4/6/17
“What doest thou here, Elijah?” I Kings 19:9
Dear Congregation,
Many are at
least generally familiar with the ministry of the prophet Elijah that begins in
I Kings chapter 17. Elijah, the mysterious rough hewn man of God who appears
out of nowhere to face the evil King Ahab and declare God’s Word. We are aware
of his boldness, we are aware of his faith, we are aware of his triumphs. But
when we think more deeply we also remember some of his weaknesses. Here in I
Kings chapter 19 we see Elijah running away for his life and despairing that he
is all alone. Some background for this is needed.
In I kings
chapter 18, Elijah is on Mount Carmel , and by
the power of God calls down fire from heaven to defeat and show up the prophets
of Baal. The account is a magnificent visible and tangible display of God’s
reality and power. It has often been asked how Elijah could run in fear after
he had just been a participant in something so magnificent. Some have suggested
that Elijah had very high expectations from this display. It has been noted
that Elijah may have expected all of the witnesses and people of Israel to turn
to God in repentance and faith and give up their wickedness and idolatry. After
all, such an outreach must garner results right? Yet, this was not the case. No
one cared, no one sought the Lord as a result. It was a huge let down for
Elijah and now Jezebel threatens his life. He runs, he despairs, he is
exhausted.
Yet, God
has not abandoned His servant and sends an angel to comfort and minister to the
broken down Elijah. God gives him food for physical strength, encouraging words
for mental strength, and Elijah goes to seek God’s presence for spiritual
strength. Many of us often feel alone or let down like Elijah in this passage.
Many of us create goals and standards that are not necessarily of God and then
are depressed by personal disappointment. We may want to run away and just give
up. But be of good cheer, God has the power and strength to overcome your
disappointment. Take care for your physical and mental health for a quality
life, but be sure to take care of your spiritual life. Elijah goes to Mount Sinai , possibly to the same cleft of the rock where
Moses was when he saw God’s backside. This puts life and ministry in
perspective. What doest thou here, Elijah? I have reserved 7,000 who have not
bowed the knee to Baal. Seek your God, seek His grace, seek His glory, rest in
Him and in His provision. Life by His Word not your own manufactured
expectations and wants. God will send the encouragement, the right perspective
and the reality of His constant presence and provision. You are not alone,
there are more with you than be with them. What doest thou here? God has grace
and purpose for you even here. Trust and walk with Him!
In Christ,
Pastor Basile
