YOU ARE NOT ALONE

 

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

 

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

1 Kings 18:22

22 Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.

 

          Elijah’s ministry was a lonely one. He had appeared before the king and announced that it would not rain unless he said that it should. He then disappeared and was hunted for more than three years. Ravens brought him food and he drank from a brook. Then, in our text, he breaks silence regarding his feeling of loneliness.

 

          Some of us readily acknowledge the importance of fellowship with other believers. Some of us pretend that we are strong enough to live without it.

 

          Fellowship is a uniquely New Testament word found only twice in the Authorized Old Testament. Once in in Leviticus and again in the Psalms. It is translated from the Greek koinonia and is generally understood to refer to a kinship, companionship, and friendly cooperation held by members of the same company. Once, in Ephesians 5:11 the word is sugkoinoneo where Paul urges his readers to break off having fellowship with sinners.

 

          Elijah’s complaint in First Kings chapter 18 is answered by Jehovah who declared that there were seven thousand others who had remained faithful. No, you are not alone! Your circumstances may have removed you from sweet fellowship and partnership, but God is at work in the lives of others.

 

          Ministry to the sick, hospitalized, and homebound is an important one because there is, along with the sickness, a creeping loneliness that can be soothed by human contact.

 

Isa 43:2-3

2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

 

Dear Lord, let me never forget that you are always with me. Let me remember those who feel lonely and provide the gift of fellowship. AMEN