July 1, 2001
Proper 8
From Misery to Ministry
1 Kings 19:15-16; 19-21
"Mary" sat across from me. Sadness and fear were etched in the lines of her face. The depths of her pain touched me. She had relocated to care for an ill and unappreciative mother. Leaving friends behind she cared for her mother faithfully. During her mother's lengthy illness Mary continued to suffer indignities from the mother from whom she so desired to receive love. Now as she sobbed I heard these words. "I've always felt stuck. I don't think anybody really cares."
I was tempted to remind her that every great hero of faith has the "wilderness" experience. Remember Moses? Jeremiah? Paul? Yes, and of course, Jesus. We all know of those moments when we feel alone -- separated from friends and support. We all know of those moments when we feel separated from God. But where are the words of encouragement for Mary?
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Elijah certainly was well acquainted with those lonely hours. On the mountain alone and in despair, and God chooses just that moment to speak. And it is God's lifting message that moves Elijah from misery to ministry. What is God's message? In the midst of Elijah's distress we learn some of life's most profound truths.
I. God finds us
If we examine the context of our passage, we learn in the midst of Elijah's distress "God finds" him. And in our distress when we are genuinely discouraged, while we might believe that we are exiled from God, we learn a great lesson of life. Whenever we seek God, God finds us.
Remember the story of Zacchaeus. He goes searching for a place to see Jesus, but there's a twist in the story. Jesus already knows him and calls him by name. When we search for God, God finds us.
II. God aligns us
After finding Elijah, God broadens his reality. When we are "located" God then broadens our horizons. We learn we are not truly alone. Thousands of people have suffered as we suffer. We learn that God is still in control. God's plan is still in effect. God lifts our view of ourselves and of our circumstances from the dark valley to the majestic mountain peak. God aligns us.
III. God assigns us
God then calls Elijah to an even higher task. God gives him a new commission; a higher responsibility. Elijah is sent to anoint kings for future political leadership. Elijah is sent to appoint his successor, Elisha, for future spiritual leadership.
What do we learn from our text? When the days are dark and lonely, when the darkness limits our sight, God still has a bright future. God still calls us to a task greater than we can imagine.
And how are we to trust this hopeful view of the future? What God affirms, God confirms. Elijah is told there are faithful thousands. Elijah finds the thousands who are faithful. Elijah is told that he has a successor. Elijah finds a willing apprentice, Elisha.
How does this passage speak to the "Marys" of life? When we allow God time and seek God's will, God finds us in our distress, aligns us with Godly purposes and assigns us to a greater vision. (Earl J. Nichols)