Chapter Twelve/He Took Comfort in His God

 

How Jehovah Comforted and Strengthened His Prophet

At Horeb, Jehovah's "word"-evidently delivered by a spirit messenger-posed this simple question:"What is your business here Elijah?"  That question was likely spoken in a gentle way, for Elijah took it as an invitation to pour out his feelings.  And pour them out he did!  He said: "I have been absolutely jealous for Jehovah the God of armies; for the sons of Israel have left your covenant,  your altars they have torn down, and your prophets they have killed with a sword. so that I only am left; and they begin looking for my soul to take it away." (1 Kings 19:9, 10)  Elijah's words reveal at least three reasons for his low spirits. 

First, Elijah felt that his work had been in vain.  Despite years if being "absolutely jealouse" in serving Jehovah, putting God's sacred name a worship above all else, Elijah saw that conditions seemed only to have grown worse.  The people were still faithless and rebellious, while false worship was running rampant. Second, Elijah felt alone.  "I only am left," he said, as if in that nation he were the last man who still served Jehovah.  Third, Elijah was scared.  Many of his fellow prophets had alreadt been killed, and he was convinced that he was next. It may not have easy for Elijah to admit those feelings, but he did not let pride or embarrassment hold him back.  By opening his heart to his God in  prayer, he set a good example for all faithful people. -PSALMS 62:8. 

 How Jehovah address Elijah's fears and concerns?  The angel told Elijah to stant at the mouth of the cave.  He obeyed, not knowing what was in store. A mighty wind sprang up! It must have emitted a deafening roar, for it was so powerful that it tore mountains and crags apart.  Picture Elijah trying to shield his eyes while clinging to his heavey, rustic garment of hair as the gusts whipped it about him.  Then he had to struggle to keep his footing, for the very eath began to heave and toss-an earthquake shook the region!  He had barely recovered when a great fire swept through, forcing him back into the cave to shield himself from the searing heat. - 1 KINGS 19:11, 12. 

In each case, the account reminds us that Jehovah was not to be found within these spectacular displays of nature's power.  Elijah knew that Jehovah wa snot some mythical nature god such as Baal, who was hailed by his deluded worshippers as "the rider of the clouds," or bringer of rains. Jehovah is the real Source of all the awesom power found in nature, but he is also vastly greater than anything he has made. Even the physical heavens cannot contain him! (1 Kings 8:27)  How did all this help Elijah?  Remember his fearm With a God like Jehovah on his side, a God who had all that overwhelming power at His disposal, Elijah had nothing to fear from Ahab and Jezebel. - Read PSALM 118:6.

Next time: Chapter Twelve/He Took Comfort in His God - Conclusion of  Jehovah Comforted and Strenghtened His Prophet

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