6-16-2018

Good Morning All,

             1 Kings 19: 13b-14; “Then the voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”   He answered, “Lord God of Armies, I have eagerly served you. The Israelites have abandoned your promises, torn down your altars, and executed your prophets. I’m the only one left, and they’re trying to take my life.”

    Have you ever heard Hank Williams Sr. sing?  He had a very distinctive country sound.  Yet it was actually a precursor to rock and roll.  I like his song “I’m so Lonesome I could Cry.” “Did you ever see a robin weep when leaves begin to die?  Like me, he's lost the will to live I'm so lonesome I could cry.” He sang of pain, being all alone, of being completely isolated.

    Our text speaks to this very experience.  This text is part of the great manic depressive life of the Old Testament prophet Elijah.  Immediately before this text, Elijah performs a miracle with God’s grace.  He defeats the false prophets and the people rise up and kill them and begin to return to God.  But the evil queen threatens Elijah and he runs, runs fast and far.  He hides in a cave on a mountain and feared being the only believer left anywhere in the world and they are trying to kill him.  God speaks to him in a still, quiet voice and asks him, “What are you doing here?”  Elijah responds with his complaint to God essentially answering, “This is why I am here!”

    There are many ways to read this section of Scriptures.  Here we see God prodding or maybe even chiding Elijah a little.  Why are you here, Elijah?  Elijah, after running non-stop for three days finally answered.  I am all alone and they want to kill me as well.

    Have you ever felt that?  All alone with nowhere to turn.  Perhaps God has even asked you that question, “why are you here?”  I think it is essential that we answer that question, why are you here?  Why are you experiencing what you are experiencing?  What is going on?  This helps us identify what is wrong.  What is it that makes you feel like you are all alone?  Is it fear of death, fear of abandonment, anxiety of events, pain from health issues; why are you here?  God helps us by naming or identifying the problem we face.  When we do this, we make it smaller and God helps us see that it is manageable.  Because God offers hope.  Immediately after this text, God tells Elijah that there are 7,000 who are still believers.  In other words, “Elijah, you are not alone.”

    When we struggle with fear, pain, anxiety or any other struggle, we are not alone.  God is with you and there are many brothers and sisters who are there to offer help and comfort; use them and trust God to bring you through by his grace.

    Dearest Father, there are many times I feel all alone and without hope.  Yet you come to me with your words of grace, your words of comfort.  I am never alone.  I am always your redeemed child.  With this truth give me the Spirit to face the struggles of today.  Be with those who are battling loneliness and pain today.  All this we ask in Jesus’ precious name, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret