I am often struck by images of Jesus, strewn liberally through the Old Testament. In one instance, Jesus shows up after the Israelites grumble against God when “their souls became weary because of the way.” In fact, they even rejected the bread from heaven God gave to sustain them. As a result, fiery serpents killed many until God lifted up the bronze serpent. When they gazed on it, they were healed in soul and body, and shortly after, God led them in conquering the Promised Land. In the New Testament, Jesus equates Himself with the serpent that brought healing.
The text that blew me away today though, is found after Jezebel’s threat to kill Elijah.
Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went alone into the wilderness, and prayed that he might die. ” I have had enough Lord, take my life for I am no better than my ancestors who are dead.” (1 Kings 19)
An angel woke him twice with bread and water, telling him to eat or the journey would be too much for him. After eating the bread and water from heaven, Elijah was strengthened enough for a 40 day, and night journey to the mountain of God.
There was much cause for weariness of soul for Elijah! He prayed for a two year drought that devastated his people. Then, upon his request, God brought rain, and Elijah, in the strength of the Spirit, outran a team of horses. Without so much as a good night’s sleep, he entered a showdown between him and God and a wicked king with hundreds of false prophets. To top it off, after this incredible show of power, the evil queen tells him he’s as good as dead.
So Elijah, weary and despairing, runs into the wilderness, begging to die. It is easy to think – “Dude! After that display of power, you want to die? What’s wrong with you?”
But I think we each experience similar things when our souls, like the Israelites and Elijah become weary because of the way.
In John 6, Jesus says He is the living bread that came down from heaven. In John 4:10, Jesus promises to give living water to those who come to Him.
When the soul is weary, often our first tendency is to turn away from the One who heals and nourishes the soul. Like Elijah, we require bread and water from heaven or the journey God sets before us will be too much. When tempted to turn away from the Mountain of God in defeat and depression, instead, rest and eat of the Living Bread and Water from Heaven to make the journey.
Come to me, you who are weary with heavy burdens… and you will find rest for your souls. (Matt 11:28)
What circumstances have you experienced that made you weary of soul? Have you been tempted to turn aside from God’s calling because your soul is not strong enough to endure? Perhaps its time to see the bread and wine of Communion in a different light. Not just the forgiveness of sins, but partaking of Jesus for the healing and strengthening of the soul to do what God invites of us.
By kherlapeters@gmail.com