From the Deacon’s Desk 08/08/2021

Dear Friends:

In our first reading from 1 Kings 19:4-8 Elijah the prophet is forced to run away into the desert. His life is being threatened because of the action he took in the previous chapter. After a whole day’s journey he is exhausted. He prays for death and lies down under a broom tree waiting to die and falls asleep. Then an angel touches him and orders him to get up and eat. Elijah had no food but then noticed a hearth cake and a jug of water. He ate and drank and lies down and again falls asleep. The angel comes back touches him and tells him get up and eat. Elijah once again gets up and eats. Feeling much better he walks for 40 days and 40 nights to the mountain of Horeb. It is here that Elijah finally finds God in a “tiny whispering sound.” Elijah has much more work to do for God. The important thing to remember is that God feeds and gives Elijah the strength and courage to do what God wants him to do.

I think all of us can relate to Elijah. Sometimes we would like to slip into a cave and not be bothered by anyone, not even God. I believe the message of the reading from 1 Kings today is a message of God’s complete and absolute care for each one of us. Over the past few weeks we have heard a few stories of how God has taken care of his people. We are his people too and he will take care of us, watch over us and never desert us. God will lead us where we need to go and will provide what we need to get there!

Peace and All Good!

Deacon Jim