1 Kings 19:4

“But Elijah went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.’” vs. 4

From all external appearances Elijah was the big loser. He’d been locked in a battle with the prophets of Baal for the soul of Israel, and while he’d won an extraordinary victory, Queen Jezebel had threatened his life, and that was enough for him. He gave up and fled into the wilderness, certain that his prophetic mission had been a disaster. Completely exhausted by his presumed failure, he asked that he might die. Elijah’s story reminds us that walking in the way of the Lord can result in intense opposition and persecution. While this has always been the case, technological advances have multiplied the opportunities for malicious persons to float vicious attacks against anyone who becomes a public figure. Innocent people have been harassed and intimidated by unrelenting social media attacks. The phrase, “No good deed goes unpunished,” almost seems to be true. It’s no wonder then that so many have simply chosen to withdraw from public interactions and retreat to their solitary broom trees. It really is sad that, when there is so much in our beautiful world to give thanks for, it’s the broken stuff that gets the attention and robs us of joy!

Thought for the Day: Times when I retreat to my broom tree.