AI Summary
5 min readElijah had just watched God incinerate a water-soaked sacrifice on Mount Carmel, routing the prophets of Baal in a decisive victory. Then Queen Jezebel sent a death threat, and the prophet ran for his life into the wilderness, sat under a broom tree, and asked God to kill him. "It is enough now, O Lord," he said. "Take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers."
On Day 167 of the Bible in a Year, Fr. Mike Schmitz uses Elijah's dramatic collapse after triumph to explore a pattern he has witnessed repeatedly: the discouragement that sets in not after defeat, but after the big battles are over. The episode's central question is what God does for people who believe their best days are behind them.
The Letdown After the Victory
Fr. Mike notes that we expect people to feel despair after humiliation or failure. But he has also seen it happen "after incredible victory, when there is in some ways no more battles to fight." Elijah's ministry had reached its peak. The defining confrontation was over. Fr. Mike suggests that in the midpoint or end of life, when a person looks back and sees that "the big moments are behind me," a profound discouragement can settle in. Elijah's cry—"I am no better than my fathers"—is not false humility. It is the exhaustion of a man who has given everything and now sees only an empty road ahead.
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:03) **Episode Opening and Scripture Readings** - Fr. Mike introduces Day 167, listing the readings: 1 Kings 19-20, 2 Chronicles 20, and Song of Solomon 6.
- 2 (01:00) **1 Kings 19: Elijah Flees from Jezebel** - After his victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah flees to the wilderness, prays for death, and is strengthened by an angel.
- 3 (02:09) **Elijah Meets God at Mount Horeb** - God reveals Himself not in wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a "still small voice."
- 4 (04:00) **Elisha Becomes Elijah's Disciple** - Elijah calls Elisha by casting his mantle over him; Elisha burns his bridges by slaughtering his oxen and following Elijah.
- 5 (04:37) **1 Kings 20: Ahab's Wars with the Syrians** - Ben-Hadad of Syria besieges Samaria; a prophet guides Ahab to victory.
- 6 (08:13) **Syrian Defeat and Ahab's Mercy** - The Syrians are decisively defeated, but Ahab spares King Ben-Hadad, making a covenant with him.
- 7 (09:57) **A Prophet Condemns Ahab** - Through a parable, a prophet declares that by letting Ben-Hadad go, Ahab has forfeited his own life and his people.
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Guests on this episode
Show Notes
Today we read about Elijah's discouragement after fleeing from Jezebel, and how God tells him to "arise and eat" to strengthen him for the journey ahead. Fr. Mike points out how God calls us to draw strength for the journey as well, even at the end of our earthly lives. The readings are 1 Kings 19-20, 2 Chronicles 20, and Song of Solomon 6.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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