Finding God in the WildernessSample

Focus

Reflect on today’s reading using these questions.

1. What are some of the feelings Elijah may have had when given this new mission?
2. Where is God sending Elijah now? Where do Queen Jezebel and Ahab fit?

God sends Elijah on a new mission

In today’s reading, God gives Elijah a new ministry. He is to find helpers to do the work that Elijah has felt he had to do all by himself. Notice how God gently reminds Elijah that he is not, in fact, alone. There are seven thousand righteous Israelites who have not submitted to Baal.

Elijah has been the face of God’s power to the people of Israel. In this new mission, he is to pass the baton of leadership. Did Elijah feel honored? Supported? Demoted? The text does not tell us.

Most new missions in life can leave us a little disoriented. In God’s care for Elijah, God does provide him with a helper and successor. It is a reminder that “Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, it’s just too bad, because there is no one to help him.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 GNT)

God also lets Elijah know that he will not allow injustice to continue. The harm that has happened to Elijah and faithful Israel will be addressed. King Ahab and Queen Jezebel will meet their end and be forgotten. Meanwhile, Elijah is to anoint new kings, even beyond the land of Israel, who will carry out God’s purposes.

Connect

1. What injustice have you experienced in your life where it feels like evil is winning?
2. What have you felt when one difficult task ends in success or failure and you have a new task ahead of you?
3. Are you being called to a new mission in life? Who might God be pointing out as a helper or successor for you?

Dig Deeper

Psalm 54 is a prayer for protection from enemies. If you are feeling attacked, consider praying through this psalm.