The world is full of trouble makers! Some deserve the designation, others not so much. Copernicus was the first European scientist to advocate the heliocentric theory of the solar system. He offended many who claimed the earth was the center of the universe, who even used the Bible as their “proof.” My Mom thought young Elvis Presley was a trouble maker. Today, Elon Musk is billed as such by many.
Satan, of course, was and is the biggest trouble maker of all time, for by his lies and deceit he brought sin and unimaginable trouble, grief, and destruction into the world.
We might be surprised, therefore, that at least one of God’s prophets was called a trouble maker. Elijah was God’s messenger to Israel. He was sent to vigorously oppose the worship of Baal. That opposition included reproving King Ahab and his wife Jezebel. Elijah’s first recorded words were to announce to Ahab a drought that would last for three and a half years. After the elapsed time, Elijah came out of hiding and appeared unto Ahab, who greeted the prophet with the words, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” (1 Kings 18:17) (Note that Baal, the fertility idol, could not send the needed rain, just as later he could not send fire from heaven.) Obviously, Ahab held Elijah accountable for the drought and subsequent famine.
Ahab accuses Elijah of troubling Israel.
But it was Ahab who had committed the terrible crime against God of introducing Baal worship in Israel, leading many souls astray. Elijah? He had simply opposed this horrendous false religion and faithfully proclaimed the one true God of Israel, Who did send rain. Yes, quite a trouble maker he was!
For it is a certain truth that when one brings the words of the Law of God upon a person or nation, there will be trouble. By reason of their sinful, innate pride, people cannot tolerate the condemning words of God, which reveals them to be totally corrupt and spiritually dead in their sin. Who wants to be told they are evil by nature when they think they are good?
It is also most certainly true that when the saving Gospel in Christ is proclaimed, trouble is sure to follow. Sinful man is offended, the balloon of his self-righteousness is deflated, his reason challenged. The message of salvation “in one name only” angers—even unto violence. So we have recently witnessed it in India.
Our Lord Jesus Himself was a “trouble maker.” His condemnation of the Pharisees infuriated them unto hatred and the terrible cross of death. The sweet words of His Gospel only further alienated the hearts of those who would not hear. How could the Prince of Peace be such a trouble maker? The Lord explained in Matthew 10:34: “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” His message of forgiveness, comfort, and hope necessarily causes trouble, dividing asunder those who believe in Him from those who will not.
When God’s Word is proclaimed and lived, trouble will follow. In Philippi, an accusation was brought to the magistrates against Paul and Silas: “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city.” (Acts 16:20) Luther’s message of salvation by grace alone received by faith alone based on Scripture alone stirred up a hornet’s nest of trouble against him. It is as Jesus warned His followers: “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33 NIV)
Are you a trouble maker? You are if you faithfully proclaim and support the truth of God’s Word. Elijah, Saint Paul, Martin Luther, and countless saints all brought and experienced trouble. “But take heart!” (John 16:33 NIV) They faithfully walked the Jesus Way, and now abide with Him in the eternal kingdom of peace prepared and reserved for former trouble makers.
is a retired pastor. He lives in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.