1 Kings 19 Devotional

Bread for a Weary Prophet

“A second time the angel of the LORD returned and touched him, saying, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.””1 Kings 19:7 (BSB)

Right after the fire on Carmel, one threat from Jezebel sends Elijah running for his life (19:2-3). Under a broom tree he asks God to take his life (19:4). The LORD's answer is not a lecture. An angel touches him and gives him bread and water. He eats and sleeps, and the angel comes again to strengthen him for the long road ahead (19:5-7). God knows how frail we are (Psalm 103:14).

At Horeb, wind, earthquake and fire pass by, but the LORD is in none of them. Then comes a quiet voice (19:11-12). God hears Elijah's complaint that he alone is left, and answers it. Seven thousand in Israel have not bowed to Baal (19:18). Paul saw the same thing in his own day, a remnant kept by God's grace (Romans 11:4-5). Then God gives Elijah work to do and Elisha to walk with him. When you are worn out, God may meet you first with bread and rest, and only then with the next step.

To think about: If you are worn out right now, what would it look like to receive God's care before trying to take the next step?