Read: 1 Kings 19:1-9a

When we are deeply involved in the service of the Lord, with much prayer and hard work, we see God’s power displayed. Moving in the power of the Holy Spirit, we are amazed by what unfolds before us. But very often our mountain top experiences are followed by the challenges of the valley. Elijah challenged and ended slaughtering 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah; the very next moment he was shaken by the threat of one single woman! Today’s text helps us face such challenges that follow after the high points in our Christian life.

King Ahab reported to Jezebel how Elijah had killed all the prophets (v. 1).

He did not see this as an act of God but that of Elijah! Jezebel was the daughter of the King of Sidon and she worshipped Baal (I Kings 16: 31). She immediately responded, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” (v. 2) When this news reached Elijah, he feared (v. 3). Elijah feared, perhaps because in his tiredness, he took his eyes off God and only saw Jezebel; her threat was too much for him to handle. Our problems are never bigger than God. Fear sets in when we think they are. 

When fear grips us, all that we can think of is to run away from the place of danger. Elijah fled because of his survival instinct (v. 3). He went away as far as possible and out of his agony and despair prayed that God
would take his life (v.4). This whole experience was just too much for him and so he declared, “I have had enough, LORD.” Elijah’s strength was sapped; he just fell asleep (v. 5). This was a low point in Elijah’s life and he saw himself as being no different from his forefathers- a failure just like them (v.5). He just withdrew and wanted to be alone by himself. 

God allowed Elijah to have the space and time to recover. Also, He gave him what he needed for the next task; He fed him (v. 5b – 8). Elijah was tired even to eat but God sent His angel to ensure that he did. He needed to be strengthened for the long journey that was ahead of him. Though Elijah had won a big spiritual battle on Mount Carmel, yet that victory did not give him the courage to face Jezebel. But God had much more in store for him. He gave Elijah the rest and strength for the next task. We too need a break to rest, but only to help us face the next task.
 
Verse to reflect: “The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”
(I Kings 19:7). 

This is the eleventh publication of Lent meditations by Rev. Victor Vethamani. This year’s theme is “Godliness with Contentment”, based on Paul’s First Letter to Timothy, the ministry of Elijah (I Kings 17-21) and from Romans 8:28-39. Rev. Vethamani has taken early retirement after serving in the Tamil Annual Conference the past 26 years. He can be contacted at victor_vethamani@yahoo.com and 012-2051855.