We Will Be Afraid at Times
10/16 Reading Portions: 1 Kings 19; 1 Thessalonians 2; Daniel 1; Psalm 105
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10/16 Reading Portions: 1 Kings 19; 1 Thessalonians 2; Daniel 1; Psalm 105
1 Kings 19:3
Then he was afraid...
ELIJAH
The New Testament tells us that
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours. James 5:17
Elijah had just been used of God in an amazing demonstration of God’s power on Mount Carmel, calling fire down upon the sodden sacrifice before all the people (1 Ki 18:38); then slaying the prophets of Baal and Ashteroth (1 Ki 18:40); and after that, praying again to end the 3-1/2 year draught (1 Ki 18:44; Jas 5:18). Yet when the prophet heard from Jezebel’s messenger that the queen had determined to take his life, he was afraid. Although we’ve been saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ Jesus, when trouble comes, when calamity strikes, or when persecution presses against us, it is only natural to be afraid. As many have said, “Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it is doing what needs to be done in spite of it.” For the Christian, however, each time we are afraid, it is an opportunity to cling to the love of God in Christ; for there…
…is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18
Though afraid, we have Jesus to trust, Jesus to find refuge in, and Jesus to cast our cares upon because He cares for you and me. Through our fears, we find Christ’s provision, like the warm cake and cool water at Elijah’s head (1 Ki 19:6). In Christ, the Holy Spirit brings us to find shelter in Him, just as the Spirit led Elijah to a cave (1 Ki 19:9a). And in the solitude of that place, despite our fears, anxieties, and apprehensions, the Lord’s words will come to us to reflect upon our situation in His presence (1 Ki 19:9b). Because we are afraid, our King will not further frighten us with a gale of wind, nor will He shake the earth to cause us to tremble more, neither will He speak fiery threats in great rebuke (1 Ki 19:11-12a); but instead, our kind and merciful Master speaks to us with…
…the sound of a low whisper. 1 Kings 19:12
And although we may still feel alone in the world (1 Ki 19:14), the Lord Jesus encourages us with active commands to continue to serve Him, despite our trepidations (1 Ki 19:15-17); and moreover, He comforts us with the truth that we are not alone because He has preserved a remnant of faithful, fearful ones (1 Ki 19:18), just as He will preserve you and me. Hallelujah! What a strengthening Savior!