Elijah Meets God's Angel

God Blesses and Recreates

Jacob Forms a Relationship with God

1 Kings 19:4-9 The Message

3-5 When Elijah saw how things were, he ran for dear life to Beersheba, far in the south of Judah. He left his young servant there and then went on into the desert another day’s journey. He came to a lone broom bush and collapsed in its shade, wanting in the worst way to be done with it all—to just die: “Enough of this, God! Take my life—I’m ready to join my ancestors in the grave!” Exhausted, he fell asleep under the lone broom bush.
Suddenly an angel shook him awake and said, “Get up and eat!”
6 He looked around and, to his surprise, right by his head were a loaf of bread baked on some coals and a jug of water. He ate the meal and went back to sleep.
7 The angel of God came back, shook him awake again, and said, “Get up and eat some more—you’ve got a long journey ahead of you.”
8-9 He got up, ate and drank his fill, and set out. Nourished by that meal, he walked forty days and nights, all the way to the mountain of God, to Horeb. When he got there, he crawled into a cave and went to sleep.
Then the word of God came to him: “So Elijah, what are you doing here?”

For Reflection

Jacob, fearing the wrath of Jezebel, flees and rests in the shade of a bush. Despondent, this once strong man had become weak. God sent a messenger and pushed Jacob into action in spite of his depression.
Sometimes we make tremendous strides in the forward movement of God's Kingdom only to have the accomplishments seem to fade away under the rule of an unrighteous leader. The story of Jacob reminds us that no matter what, God's will for human reconciliation will be one day fully realized.

Pray

Pray and receive the comfort that only God can give. Pray and rest in the knowledge that God is in charge and is leading his creation to the fulfillment of God's promise of reconciliation and peace. Pray prayers of thanksgiving for the opportunity to serve the will of God.

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