by Jamie Roussie

Why does Elijah end in an apparent state of self-pity after accomplishing such great things as defeating the prophets of the false god and outrunning a chariot? I would think that he should be on top of the world. Instead, he runs away, hides under a tree and wants to die. He confesses to God that he is no better than any of his ancestors. After all of this, I would think that Elijah wouldn't have any reason to fear Jezebel and every reason to trust in God's protection.

I wonder if God has temporarily withdrawn from Elijah as a reminder of who has actually been accomplishing all of these things. Left to himself, Elijah admits that he is no better than any of his fellow Israelites. Perhaps he has grown to trust in what God was doing through him, instead of trusting God directly. This is a reminder to me that I'm no better off than anyone else, that on my own I'm weak. Thankfully, I've experienced God's working and presence in my life—even in, through and despite my weakness.

A fellow traveler,
Jamie