Today’s Author: Barry Brahier
At the end of 1st Kings, chapter 19, the prophet Elijah hears the gentle whisper of God’s voice telling him to go to Damascus and what to do when he gets there. Before that we learn of the fearsome wind that shatters rock, the earthquake and the fire on Mount Horeb that Elijah must endure before God whispers to him. But earlier in the chapter we find Elijah has fled a full day’s journey into the desert and is praying to die. By the power of God, for two nights an angel ministers to Elijah by preparing food for him and commanding him to eat to strengthen himself for the journey of 40 days and 40 nights to Mount Horeb.
What calls to me about this chapter is this early part when Elijah is alone in the wilderness, weak and praying to die. If you have ever been seriously ill, there may have come a time when you felt like Elijah. I know I have. And what happened to Elijah happened to me. Angels, appearing in the form of nurses and technicians, physicians, friends and in particular family, cared for me. I was in the desert and at times felt very alone, but these angels ministered to me. And I was strengthened for the journey ahead.
If you’ve ever been seriously injured or ill, you may be able to relate to Elijah’s experience of being weak and alone. Hopefully you’ve been ministered to by angels. Or perhaps you’ve been one of the angels, a caregiver. (If so, I’m willing to guess you know the angel caring for Elijah seems to have had it pretty easy!)
When we are weak, alone and in the desert of our lives, we are like Elijah. When we are ministering to those who are weak, alone and in the desert, we are like angels. For me, it is good to be reminded of these things.
Let us pray… Almighty God, your sovereign purpose brings salvation to birth. Give us faith to be steadfast amid the tumults of this world, trusting that your kingdom comes and your will is done through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
(SundaysandSeasons.com Prayer of the Day for Nov. 9, 2021)
“Mid-week devotions are authored by members of our community. If you are interested in creating a trio of reflections to be shared on an upcoming Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday contact Pastor Peter.“