The Lord Appears to Elijah

I Kings 19:8–21
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Evidently Jezebel had not been present on Mount Carmel, so Ahab reported to her what had taken place. Whether or not Ahab had thoughts of revenge is unstated. However, when Jezebel heard that her prophets had been put to death she was furious. Attacking the problem, she sent a threatening message to Elijah. She threatened to do to Elijah what he had ordered done to her prophets.

Fearful for his life, the prophet ran to Beersheba, over seventy miles away. Leaving his servant there he went another day’s journey and rested under a juniper tree. Faithless, discouraged and tired from his journey God met his needs by feeding him. It must have been quite a meal as it gave Elijah strength to travel 40 days, until he reached Mount Horeb. It was here that Elijah said, “I alone am left; and they seek my life.” God’s reply was that there were still seven thousand in Israel who followed Jehovah.

God then reminded Elijah of who He was by giving three startling demonstrations. (l) A fantastic wind came that broke rocks into pieces, (2) an earthquake, (3) and then a fire. Following this three responsibilities were given the prophet. First he was to go to Damascus to anoint Hazael king over Syria, second he was to anoint Jehu king over Israel and third he was to anoint Elisha as prophet in his place. Only the last duty was carried out immediately as Elijah traveled back across the wilderness and cast his mantle on Elisha.

Application

Elijah thought he was the only one left who was still true to God. When I am tempted to think that I am the only one left that is faithful to the task I must never stop to feel sorry for myself. Discouragement will dilute the good I may be doing.