveal His greatness, and in following Christ, we can be that rooftop farmer—pointing others to the rain of God’s love and truth.
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