Sermon Notes::A Concluding Word

1 Kings 19

Elijah was the preeminent prophet in Israel. He lived in the Northern Kingdom in the 9th century BC during a time of unprecedented material prosperity. Omri--a military strongman--had recently taken over the kingship and reorganized the chaotic nation. He bought a plot of land and built a new capitol city--named Samaria--to help set this new direction. He made alliances with the surrounding kings to establish trade and ensure peace. He married his son Ahab to Jezebel--the daughter of a local king and high priestess of Baal and Ashtoreth. However, as Israel grew in prominence and prosperity, she declined in faithfulness and distinctiveness. God's one chosen people was becoming just like the sinful nations that surrounded her.
God chose Elijah to bring his people to their senses. You can read about the particulars in 1 Kings 17-18. Suffice it say that the job of shifting the momentum of an entire country--economically, politically and religiously--was staggering. In chapter 19, despite a series of astonishing successes, Elijah collapses emotionally and runs south into the desert to die. In his frustration, he asked God to take his life. God refused to take his letter of resignation. instead, God sent angels to strengthen him and then sent him out into the wilderness of Sinai to meet with him at Mt Horeb.
There on the mountain, God drew near to Elijah, speaking to him in soft, still voice. Elijah formally brought his complaint. All of my work, all of my effort, all of my life have not been enough. I am a failure. Nothing has changed. In fact, no one cares about following you or your ways anymore.
Yahweh doesn't offer words of advice or comfort or correction. God whispers Elijah's next assignment. For you see, Elijah still had much to do. God had chosen him to live a life much bigger and significant than even Elijah could conceive.
So it is with us. God has much for us to do. He has created each of us with a particular assignment, work that only we can do. These assignments are bigger and more significant than we can conceive. What is your assignment? To be a loving and faithful husband or wife? To be a hardworking employee? To finish a course of schoolwork? To be a patient friend? To lead at church? Are you tired? Are you worn out? Are you done with working your assignment, ready to give up? Are you convinced that nothing you have done has made any real difference?
I'm sorry but God doesn't want your letter of resignation. He has chosen you to go and bear fruit for his kingdom, fruit that will last. Look back on what you have accomplished. Imagine what else God has in store for you. There will be a time to rest, a time to lay down our burdens. But that time is not yet.
Be strong and courageous. Free your feet from the sin that so easily entangles. Lean into the God who promises to be the strength of our heart and run the course set for you with endurance. He who called you is faithful. Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.
Courage,
James