In our recent journey, we have just come out of the wilderness
and yet in this scripture in 1Kings 19, we read that
someone is running back into the wilderness!
In this account it was Elijah
who was running into the wilderness.
But why?
Because he had just had a confrontation with the wicked queen Jezebel, the wife and the evil influence behind king Ahab.
In fact there had just been a great victory with a powerful demonstration by the intervention of the One True God of Israel.
Elijah had challenged the prophets of Baal to prove their god was superior to the one true God of the Israelites.
After the confrontation Elijah ordered, “Seize the prophets of Baal; don’t let any of them get away!” The people seized them all, and Elijah led them down to Kishon Brook and killed them.
1Kings 18 :40
Then Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Jezebel flew into an angry rage when she heard that her priests were dead and she sent a messenger to Elijah.
2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like the lives of those you killed!”
When Elijah heard these words he got up quickly and ran with his servant into the stormy night. The scripture said he was afraid and ran for his life escaping from Jezebel and her death threats.
After such a dramatic confrontation and an outstanding victory over the prophets of Baal
and seeing the power of God on Mount Carmel;
we note that he didn’t call on the Lord in his time of trouble as he had the previous day.
Perhaps he had believed Jezebel would leave him alone when she heard how powerful God was. Instead Jezebel did not pay the slightest attention to the one true God of Israel or His power, all she was interested in was vengeance and getting even with Elijah for killing her prophets.
In response, Elijah was overcome by fear and despair and fled for his life. He took his servant and journeyed to Beersheba in the kingdom of Judah, away from Jezebel’s oversight and authority. Yet even there, he was overcome by depression and isolation, Elijah left his servant behind and traveled alone into the wilderness, asking God to take his life.
Elijahs triumphant victory was followed by fear from an evil report.
We are to remember Ephesians 6 Having done all to stand to stand in the evil day. The evil day is often the day after the victory.
We are cautioned not to relax after a victory but stay alert, watch and be ready to stand firm in faith, which is the opposite of fear.
After he had killed 450 prophets Jezebel sent him a message.
He saw what she said… 1 Kings 19:3
He saw in Hebrew: רָאָה
Rarah- raw-aw; means: to see, have vision, look at, inspect, perceive, observe and to watch.
7200 raah: To see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
Original Word:רָאָה Transliteration:ra’ah Pronunciation:rah-AH Phonetic Spelling: raw-aw’ Definition: To see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
Corresponding Greek – G3708 (ὁράω, horao) – to see, perceive
– G991 (βλέπω, blepo) – to look at, behold
The Hebrew verb “ra’ah” primarily means “to see” in a literal sense, but it also extends to more abstract meanings such as
perceiving, understanding, or experiencing.
It is used in various contexts, including physical sight, visionary experiences, and intellectual or spiritual perception. The verb can also imply: the act of looking with intention or consideration.
In ancient Hebrew culture, seeing was not merely a physical act but often carried deeper implications of understanding and discernment. Prophets, for example, were often described as “seers” (ro’eh), indicating their ability to perceive divine truths. The act of seeing was also associated with witnessing events and understanding God’s will, reflecting a holistic view of perception that included both physical and spiritual dimensions.
What we see and hear on the outside affects us on the inside.
Elijah heard a threat and saw the image of the threat. He was listening to his physical senses and his feelings and emotions reacted to the perception in the natural realm. We cannot know everything we hear because it very likely cause us to run in fear.
1 Kings 19:3-4,
Elijah’s drastic despair and request for death, reveals the immense emotional and spiritual toll from the threats and opposition, even in the wake of God’s faithfulness on Mount Carmel.
Despite being a mighty prophet of God, in his humanity Elijah was still prone to feelings and emotions that brought overwhelming discouragement.
As he ran out of the gate of Jezreel, Elijah did not go to back to the widows house in Zarephath, nor could he hide in Judah because the king of Judah was friends with Ahab; so Elijah and his servant ran southward.
When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself traveled on a day’s journey into the wilderness.
He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”
Sat under has the meaning: he was depressed
and juniper has a meaning: to bind or attach.
Juniper is seen as a symbol of resilience, determination, and the ability to adapt to challenging circumstances
The Hebrew verb rakas primarily means to bind or fasten together. It is used in contexts where something is being securely attached or joined, often referring to clothing or armor.
He rarah- thought/perceived that things were so bad that he wanted to die. It was a false reality, he had allowed fear to control influence and guide his actions, he ran. This is the flight or fight syndrome. He ran on to the wilderness alone. He was tired and dejected and rested under the juniper/broom tree. Was he realizing that prophetically he needed his mind to swept out and cleansed/refreshed?
Was he finally looking for the Lord?
5 Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep.
Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”
6 And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again.
7 A second time the angel of the LORD returned and touched him, saying, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.”
8 So he got up and ate and drank. And strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.
During the Israelites’ time in the desert with Moses, they camped at a place called Rithmah known for broom trees. It was named Rithmah simply because it means the place of the broom.Numbers 33:18–19. Apparently, broom trees were plentiful in the area, and the location served as a suitable camp for the children of Israel. Now we know more of the meaning that Juniper/broom is seen as a symbol of resilience, determination, and the ability to adapt to challenging circumstances; it was a symbolic meaning for them at the time.
Being spiritually, emotionally, and physically exhausted, Elijah quickly fell asleep in the shade of the bush.
Elijah sat down under a solitary broom tree
rō·ṯem, which means a juniper tree.
he was running away from danger.
rethem or rothem: Broom tree
Original Word: רֶתֶם Transliteration: rethem Pronunciation: reh’-them Phonetic Spelling: reh’-them Definition: Broom tree
The origin of the word רֶתֶם is uncertain, but it is believed to be derived from a root that may imply binding or covering, possibly due to the plant’s growth habit.
There is no direct Greek equivalent in Strong’s Concordance for the Hebrew rethem, as it is a specific plant native to the Middle Eastern region and not commonly referenced in Greek texts.
The term “rethem” refers to a type of desert shrub or small tree, commonly identified as the broom tree (Retama raetam). It is known for its ability to thrive in arid conditions and is often found in desert regions. In the Bible, it is associated with providing shade and shelter in harsh environments.
The broom tree is native to the Middle East and North Africa, often found in desert areas. It is characterized by its long, slender branches and small leaves, which help it conserve water. The plant’s ability to grow in barren landscapes made it a symbol of survival and resilience. Historically, its branches were used for fuel, and its roots could be used to make charcoal.
1 Kings 19:4 HEB: וַיֵּ֕שֶׁב תַּ֖חַת רֹ֣תֶם [אֶחָת כ] NAS: under a juniper tree; and he requested KJV: under a juniper tree: and he requested INT: and sat under A juniper a requested
1 Kings 19:5 HEB: וַיִּישַׁ֔ן תַּ֖חַת רֹ֣תֶם אֶחָ֑ד וְהִנֵּֽה־ NAS: under a juniper tree; and behold, KJV: under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel INT: and slept under A juniper a and behold
The “broom tree” is what some Bible translations such as the KJV and NASB call the “juniper”; other translations such as the ESV, CSB, and NIV speak of it as the “broom tree” or the “broom bush.” It grows to around 6 to 8 feet tall and can provide enough shade to shelter someone from the scorching desert heat.
Having roots and branches that burn hot, the broom tree was a source of fuel and high-quality charcoal during biblical times. Psalm 120:4 likens the judgment of God to “a warrior’s sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom brush.”
The angel that visited Elijah made “some bread baked over hot coals”; since the broom tree was right there, it’s quite possible that the angel used its wood as fuel 1 Kings 19:6. The thick root of the broom tree was good fuel for fire, and in dire circumstances it could also be eaten. Job speaks of men who, in extreme conditions, resorted to eating broom tree roots: “Haggard from want and hunger, they roamed a the parched land in desolate wastelands at night. In the brush they gathered salt herbs, and their food was the root of the broom bush” Job 30:3–4 A broom tree’s roots are bitter and unappetizing but can provide some nourishment to a starving person.
Although the broom tree is just a desert shrub, but in the Bible it serves as an important reminder of God’s provision. As God sustained and sheltered Elijah under a broom tree, He also promises to give us rest and meet our needs. Matthew 11:28; Philippians 4:19.
Providing shelter from difficult situations is something that God is good at doing; He is “our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1.
The juniper tree symbolizes refuge, protection against evil spirits, and strength, particularly highlighted in the story of the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19:4-5.
The juniper tree appears in both the Old and New Testaments, representing: comfort during distress and divine provision.
Junipers embody resilience and endurance, paralleling the challenges faced by believers, reinforcing themes of perseverance and faith.
Historically, juniper trees have been seen as symbols of protection and cleansing, used in rituals for purification and healing.Juniper berries possess medicinal properties and were historically utilized for various ailments, continuing to be valued in herbal remedies today.
Durable juniper wood has been employed in construction, including biblical structures, and remains popular in modern landscaping and decor.
One of the reasons a broom tree has that name is because the branches grow straight, with prickly small leaves at the end. They are said to be capable of providing shade for one person, with little room for covering more. All of that becomes a metaphor for Elijah being a singular prophet of note in the history of the “fathers” of those peoples.
The symbolism of a Juniper tree is as a protection against evil spirits, giving a reflection of how the divine “ancestors” of Yahweh protected the laws [the marriage vows] of Moses from corruption. Thus, Elijah was one broom of the Lord God, who was sent to sweep out the evil presence, the uncleanness, that had defiled the Northern Kingdom.
Elijah, sat down under a tree of branches He invited/offered/asked the Lord God of Israel to take his life. When the NRSV translation says, “ He asked that he might die,” it must be realized that Elijah was “asking” this of the Lord so the Hebrew word
וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל
“way·yiš·’al” [“shaal”]
can be read as “he prayed.”
7952 shaal: To ask, inquire, request, demand
Original Word:שָׁאַל Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: sha’al Pronunciation: shaw-al’ Phonetic Spelling:shaw-al’ Definition: To ask, inquire, request, demand
Corresponding GreekG154 (aiteo): To ask, request
– G2065 (erotao): To ask, inquire
Elijah, on the other hand, represents a willing sacrifice to Lord, praying:
“It is enough; now, Yahweh, take away my life,
for I am no better than my ancestors.”
In that translation, the Hebrew word
מֵאֲבֹתָֽי
“mê·’ă·ḇō·ṯāy”
is translated generically as “ancestors.”
Englishman’s Concordance
mê·’ă·ḇō·ṯāy — 1 Occurrence
1 Kings 19:4 HEB: ט֥וֹב אָנֹכִ֖י מֵאֲבֹתָֽי׃ NAS: for I am not better than my fathers. KJV: for I [am] not better than my fathers. INT: better my fathers
The core word in that [“ab”] means “fathers.”
ab: Father
Original Word: אָב Transliteration: ab Pronunciation: ahv Phonetic Spelling:awb Definition: Father
Corresponding Greek– G3962 (πατήρ, patēr) – Father
The Hebrew word “אָב” (‘ab) primarily means “father” and is used in the Old Testament to denote a male parent. It can also refer to a forefather, ancestor, or a figure of authority and respect. In a broader sense, it is used metaphorically to describe God as the Father of His people, Israel, and by extension, all believers.
This relates Elijah to a lineage of prophets, where the “fathers” – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – were not to be confused with the majority of people that declared relationship by blood, but only those whose souls were related through covenant/marriage relationship to the Lord God. The prayer was probably connected with his being condemned to death by Ahab, Elijah’s acts proved the true power and divinity of the God of Israel. When it was over, after the Lord had set fire to the wood and burned his sacrifice on the altar, leading to the death of 450 priests of Ba’al there was nothing more Elijah could do. Instead of trying to save himself from being killed by Ahab, Elijah offered his soul into the Heavenly Fathers hands.
It is highly likely that we will all come to some point in life where we will say, it is enough. This mighty prophet came to this point, and this gives us hope, it happens to all of us at one time or another.
Elijah slept under a juniper tree. He, like us sometimes, curled up in a ball and wanted to give up. Life can become too overwhelmingly hard for us, and the mountain in front of us can look too big to overcome. There was a day when Yeshua/Jesus climbed into a boat with the disciples and said, Let us go over to the other side. Everything seemed good and they had just heard the sermon on the mount, it looked like nothing could shake their faith. However in the account we read: And there arose a great storm. Our Heavenly Father brings storms into our lives to test our faith. To humble us as we see where we really are. We have to first be pulled down so that He can build us up and it is God that lifts us up, its not in our own strength..
We can say to Him, it is enough, however this comes from
our own reasoning, our own understanding
of what is happening around us and to us.
Scripture says we are not to lean on our own understanding.
For us as believers, we are faced with the ongoing challenge of walking through a world that we no longer belong in, and no doubt there will be many times we come to the juniper tree.
The juniper tree is also a place of
our own understanding,
our own rationalizing,
our own wisdom and thought patterns,
our own imaginations and determinations.
We arrive here when we take our eyes off our Lord and Savior, something we must never do because we never outgrow Him. We never come to a point of being independent from Him, or to the point that we will never need Him anymore. Spiritually we are in covenant with Him through faith in His Blood; we need him, and He loves us and is always there for us. He is faithful, even when we are unfaithful. He loves us, when we stop loving Him.
Elijah sat under the juniper tree and then he slept under the juniper tree. The progression shows he came to a point of complete hopelessness and finally he was emptied of himself; and this is when God moved in his life providing food and rest for him. The Bible assures us we have a merciful high priest, Messiah has great compassion towards us because He knows our frame, He remembers that we are but dust.
He suffered when he became a man, so that he could experience what we experience. Jesus/Yeshua was familiar with all our sufferings so He knows what we feel like. He knows our weaknesses, because He lived on the earth as one of us.
Elijah was a man like us, tempted to curl up in a ball and give up. Life can become overwhelming for us. The mountains we face can loom so big before us they seem insurmountable.
After hard spiritual battles we can be tired and vulnerable but we are never alone.
There is a place we can go, a place for spiritual direction and consultation, for rest, to receive refreshment from the provision of the Lord. Because like Elijah, without the Lord the journey will be too hard for us.
Elijah went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now, Yahweh, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. The angel of Yahweh came a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you.” He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount ha-elohim.
Sometimes when we have been through a time of testing or great trial and we have persevered depending on the Lord to bring us through, we experience victory and a breakthrough in our situation. Gods’ intervention changes everything and the enemy appears to be on the run. This is when we may be tempted to relax and not be as alert as we should be, and its then that the enemy will exploit our inattention and fatigue and mount an unexpected attack like a whiplash. This kind of reaction can cause us to become fearful if we are not rooted and grounded in the Lord.
We are not to look at the physical circumstances but to look in faith to the Lord. However this is not always as easy as it sounds. We are in a physical human body with all the feeling and emotions and weakness of flesh. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. And like Elijah we feel like giving up, we have had enough and feel like we can’t take any more; we run away into the wilderness and finally totally exhausted sit under a juniper tree just wanting to die and go home and be with the Lord. Here under the juniper tree our loving heavenly Father will bring a time of refreshing to us so we can go forward.
Ps. 103:14 For He knows our [mortal] frame; He remembers that we are [merely] dust.
There was further work for Elijah to do
and God gave him a time of rest and refreshing with
food to eat and water to drink.
The presence of bread and water by Elijah’s “head” is indicating that his ego was replaced with spiritual food – bread cooked on coals, and everlasting water – a jar of water.
Elijah was touched by an angel, at the point of that touch, being told “Get up and eat” – the actual command is “arise” [from “qūm”], which also has a meaning to leave the body of flesh and enter the heavenly realm – Elijah was commanded to eat and receive of the Heavenly offerings from the Lord brought to him by an angel.
Original Word:קוּם Transliteration: quwm Pronunciation:koom Phonetic Spelling: koom Definition: Arise, stand, establish, confirm, endure, fulfill Meaning: to rise
Corresponding Greek– ἀνίστημι (anistēmi) – to rise, to stand up
– ἐγείρω (egeirō) – to awaken, to raise up
The Hebrew verb “qum” primarily means “to arise” or “to stand up.” It conveys the idea of rising from a lower position to a higher one, whether physically, metaphorically, or spiritually. It is used in various contexts, including standing up from a seated position, rising to take action, establishing something firmly, or fulfilling a promise or prophecy. The verb can also imply endurance or the act of being established over time.
In ancient Hebrew culture, the act of standing or rising was often associated with taking action, assuming responsibility, or preparing for a significant event. For example, standing could indicate readiness for battle, the beginning of a journey, or the assumption of a leadership role. The concept of “qum” also ties into the covenantal promises of God, where He “establishes” His word and fulfills His promises to His people.
In verse 6 we then read that Elijah “ate and drank, and lay down again,” The angel came a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you,”’ this becomes Elijah being completely restored returning to life in the body of flesh as symbolic of resurrection. In the same way that after telling her to
rise – qum
to awaken, to raise up
Messiah told Jarius
“give her [his risen daughter] something to eat”
there is a need for spiritual food to feed the soul returned to the body of flesh. This is not a need for physical food, as resurrection from death is not simply about the physical flesh but for the soul to be strengthened.
To have our soul saved by the Lord of Heaven and Earth, we must die to self- all of our ego and self-will, and be reborn from above, in resurrection life having Messiah/Christ in us the hope of Glory.
Yeshua/Jesus then becomes the bread baked on coals and the jar of water that gives nourishment to our souls. Reminding us of John, where Yeshus/Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” The bread of life is set by our head, when our heads have been emptied of self, and all ego is dead. If we don’t, then in a way we hang suspended between heaven and earth, trying to figure a way to save our own lives, which of course is an impossibility. Elijah shows us that the true goal should be to save our soul; and that means telling our Heavenly Father, “This is enough. Take my life.” Not to kill us physically but to finally and completely surrender all to Him!
When our Heavenly Father refreshes us, we can go for 40 days on the spiritual food bread and water. The bread of life – His Word, and the water of His Holy Spirit. 40 is symbolic of testing and trials both spiritual and physical 40 years in wilderness 40 days Jesus/Yeshua in the wilderness Moses etc., etc. In Him we will be sustained through every trial of life.
So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely.
Acts 3:19
Elijah was restored and we know that
the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
He repented of his fear, he changed his mind and his way of thinking, he returned to the Lord and received his directions to go forward.
His life was not over, but he needed the Lord
to restore him
and energize him
and strengthen him
so he could continue to run his race,
and in his case he literally outran the horses.
There is supernatural strength available for us too. Philippians 4 13 comforts us that, in the inevitable challenges of human frailty, sickness, aging, and opposition, and all the fiery trials and furnaces of affliction; supernatural help lies readily available to those who cling to Messiah.
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
This scripture encapsulates the essence of strength in Christ, emphasizing that it is through His empowerment.
Supernatural strength is not bound by natural limitations, but by its very name, the supernatural overcomes the natural and puts the believer, His child, into the hands of a loving Heavenly Father.
Through a series of extraordinary events, Elijah’s faith and calling were renewed and through these strategic directions, God realigned and re-commissioned His prophet.
This is not just a story of personal struggle and divine revelation, but also a testament to the enduring power of faith; and of the human experience of seeking understanding in moments of despair and feelings of failure.
1 Kings 19:5-8, ESV
God actively displayed His tender concern and nourishment, both physically and emotionally, to Elijah in his time of deepest need.
This dramatic, divine intervention, highlights how God strengthens, nurtures and equips His faithful servants, ministering to them in their emotional and spiritual brokenness.
Meanwhile, Elisha’s instant obedience after instruction, highlights his readiness to answer God’s call. This transition reveals God’s wisdom and attention to details and his organization of all things in arranging the next phase of His work through Elijah.
Original Word: נָבַט Transliteration: nabat Pronunciation: naw-BAHT Phonetic Spelling: naw-bat’ Definition: To look, regard, behold, consider Meaning: to scan, look intently at, to regard consider (2), depend (1), depended (1), gaze (1), gazed (1), look (34), look down (2), looked (11), looks (4), observe (1), observed (1), pay attention (1), regard (2), see (3).
Corresponding Greek – G991 (βλέπω, blepō) – to see, to look at
– G3708 (ὁράω, horaō) – to see, to perceive
The Hebrew verb “nabat” primarily means to look or gaze intently, often with a sense of consideration or contemplation. It can imply looking with favor, attention, or discernment. The term is used in various contexts, including God looking upon His creation, people looking to God for help, or individuals regarding one another with specific intentions.
In ancient Hebrew culture, sight and vision were often associated with understanding and perception. To “look” or “behold” was not merely a physical act but also carried connotations of insight and discernment. The act of looking could imply a deeper spiritual or emotional engagement, reflecting the importance of vision in both literal and metaphorical senses.
God has to lift us up and out of our depressive state and cause us to look down on our situations. We are seated with Him in the heavenly places and are to see things from His perspective.
Arise and eat was the command, these cakes were not ordinary cakes, they were as living coals of fire; Angels food, like the manna in the wilderness. Elijah was able to go 40 days and nights in the strength of those cakes. Isaiah was also touched with the living coal upon his lips which removed the sin the uncleanness from him. If we allow the living coals of the Fathers love to touch us and remove all uncleanness from our lives, we too can go in the strength of His love for many days. The Hebrew word for Gods’ strength is ko-akh
in the strength
בְּכֹ֣חַ
3581 bə·ḵō·aḥ
koach: Strength, power, might, ability, force
Original Word:כֹּחַ Transliteration:koach Pronunciation: koh-akh Phonetic Spelling: ko’-akh Definition:Strength, power, might, ability, force Meaning: vigor, a large lizard
Derived from an unused root meaning to be firm or vigorous, literal force in a good or bad sense or figurative capacity, means, produce; also from its hardiness, a large lizard its ability able to change and to accommodate surroundings as in chameleon, force, fruits, might, power, full strength, substance, wealth.
The Hebrew word “koach” primarily denotes physical strength or power, but it can also refer to mental or spiritual strength. It is used to describe the might of individuals, nations, and even God Himself. In the context of human ability, it often implies the capacity to perform tasks or achieve goals. When referring to God, it underscores His omnipotence and sovereign power over creation.
In ancient Israelite culture, strength and power were highly valued attributes, often associated with leadership and divine favor. Physical strength was essential for survival, warfare, and labor. The concept of “koach” also extended to the spiritual realm, where it was seen as a gift from God enabling individuals to fulfill their divine calling. The Israelites recognized that true strength came from God, Who empowered them to overcome their enemies and achieve victory.
We are to live and move and have our being in His/Gods’ strength. Ephesians 6:10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.
Because as Romans 8:35 states Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 9 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.…
Making a focal point of the tree as a source of comfort during his distress was symbolic of God’s provision and care. The tree of life representing Messiah to Whom we are grafted in and from where we receive our strength. God allowed Elijah to rest under the broom tree, giving the prophet much-needed strength before continuing his journey to Mount Horeb. 1 Kings 19:8–9.
This story is helpful to us to recognize where we have been and where we are going. Many make resolutions at the start of a new year deciding to make changes but rarely follow through, giving up after only a little while.
The angel said to Elijah,
the journey will be too great for thee.
This is so true for us, the journey through this life is too great for us in our own strength. If we try and make it through life in our own strength we won’t make it. If we try to make it to heaven our own way, we won’t make it either. We can pride ourselves on our independence but we are never, ever truly independent; even when we turn and run from God, even when we disobey God and are rebellious, He sends rain on the just and the unjust. He can give and He can remove, our health can be taken away in a heartbeat, our life can be snatched from the earth any second. We are in His hands and we need to remember we are never truly in control of anything. For the believer, we need spiritual meat and drink for the journey at hand, by reading our Bibles. We are what we eat, so eat the words of eternal life, they are what will sustain our life.
Job said, I have esteemed thy words more than my necessary food. Spiritual food is more important to us than physical food, and yet so often we will skip reading our Bible, we skip prayer, and fellowshipping with and worshipping our Savior. Even though this is what will get us through this life. The Bible says that Elijah went in the strength of the food that the angel gave him for 40 days and 40 nights to Mount Horeb. God’s word is God’s power, the power is in His Word. For us the power is in our faith in His Word. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. The Word of God is our food. When Elijah reached Mount Horeb he saw that God was in control and that’s where we must arrive at also.
In this account of the prophet Elijah, it revealed his moments of vulnerability and divine encounters. In the middle of great challenges, he experienced a profound personal crisis, and even questioned his mission, purpose and calling.
Even though the circumstances of life may seem beyond repair and completely overwhelming, be encouraged that no matter what problem you are in, no matter what life has thrown at you, you can have the peace, the true shalom of God in your heart. Things can seem desperate, hopeless, out of control, but if you turn your eyes to Jesus/Yeshua, if you simply believe and trust Him, if you will cry out and lean on Him and not your own understanding, there will be a great calm in your life.
Psalm 34, “The angel of Yahweh encompasses those who fear him, and he will deliver them.”
“Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
Arise and eat – He is our meat and drink.
The Juniper tree is there for a reason and a season but we are not to stay under it forever.
Once we have recognized where we are and change our focus off of ourselves, have received the refreshing of the Lord and have clear direction of where we are to go. Then we choose to keep our eyes on Yeshua/Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.He will perfect that which concerns us and strengthen us to run our race and complete our task to His glory. Don’t give up family, we are so close to that finish line and the victors crown of eternal life.
Shalom, shalom mishpachah/family
and cheverim/friends!
It’s all about Life and Relationship,
NOT Religion.
You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.
NOT SURE?
YOU CAN BE..
SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.
