SELF-CARE VS. SACRIFICE

 

Monday, October 23, 2023

 

SELF-CARE VS. SACRIFICE

 

Context: I Kings 19:1-16

 

1 Tim 5:22

23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. KJV

 

          Anyone entering ministry should be aware that they will be combatants in spiritual warfare. The ministry requires preparation, conditioning, and resolve.

 

          Please read today’s context which describes the weary prophet, Elijah. He had won a great victory against the prophets of Baal when God demonstrated His mighty power, but Jezebel’s threats found him with no energy. He ran away and sat down under a Juniper tree. There he had a pity-party. But let’s not judge Elijah before we know the full story.

 

          Spiritual warfare is seldom kinetic but emotional and psychological. For Elijah, it was also physical. He had engaged the enemy while fasting and when the battle was over, he was exhausted and depleted. This left him with a false view of himself. He felt alone and worthless. He needed sleep and nourishment, so God sent an angel to feed him – twice!

 

1 Thess 5:12-13

12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know [to observe with understanding] them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. KJV

 

Father, protect and restore the strength of your shepherds today. AMEN