I Kings 19:1-18; Psalm 42; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39
I don’t know that I can pull all these together. I’ve included a few extra verses to finish the thought that leaves us in supense if we stop at verse 15.
Elijah was at a low point of ministry. As usually happens it followed a huge victory. Elijah had just won the battle of the gods on Mt. Carmel. Following the victory, he slew the prophets of Baal, which didn’t make Jezebel too happy. She says, “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.” Elijah runs and hides in a cave. Even though he had a great victory, he was depressed at the news. God comes by asks, “What’s wrong.” Elijah replies, “No one is left to follow you.” God says, “Let me speak to you.” Then God sends the fire, wind, and earthquake, but He is not in them. Then God speaks in a small voice. God reminds Elijah, all is not lost. Go and anoint these prophets for there are still 7,000 faithful who have not bowed a knee to Baal.”
In ministry, I often find great depression follows great victory. I can’t explain why, but I know it’s true in my life. The psalmist David remembered leading worship in the tabernacle and then asked, “where is God? Why am I discouraged? Why am I sad? I will put my hope in God for I will praise Him again.” These are the things we need to remember when going through the valley after the victory.
Paul’s writing should be an encouragement to us as well. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. 28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. Some would love to emphasize our differences. Paul reminds us that in Christ, we are all the same. The ground is level in Christ. Many years ago the banner of the Pilgrim Holiness church was, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials diversity, and in all things charity.” What do I consider the essentials that make us brothers and sisters in Christ? Orthodox Christians for centuries have recited The Apostle’s Creed. I consider this to be the essential beliefs of the faith. Yes, I have brothers and sisters in the faith all over the world and we are one in Christ Jesus.
