“Some say…Elijah, and others Jeremiah…” (Matt. 16:14 NKJ).
Jesus had just asked His disciples how the world viewed Him. They relayed to their Master that people saw Him in different capacities. Some felt He was a reflection of Elijah, while others felt He was of the Jeremiah mold. The thing that is interesting here is that Jesus is a fine blend of many characteristics of both men, which we would do well to emulate.
Elijah was Mr. Firm. He was as straight as an arrow. One of his many positive qualities was manliness. He was strong spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and volitionally. Elijah comes across as a no-nonsense type with unusual strength of character, intense spiritual drive, and a determined will.
The people saw these same qualities in Jesus when He refused to be intimidated by the religious leaders. It was easy to associate Jesus with Elijah because of His strength.
Jeremiah was the exact opposite. He was gentle, compassionate, kind, merciful, patient, and genteel. He was known to weep openly, was highly sensitive, and had a great capacity for love and kindness. Like Jeremiah, Jesus was tenderhearted and possessed great feelings.
Put Elijah and Jeremiah together and you have a person who is tough but gentle, firm but compassionate, rugged and strong but blessed with great sensitivity. It would be good if each of us could incorporate the same qualities in our own life. We too need to be firm against sin, but compassionate with the sinner. What an ideal!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.