Elijah – Flees from Jezebel
I Kings 19:1-3
At the end of Chapter 18, a mighty victory has occurred, the people make a commitment to God, slay the false prophets. God sends rain after three and a half years and the drought has ended. Elijah holds the direction of the nation in his hands, never has the Northern kingdom turned to God, now there is a chance. Elijah is at the peak of his power and influence, all eyes are on him.
King Ahab relates to Jezebel all the events of the day, but concentrates on the slaying of the prophets of Baal not on the power of Jehovah. Queen Jezebel is furious and is not about to give up her position and will do anything to prevent a national revival. She threatens Elijah with death and he fearing for his life flees.
What happened? How did it happen?
One day we are experiencing God’s mighty working in our lives and the next we are running scared, all our expectation exploding in our face and we end up in despair and defeat. Ever been there?
Know this, the enemies of God will not give up and even miracles will not change their heart. Elijah made a bad decision and it ended up costing a national revival. Sin does affect those around us.
Elijah most likely was physically exhausted, not thinking clearly when he did this. It is important for us not to make major decisions when physically or emotional exhausted. Also he got his focus off of God and on to himself. He looked at the circumstances around him and does not pray about it.
If it could happen to Elijah, it could certainly happen to us. Remember God still normally works thru “still small voice” and we must strive to live by faith not by sight, and purpose to stay focus on the Lord. I Peter 5:8 “be sober minded, be watchful, your adversary the devil prowls around like a lion seeking someone to devour”.