Sabbath, October 26 – 1 Kings 19, 20 – Additional Reading: Prophets and Kings, Chapter 13, “What Doest Thou Here?”

1. Where did Elijah go to hide when fleeing from Jezebel? (1 Kings 19:8-9)

2. How many knees in Israel had not bowed to Baal? (1 Kings 19:18)

3. What similar mistake did Asa, king of Judah, and Ahab, king of Israel, make? (2 Chronicles 16:2-3; 1 Kings 20:32)

Commentary and Reflection:

A significant victory can leave us vulnerable to emotional and spiritual attacks. We must be careful because, after a high, a low often follows. 

“But a reaction such as frequently follows high faith and glorious success was pressing upon Elijah. He feared that the reformation begun on Carmel might not be lasting; and depression seized him. He had been exalted to Pisgah’s top; now he was in the valley.” (Prophets and Kings, p. 161).

Our dependence on God must remain steadfast after spiritual triumphs—whether an evangelistic campaign, a week of prayer, or any other victory. Elijah’s experience is recorded not for us to judge but to learn valuable lessons from it.

“Elijah should not have fled from his post of duty. He should have met the threat of Jezebel with an appeal for protection to the One who had commissioned him to vindicate the honor of Jehovah…  Had he remained where he was, had he made God his refuge and strength, standing steadfast for the truth, he would have been shielded from harm. The Lord would have given him another signal victory by sending his judgments on Jezebel; and the impression made on the king and the people would have wrought a great reformation.” (Prophets and Kings, p. 160).

Whether we choose to stay or go, we must consult God and obey His will by faith. We should not allow fear to control us before seeking God’s guidance.

Exhausted and alone, Elijah saw everything negatively because he was depressed. He even prayed for death: “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” He wasn’t just physically and emotionally tired but fed up, essentially saying, “No more.”

Rest and nourishment can work wonders. God knew Elijah needed it and provided it for him. If you are feeling tired and depressed, it may be helpful to take time out to rest—some self-care can change your perspective. Elijah ate, slept, and upon awakening, saw things differently and sought refuge on God’s Mountain.

We often think that zeal for God is always well-motivated and seek to make excuses for it, even when it leads to mistakes. However, as in Elijah’s case, zeal can sometimes be based on personal, misguided ideas. Those driven by zeal often believe they are right and that “I alone am left.”

God does not endorse such misguided zeal. Elijah did not find God in the wind, earthquake, or fire but in a still, small voice. Zeal for God is valuable when guided by Him.

In my mind, I can hear God say: “Elijah, I do not need you at Mount Horeb. Your zeal is misplaced. Go back the way you came. Keep in mind the church is not yours but mine. I have a plan. You are not the only faithful—seven thousand in Israel who have not bowed to Baal. Instead of staying here, feeling indignant and like a victim, here is what you need to do. There are kings I want you to anoint. Ah, and yes, there is a good prophet that I have already chosen that is coming after you. Do not think you are the only one or the cause is lost without you. My plan will not fail.”

Meanwhile, in Israel, we see how God worked with Ahab for the sake of His people. Like Elijah, Ahab failed by following his judgment after God granted him victory. This is a standard human error.

May God protect us from being driven by our fears, misguided zeal, or the idea that we are the only faithful ones. Above all, may God protect us from the perils that follow our victories.