October 16
1 Kings 19; 1 Thessalonians 2; Daniel 1; Psalm 105
1 Kings 19
In the last chapter, Elijah successfully (and famously) faced down the prophets of Baal, with (we are tempted to think) superhuman confidence in God. God wins, and Elijah himself promptly executes the prophets of Baal. In this he only prefigures the greater Prophet to come, whose robe will be dipped in blood (Reveation 19:13).
This only infuriates Jezebel (who herself looks and acts like the great whore of Babylon to come), who has come to power by marrying King Ahab. She herself had killed the prophets of the LORD (18:3). But instead of repenting, she doubles down and threatens Elijah’s life (19:2). So Elijah does the most human thing: after his great moment of courage . . . He runs . . .
. . . To the point of utter exhaustion (4). At this point he probably feels sorry for himself (5, 14). This is understandable . . . human.
But it is also wrong: God has “reserved” for Himself 7,000 others who have not bowed their knee to Baal (18). This is the beginning of the concept of a “remnant” - a people that God sovereignly holds back from sin for His own good purposes.
God’s character is on full display in how He responds to Elijah. He does not chastise Elijah’s bipolar feelings. Instead, first, He provides the basic necessities: Elijah, have some bread and water, and sleep a bit (5-6). You know what, eat some more (7). Sometimes we see things more clearly after a bite a freshly baked bread and a good night’s sleep. God knows this; His mercies are new every morning (Lam. 3:23).
Elijah then arrives at Mt. Horeb, the “mount of God” (8), and holes up in a cave, presumably because He desires the safest place. There he repeats that, in his sorrow, he is the only prophet left (10). And God speaks to him, not in the storm, the earthquake or the fire, but in a low whisper (11-12). And God asks, “What are you doing here?”
Elijah repeats his sad tale, but God is not going along for the ride; He is God. Instead He reminds Elijah of the truth (18) and provides Elisha (19-21). It is a subtle reminder that God’s plan does not terminate with Elijah, and the younger man will hold up Elijah until he finishes his course.