The Sustaining Meal

"Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you." 1 Kings 19:7

Today's verse comes from the story of Elijah, the day after he, along with the king and nation of Israel, had seen and experienced God's incredible victory over idolatry on Mount Carmel. The hearts of the people had been drawn back to God. Upon Elijah was bestowed the highest honor God can give to one who labors for Him - to see people giving their hearts to the Lord. But, just when Elijah was riding the crest of the wave of spiritual adrenalin, it crashed on the shore (ever been there?) as he heard the terrifying news that the wicked queen Jezebel wanted his head. And so he "ran for his life." (verse 3)

Arise and eat - Elijah, weary from running into the wilderness, was awakened by an angel, who had prepared a second meal for him. The message was simple, the same one the angel had spoken at the first meal he prepared: wake up, get up and eat. Have you noticed? - there's something about mealtimes that just makes life more pleasant. When you're tired from your labors, and you're eating a meal you didn't prepare, your spirits are revived and life is good!

The journey is too great for you - We must remember that the journey Elijah had embarked upon was not mapped out by God. It was the result of unbelief and fear. He was running away from what God had called him to do. He was at such a low ebb that he prayed that he might die (verse 4). It was the same journey another prophet (Jonah) had taken, when God told him to go and preach to the people in the city of Nineveh.

Elijah had left his servant at Beersheba and was 'traveling light.' Yet God sent an angel to sustain Elijah as he was fleeing. There was no rebuke, no scolding, no finger of God in his face. The angel said, "the journey is too great for you. You cannot attempt it without eating." Sometimes in life we take the same path as that of Elijah. We find ourselves running from the tasks we should be doing, traveling into a dry wilderness. But the Eternal God is patient with us, and sends heaven's resources to assist us, even when we are consumed by fear. What a God!

Today you are challenged to get up and eat. He has food for you. God says, "Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it." Psalm 81:10.