1 Kings 19:9-18

Elijah at Horeb.

I. How GOD DEALS WITH THE DESPAIRING .

1 . Elijah ' s mistake . Because Jezebel's enmity remained unsubdued the straggle was at once given over as hopeless; "and he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there." The same mistake is made by those who labour on with unexpectant toil, whose wrestling with God is given up, whose feeble thought and listless tones proclaim their hopelessness: by those who have laid down the work to which God called them—preachers in retirement or in other spheres, teachers, etc.—and those who have ceased to strive against their own sin.

2 . God ' s remedy .

II. THE PATH OF DELIVERANCE FOR THE HOPELESS .

1 . The vision of God . Elijah's thoughts of God's way were corrected.

2 . The recognition of ourselves as only part of the manifold agency of God . Other hands as well as his were to carry on the work of judgment and of mercy ( 1 Kings 19:15-17 ). To feel our brotherhood with the servants of God fills us with joy and power.

3 . The assurance that God never works in vain ( 1 Kings 19:18 ). The results may be hid from us, but they are known to Him.—J.U.