“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, ‘It is enough! Now. LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!’ Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.’ Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drink, and lay down again. And the angel of the LORD came back a second time, and touched him, and said, ‘Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.’ So he arose, ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food…” (1 Kings 19:4-8).

Elijah is depressed. He has faithfully served as the LORD’s prophet. He proclaimed a drought which lasted 3 1/2 years in Israel (1 Kings 17:1 cf. James 5:17). He was sent by the LORD to live in a foreign land (1 Kings 17:9 cf. Luke 4:24-26). He was hunted by Ahab, the King of Israel (1 Kings 18:8-14). He returned to Israel and presented him to the king as the LORD instructed (1 Kings 18:1-18). He debated with false prophets on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-40). He declared the drought over and the rain came (1 Kings 18:41-46 cf. James 5:18). This, he probably thought, would bring peace. However, Jezebel, the Queen, now desires to kill him (1 Kings 19:1-3). He is fleeing for his life. He concludes that he is no better than his fathers. Meaning? Albert Barnes suggests, “I am a mere weak man, no better nor stronger than these who have gone before me, no more able to revolutionize the world than they” (Barnes Notes, studylight.org).

Elijah is told to arise and eat. It is important that we take care of ourselves.

The LORD is not finished with Elijah. He does not accept his resignation. God has things that He still wants Elijah to do.

First, He wants Elijah to take a journey to Horeb, the mountain of God, that is, Sinai (1 Kings 19:7-8). There God would reveal Himself to Elijah in “a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:9-18). God is not always revealed in the dramatic. Moreover, Serving God is not always about visible dramatic victories. It is also about the quiet personal relationship.

Second, God wants Elijah to anoint two kings and a prophet. He is to anoint Hazael as king over Syria (1 Kings 19:15). He is to anoint Jehu as king over Israel (1 Kings 19:16a). He is to anoint Elisha to be the prophet in his place (1 Kings 19:16b). These three men will bring judgment on the house of Ahab and Jezebel (the Omri dynasty) and Baal worshippers in Israel (1 Kings 19:17 cf. 2 Kings 8:12; 2 Kings 9-10).

One can accomplish little if he does not first take care of himself. Flight attendants instruct one to place the mask first on oneself before assisting children or other passengers.