1 Kings 19:3-18 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.… The best of men have their defects, but do not despise them on that account; just as we don't despise a mountain because there are rifts in its side, or the sun because there are spots on its face. I. SOME OF THE CAUSES OF ELIJAH'S DEPRESSION. 1. Physical weakness. 2. Rampant wickedness. 3. Want of occupation. 4. The apparent failure of his mission. II. WHAT LESSONS SHOULD THIS SUBJECT TEACH US? 1. That great men are subject to sudden changes in their mental moods. 2. That these seasons of depression do not unchristianise a man. John Bunyan tells us that the pilgrims were as surely progressing towards the Celestial City, when climbing the hill Difficulty, passing through the valley of Humiliation, and engaged in a hand-to. hand encounter with Apollyon, as when transported with the visions of the Delectable Mountains, fanned with the balmy breezes, and regaled with the fragrant odours of the land of Beulah, where the sun always shines. "If needs be," says Peter, "ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations. 3. That God comes to the succour of His servants in seasons of depression. 4. Severe trials are fruitful of good to God's people. 5. That labour is an essential condition of enjoyment. (H. Woodcock.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. |
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