Scripture: I Kings 19, Matthew 11, John 20-21
Psalms: 86B, 9B, 55A, 42A (RPCNA Psalter)
Text: Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Introduction
Although Christians are redeemed and are in a state of grace spiritually, yet it often seems that we are spending our time in the wilderness. This can be discouraging, and at times we can feel weary of seeking to do good.
Elijah also had his wrestlings of soul in the wilderness. And this came right after the spiritual high of the dramatic confrontation with and overthrow of the priests of Baal. He had persevered for years…and now he too grew weary of well doing. This was precipitated by Jezebel’s response to his victory of Mount Carmel over the priests of Baal.
I Kings 19:2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.
In the Hebrew text “the gods” = Elohim…normally translated God but in this case probably correctly as Jezebel’s pagan “gods”. Her oath…dropping of the traditional form using “…me”. Normally this oath referred to the cut up carcasses of the animals slain in the making of the oath bound covenant as Abraham did in Genesis 15:7-10. In this case it referred to the carcasses of the slain priests of Baal.
Elijah’s Response
1 Kings 19:3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.
For his life = nephesh meaning breath. This can mean the breath of life thus referring to physical life or it can mean the soul. Some have argued that it means the latter here. They say that Elijah may not have been fleeing out of fear for his life especially since he wanted to die. But rather he may have fled to the wilderness where in solitude the Lord could minister to his soul which has discouraged and despairing. I believe that the passage literally teaches that Elijah hearing of Jezebel’s threats against his life fled to save his life. The Scriptures say that, “When he saw that”, namely Jezebel’s threats, not his own disquietude of spirit, then he fled!!!
He fled to Beersheba. This was as indicated in the territory of Judah. But Judah was allied by marriage to the house of Omri. It might not be safe even in Judah and Elijah continued on his journey, leaving the land of promise
Elijah’s Request
1 Kings 19:4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
It Is Enough: Men are not machines or robots. Only God is infinite. Only Christ who was himself God could endure such contradiction of sinners against himself!!! It had been a long battle for Elijah. With the prayer of faith he had called down God’s covenant wrath in a drought. He had had to flee for his life from an apostate king and his pagan wife. He had survived in hiding at the brook Cherith. He had had to go into exile out of the land of promise and live with the Gentiles. The widow’s son had died and he had been reproached. He had had to wrestle in prayer with the Lord for the life of the widow’s son. Then had been commanded to return and confront Ahab. He had had to as a lone solitary servant of Jahweh stand against the whole nation, its king and the priesthood of Baal and contend for Israel’s true God and King. He had led the nation in executing the requirements of God’s law on the priests of Baal. He had by the prayer of faith lifted the covenant curse and brought rain again to Israel.
And now he was right back where he started…fleeing for his live from the land of promise and an apostate king and a pagan queen continued to rule God’s heritage and threaten slaughter against the servants of Jahweh!!!
ELIJAH IS WEARY…..FOR HIM IT IS ENOUGH!!!
Not Better Than My Fathers: Elijah remembers the fathers, the patriarchs, how they had to contend with such trials and he feels that he cannot do what they could not do. We can think of a few examples form the sacred history.
Moses: He too had dealt with a stiff-necked and rebellious people. He had brought them out with great signs and wonders. But he had to deal with the golden calf. He had to deal with a generation that died in the wilderness and could not enter into the land of promise because of unbelief. Elijah says I am no better than Moses…I cannot do more than him who could not lead them into the land of promise.
Joshua: Hebrews tells us that, “Joshua could not give them rest”. He led them into the land of promise. But thy disobeyed God and did not drive out all the peoples of the land. They coexisted with them to their spiritual destruction. At the end of his life Joshua had to warn and exhort them. He had to tell them he didn’t know what they would decide but as for him and his house they would serve the Lord. Elijah is saying he is no better than Joshua who had conquered the land of promise with great signs and wonders but couldn’t establish the people in the faith.
Samuel: Samuel had judged Israel for many years. But his own sons were corrupt. And then the people demanded a king like unto the nations. God declared they were in fact rejecting his kingship over them. Samuel dies with Saul the apostate on the throne seeking to slay David the Lord’s anointed. Elijah is saying that he is no better than Samuel. What Samuel failed to accomplish is too much for Elijah as well!!!
Giving Up on This Life: Elijah despaired of his life. We are reminded of the Apostle Paul when he also wrestled with these things.
For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us. 2 Cor 1:8-10
God’s Response
1 Kings 19:5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
1 Kings 19:6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.
1 Kings 19:7 And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
1 Kings 19:8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.
When he had fled the first time after announcing Jahweh’s covenant wrath God had also provided for him. God had provided for him at the brook Cherith. God had provided for him with the widow of Zarepath. And here also God is providing for him as he flees again. Surely God is faithful to his servants.
The elements remind us of the Lord’s supper
The bread as the bread of life. The water as that of which Christ spoke to the woman at the well in Samaria. Christ had said that out of him would flow rivers of living water. There was a something supernatural about this food for it sustained Elijah for 40 days.
Unto Horeb the mount of God
Elijah was fleeing to Sinai, the mountain of God. That was here the nation had been formed. That was where the covenant had been made with Israel. Elijah was fleeing to his roots…to where it all began…he was in a sense going home. Here was where the covenant that he had so fiercely maintained had been made between Jahweh and his people. Here was where the law was given that he had risked his life to confront Ahab with. This was where the God of Israel had revealed himself to his people. This is where Elijah was fleeing. Contrast: Jonah fled from the presence of the Lord. Elijah was fleeing towards the Lord
1 Kings 19:9 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?
This is the only hint of rebuke God expresses towards Elijah. God had directed him to the brook and commanded the ravens to feed him there. God had directed him to the widow at Zarepath and provided for him there. God had commanded him to return to Israel and confront Ahab. But God had not directed him to flee to Sinai…so God asks him..What doest thou here, Elijah?
And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:
And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
And it was so, when Elijah heard it that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? 1 Kings 19:10-13
God repeats his question!!!. Why are you here…who sent you here, Elijah???
And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 1 Kings 19:14
Elijah repeats his complaint and God gives his response
1 Kings 19:15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:
1 Kings 19:16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.1 Ki 19:17 And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.
1 Kings 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
PSALM 42: Psalm 42 seems to describe Elijah’s situation.
To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42:1-11
Lesson
Judge not that ye be not judged. Many commentators are very hard on Elijah. They accuse him of abject, craven fear, of deserting his duty, of a total lack of faith.
Paul says…
Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
I believe we have no business condemning or finding fault with the prophets or the patriarchs unless either……the scriptures rebuke them or the scriptures clearly give a solid case for the criticism. We have seen earlier in our studies in the life of Jacob how unscripturally he is frequently maligned. How he is condemned when God does not do so. How God declares that he was a “perfect” man. We must be careful in condemning those who the Bible does not. We must be careful in judging these whom God acquits. We must be careful of judging lest we be judged!!!
Men find it so easy to condemn others. They can show off the refinement of their consciences. They can demonstrate how holy they are…how attuned they are to sin. They can show how clearly they understand what is right and what is wrong. They can Pharisaic like elevate themselves and indulge their own self righteousness. Even sincere Christians can feel that it is their duty to expose very bit of imagined sin in the lives of God’s servants. But be warned…We are to judge righteous judgment. We are not to judge God’s servants revealed to us in scripture when God has not done so in his word.
John the Baptist
Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 11:2-15
Many parallels between Elijah and John
Both were men of the wilderness..wild… and hairy!!! Both called the nation to repentance and back to their God and their covenant. Both fearlessly rebuked kings at the peril of their lives. Both were threatened and in danger of their lives. Both when their live was in danger grew discouraged and questioned God. John from prison questioned if this was really the coming of the kingdom. Herod was still on the throne…an adulteress was queeen..and John, the herald of the kingdom, was in prison!!!
Jesus receives this question and what is his response. Does he upbraid him as he did the cities of Galilee and even Jerusalem??? Does he upbraid John as he did the disciples, “O ye of little faith”. No…He patiently and graciously answers John. He gives John encouragement. He gives evidence of the kingdom. And then instead of the least sign of rebuke….He eulogizes John to the multitude!!! And then compares him to Elijah!!! This ought to provide somber reflection to those commentators who have hair triggers for their condemnation of Elijah in his hour of personal doubt and anguish.
This should be a lesson for us. To his own master Elijah stands and the scriptures find little fault with Elijah. God deals graciously with Elijah at Sinai as Christ dealt graciously with John when he was in prison!!!
Conclusion
Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
2 Thessalonians 3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
This is a real lesson for us. Christ himself says…Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Christ never wearied in well doing. It was his meat to do the will of his Father in heaven. Christ persevered until he could declare on the cross…”It is finished”. Elijah did weary of well doing. He said… “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” But God still had work for him to do!!! Israel’s salvation did not depend on Elijah persevering. Our salvation did not depend on Elijah persevering. Our salvation depended in God persevering in his work of salvation. Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Our salvation depended on Christ persevering in his work of redemption… Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Hebrews 12:2-4
This is an important exhortation for us. We are all finite creatures. We grow weary. Even Elijah grew weary. But God and his Christ never grow weary. Psalm 121:4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
We have a great Savior. We have a divine Savior. Therefore He is sufficient…for He is infinite. When we grow weary let us rest in him and not faint…AMEN!!!
Comparisons
Jonah:
Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. Jonah 1:1-3
Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly, And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God. When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. Jonah 2:1-7
And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Jonah 3:1-3
Thomas:
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. John 20:24-31
Peter:
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17
All 3 of the above had in some way resigned their commission…Jonah had fled from the presence of the Lord. Thomas had denied that his Lord was alive and believed that it has all come to an end. Peter had denied his Lord thrice. And God had graciously restored all of them to their office!!!
Now Elijah had not fled from the Lord but toward him at Sinai. Elijah had proven on Mount Carmel that his God was alive and was the only true hearer and answerer of prayer. Elijah had not denied his Lord but risked his life to proclaim him. But Elijah had grown weary…he had reached the end of finite human resources. He had requested his release… and desired to go to his eternal rest. But God is gracious and also restores the prophet to the office that he had sought to resign and renewed the commission that he had sought to be discharged from!!!
God’s Loving Kindness
1 Kings 19:10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
1 Kings 19:11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:
1 Kings 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
1 Kings 19:13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?
1 Kings 19:14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
1 Kings 19:15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:
1 Kings 19:16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.
1 Kings 19:17 And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.
1 Kings 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
The Commission Restored
A.) To The Nation: Before Elijah had rebuked Ahab. Before Elijah had fled from the face of Ahab. Now he pronounces his doom. Now he anoints his successor. Elijah does not just anoint any successor…but a special successor. A man who will used of God to judge the guilty House of Omri. A man who will root out and destroy all the worshippers of Baal. A man who will with a greater and more effective blood fury than that of Jezebel will wipe out the worship of Baal in the land. A man who will personally cut of Jezebel and fulfil the word of God respecting her doom. A man who will destroy all the seed royal and in perpetutity cut off the dynasty of Omri!!! This is the successor that Elijah is to anoint. This is the Lord’s vengeance on the House of Ahab. This is the Lord’s avenging his saints. This is the Lord delivering his church from evil. The House of Omri will not prevail. Evil and apostasy will not prevail. Idolatry and covenant breaking will not be established. Jahweh will prevail… He is sovereign over the nation
B.) To the Church: Before Elijah had labored seemingly alone. He alone had faced the powers of evil in the land. While the Obadiahs were silent and the remnant of God’s prophets were in hiding he had single-handedly maintained the honor of Jahweh before a sinful nation. To the point where he had declared…
1 Kings 19:10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
Now God reveals to him that he was not alone. Now he learns that God in his sovereinty has reserved unto himself 7000 that have not bowed the knee to Baal nor kissed his image. Now he learns that God is not giving up on the national church of Israel. God is maintaining his church. Now Elijah is to anoint his successor. God’s work will go on…the church will continue…God decides when it is enough!!
C.) To the Nations: Jahweh is not merely a local deity. He is not just the God of Israel. He does not peaceably coexist with the gods of Tyre and Sidon, with Baal and Ashtoreth. He is the Lord of all…he is God over all the earth!!! Now Elijah is commissioned a prophet to the nations. He is to anoint the next King of Syria. His commission is now greatly expanded.
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Jeremiah 1:10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.
The Complaint Answered
1 Kings 19:4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. Like Paul Elijah felt he had an unbearable thorn in his side…the persistent Jezebel, and the faithless Israelites.
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
God’s grace was truly sufficient for Elijah. He had been wrong. Elijah was by the grace of God better than his fathers. It was not enough but by God’s grace he went on to greater things. He anointed and trained a new prophet Elisha who went on to even greater things. Elisha truly too was a prophet to the nations…Naaman, Kings of Syria, Kings of Israel etc. He went on to greater things than Moses. While Moses died in the wilderness forbidden to enter the land of promise, the earthy Canaan, Elijah ministered in the earthly Canaan and was carried bodily in a fiery chariot to the heavenly Canaan.
Conclusion
Lesson 1: The Grace Of God:
Lesson 2: Our response to that grace
Do Not Weary Of Well Doing!!!
AMEN!!!