This sermon is the third sermon in a three-part series on the life and ministry of Elijah. It was delivered at our evening service on July 11, 2021. This talk examines 1 Kings 19 in which God graciously cares for and restores Elijah at the lowest point in his ministry. This recording opens with Peter reading 1 Kings 19 for us.
Probably the greatest highlight of the prophet Elijah’s ministry was his challenge with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, recorded in 1 Kings 18. In this encounter, God displayed His power before the people of Israel and was vindicated before the faithless King Ahab. But Ahab failed to turn back to God, and his wife, the queen Jezebel, vowed revenge on Elijah. 1 Kings 19 records Elijah’s escape from Jezebel into the desert and his lapse into despair. But God gently and lovingly cared for Elijah while he went through the valley of depression and suffering – before reassuring him and restoring him to ministry. This chapter reminds us of God’s amazing grace and love for us today too.