Thursday, June 15, 2017

1 Kings 19 -- The Restart

Jezebel heard about Elijah killing her prophets and she then threatened to kill him.  After a spiritual triumph, he seemed to forget all God had done for him, heading south through Judah and leaving his servant as he walked through the desert toward Mount Sinai.  "He was walking by sight and not by faith," my commentary said.  "For three years, Elijah had not made a move without hearing and obeying God's instructions, but now he was running ahead of the Lord in order to save his own life ... The safest place for any child of God is the place dictated by the will of God, but Elijah didn't stop to seek God's will ... He prayed a not-so-wise prayer. 'I've had enough!  So take my life.'"  Elijah then fell asleep and the Lord sent an angel to care for his needs, providing bread and water.  The scene repeated itself and Elijah felt his strength return, and he was then able to walk to Mount Sinai.  There he made a cave his home.  "He was so depressed that he was willing to give up his calling and even his life.  God asked him twice, "What are you doing here?' and his answer showed pride and self-pity."

"All Elijah needed to get renewed for service was a fresh vision of the power and glory of God ... When he heard the still small voice, he recognized the voice of God... First, the Lord told Elijah to return to the place of duty.  There he would anoint two rules and his own successor -- Elisha.  Without delay, Elijah retraced his steps and returned to place of duty."

Elijah made mistakes, but God overruled them and accomplished His will.  He walked by sight and not by faith, yet the Lord sustained him, my commentary said.  He looked at himself and his failures instead of at God's greatness and power.  The Lord rebuked him gently and brought him back to active service.  "To glamorize or criticize the past accomplishes little; what's important is that we do our job in the present and equip others to continue it after we're gone."

Thank You, Father.  This is exactly what I needed to hear, right on time as always.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

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