1 Kings 19:1-18: Caring for the Whole Person
ELIJAH EXPERIENCED A thrilling victory over the prophets of Baal in chapter 18. Impressed, the people worshiped the Lord. Then they helped Elijah kill all the prophets of Baal. Life was going well until suddenly Queen Jezebel stepped into Elijah's scene.
Often we are quick to blame discontent on spiritual need. But Elijah had experienced great spiritual victory. In this passage his emotional and physical needs became evident. We are whole people—body, soul (emotions, mind and will) and spirit. And God ministered to Elijah's whole being.
Warming Up to God
Why is it sometimes difficult to hear the Lord's voice when you are feeling especially busy and successful "doing the Lord's work"?
Read 1 Kings 19:1-18. »
Discovering the Word
- As you look through the passage, what do you see of Elijah's emotional needs (vv. 3-4, 10, 14), physical needs (vv. 5-8) and spiritual needs (vv. 8, 10-11, 13-14)?
- What do you think happened to the faith Elijah had so dramatically demonstrated in the previous chapters?
- In what different ways did the angel minister to Elijah's needs (vv. 5-9)?
- What do you think is the significance of the Lord not being in the wind, the earthquake or the fire—but in a gentle whisper (vv. 11-12)?
- What emotional as well as spiritual needs of Elijah were met by his encounter with God?
Applying the Word
- What factors in your life cause you to miss the "gentle whisper" of God?
- What helps you to hear it?
Responding in Prayer
Thank God for making you a whole person. Ask him to meet the emotional, physical and spiritual needs you have right now.
For Further Study
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun