TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 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. 1 Kings 19:5-6
Read: 1 Kings 19:4-8
Listen: 1 Kings 19
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Elijah flees to Beersheba and into the wilderness. Alone and discouraged he cries out to God to end his life. He’s had enough. He’s exhausted with good reason. Elijah is stretched emotionally and physically. After praying, he falls asleep. What comes next is one of the most tender moments in Scripture. One might expect God to give Elijah a lecture or remind him who is in charge. Instead, God makes him lunch. The Lord responds by caring for his needs. God had done this before when he sent ravens to feed Elijah in the past.
God knew a couple of meals cooked for him wouldn’t fix everything. It wouldn’t remove the difficult circumstance he was in, but it would help him in the moment. God shows Elijah that he sees and he cares. The God of the universe cares enough to serve. We might be surprised that someone so powerful would be compassionate and personal. But it’s just who God is. He is unmatched in his power and authority but also compassionate, loving and personal. This same God cares about us, knows what we are going through and desires not just to fix us but to meet us today.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
As you reflect on the character of God, begin thinking of someone you know who is disappointed or discouraged. How can you be an encouragement to them this week without any expectation of fixing what they are going through? Write down a tangible thing you can do to show the heart of God toward that person and then make it happen this week.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
