Arise & Eat

And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.”
1 Kings 19:7 ESV

Elijah was severely exhausted and depressed to the point of wanting to die. This was one of the greatest prophets in the Bible. He had just called down fire on an altar, killed hundreds of priests of demon-gods, ended a drought by interceding for the rain, and raced a chariot on foot. Then Jezebel said she would kill him, and Elijah hit the end of his strength. Perhaps he had envisioned the nation turning back to Yahweh. Perhaps he thought a great revival and awakening would finally come to Israel and they would turn to Yahweh with all of their hearts. Whatever he imagined, it was not that the queen would demand his life.

After that, he said, “It is enough now, Yahweh; take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” He was totally drained and burned out. In his weakest moment, Elijah came to such a place of doubt that he declared that he was no better than the other sinful people of Israel. In this deep pit of despair, did the Lord rebuke Elijah? No. He provided for him while he rested, saying, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.”

Though Elijah gave up on himself, his people, and God, Yahweh had not given up. Though Elijah wanted to quit and die, Yahweh still had plans and provision. Though Elijah felt alone among the people, Yahweh had seven thousand followers in Israel who refused to submit to false gods. In his exhaustion, Elijah’s discouragement was louder than his faith. Yet the Lord never left him or gave up on him. And Yahweh will never leave you or give up on you. Arise and eat, for though the journey is too great for you, your God is far greater.

Yahweh provided bread and water to restore Elijah. What is the bread? Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Give us today our daily bread.” The living Word of God is your bread. Jesus is your bread. Healing and deliverance are your bread. These build you up, nourish, and fortify you. What is the water? Holy Spirit is the living water with which we must be continually filled. Rest your body and feed your spirit. Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you, but not for the One who lives within you.

Seeking His face!
Matt