Remembering Elijah

And behold, the word of the LORD came to [Elijah], and he said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 10He said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away." 11And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 14He said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away." 15And the LORD said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17 the sword of HazaelAnd the one who escapes from shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." (1 Kings 19:9b-18 ESV)

Even some of the LORD's greatest prophets felt overwhelmed and depressed, and could not always see God's wisdom in sending or permitting hardships and trials. Just when Elijah felt that he alone was left as a faithful believer in Israel, the LORD assured him of 7,000 others. He was not alone. (And even if he had been the last man, with the LORD no fear or dread needed to exist.)

At times, we all need reassurance that we are not alone in standing up for what is right. We all need to be reminded that Jesus calls us "blessed" when we are persecuted for righteousness' sake. We all need reminded of those 7,000 others whom the Lord has called to faith and gathers around His Holy Gifts.

...Yes. Even pastors need reminders such as these.