Get up and eat
“1 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.”
3 Elijah was afraid[a] and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.
All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.
7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.”
This passage presents a moment in Elijah’s life when, after a great spiritual victory, he experiences deep despair. The story begins after Elijah's triumph on Mount Carmel, where God performed a mighty miracle to defeat the prophets of Baal and Asherah, proving that He is the one true God. However, after this victory, the wicked Queen Jezebel threatens to kill Elijah, and he is overwhelmed with fear and despair, fleeing for his life.
Jezebel’s threat is more than just a simple warning—it shows that, despite the amazing victory Elijah witnessed, the forces of evil and the world still have great power. In his despair, Elijah feels that everything is over and pleads with God to take his life, convinced that there is nothing more he can do.
Here, Elijah’s human frailty is highlighted. After such an incredible victory of faith, he falls into deep spiritual exhaustion and depression. This reflects the struggles we often face after achieving something significant—the feelings of frustration, emptiness, and inadequacy that may follow. Elijah, comparing himself to his ancestors, belittles his own worth, but God tenderly cares for him, sending an angel to provide food and guide him to Mount Horeb.
Like Elijah, we too can find ourselves placing our sense of worth in accomplishments or comparing ourselves to others, which leaves us vulnerable to pride or inferiority. However, this can make us fragile and restless. We must find rest in God, seeking His strength and new direction. When we see our lives through the eyes of God, who knows and loves us the most, we can experience true joy and peace and rise again with renewed strength.
Prayer: We look to You, Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Thank You, Lord, for giving us new life through Your suffering, death, and resurrection, and for continually showing us Your love and grace.
We praise You for knowing our weaknesses, fears, and burdens, and for leading us with Your mercy. As we step into Your light today, we pray that our souls will rejoice in You, and that we will live with the strength You provide. Help us to obey what we can, accept what we cannot, encourage others, and uplift those who are fallen. May we hear Your gentle voice this morning and have our souls refreshed by Your presence, as You guide us to new beginnings today. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)
Devotional content is available on the Our Daily Bread website.