“This was on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth day they rested and made that a day of feasting and gladness.”
Esther 9:17 ESV
Elijah had just come from the “battle of the gods” on Mount Carmel where—not only did he prove that the Lord is the true God—he killed all of the prophets of Baal and Asherah who had come there.
Having heard of these events from King Ahab, Jezebel issues a dire threat to Elijah. This threat, on top of the intensity of the Carmel showdown, apparently left Elijah tired and despondent. Elijah ran from the wrath of Jezebel and despaired to live.
“But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, "It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers."”
1 Kings 19:4 ESV
The Lord in His mercy and understanding sent an angel to minister to Elijah’s physical exhaustion.
“And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, "Arise and eat." And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. 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." And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.”
1 Kings 19:5-8 ESV
After being strengthened physically and mentally Elijah headed to the mountain of God where the Lord would speak to him, giving him his final instructions before he was taken from the earth on a chariot of fire.
Conflict isn’t easy; extended conflict can leave the participant with battle fatigue. It seems that Elijah experienced something we all may experience at one time or another in our lives, and that is feeling devoid of strength to carry on.
Now, we know that Elijah was not suicidal or he would’ve just stayed and let Jezebel kill him. But, he did not know how he could continue on with this level of adversity and assault.
The Lord knows how much we can bear and will not push us past that point. Additionally, just as He did with Elijah, He will provide oases in our dry, barren, and hostile, circumstances.
And—even better than that—the Lord has promised that if we come under His authority, He will provide rest even in the midst of our labor.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."”
Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
In our opening scripture we see that the Jews—having experienced a great victory over those who would have destroyed them—have a season of rest and a reason to rejoice.
Child of God, don’t allow the intense warfare involved in navigating a fallen world reeling toward ultimate destruction, steal your rest. Remember, the offer remains: “Come to Me.”
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
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