ELIJAH: THE BROOM TREE

Elijah had stood alone on Mount Carmel and called fire down from Heaven. What a moment! What a miracle! What a victory!

Then, Elijah had called on God to end the devastating draught. God answered by sending an abundant rain … a gully-washer … a toad-floater! “Thank you, Lord!”

As you read this story, you might expect that Elijah would take a victory lap. He would be heralded as the Great Prophet! “Long live Elijah!” But that’s not what happened.

“Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, ‘May the gods punish me and do so severely if I don’t make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow!’ Then Elijah became afraid and immediately ran for his life” (1 Kings 19:2-3).

Elijah ran south, past the nation’s boundaries, and deep into the desolate desert. Exhausted and alone, Elijah found shade under the boughs and branches of a broom tree. “He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. He said, ‘I have had enough! Lord, take my life’ ” (1 Kings 19:4).

We’re surprised to read that the once-courageous prophet has run from danger. More shocking, the bold and brash Elijah, is found in the fetal position, begging for death. “Life’s not worth living! I’ve done all that I can do! It’s over! Just end it!” 

Elijah wasn’t Super Man … and neither are we.

Notice that God didn’t rebuke him, scold him, discipline him, but tenderly touched the worn-out prophet! “Get up and eat” (1 Kings 19:5).

Here’s the good news. God knows where we are. We can’t hide. And, He knows when we’re out of gas, exhausted, and alone. God’s not surprised!

Rest. Enjoy the Lord’s nourishment. The journey isn’t over.

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).