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TITLE:  Juniper Tree
TEXT:  1 Kings 19:1-4
PROPOSITION:  Despondency is a serious problem.
QUESTION:  Why?
KEY WORD:  Facts
SCRIPTURE READING:  Same

 

INTRODUCTION:

  1. Elijah won a great victory at Mt. Carmel – defeated Baal
  2. Jezebel seeks to kill him
  3. He runs until exhausted
  4. Juniper tree has come to represent being despondent

 

Cause of Despondency

  1. Elijah had his “15 minutes of fame” at Mt. Carmel
  2. Now threatened, afraid, ready to give up
  3. Causes:
    1. Exhaustion – ran about 18 miles – left servant – ran some more
    2. Emotional drain – fugitive, live in fear, Saddam glad to be caught
    3. Loneliness – world against him, no support, no help
    4. Idleness – stop, give up, sit and think about his problems

 Nature and Result of Despondency

  1. God’s servant – becomes useless – to God or others
  2. The despondent have nothing to offer
    1. Family
    2. Friends
    3. Church
    4. God

 

God’s Care for the Despondent

  1. Patience
    1. God does not chide or scold
    2. God offers food, protection, and support
  2. Honest look – “What are you doing here?”
  3. God’s Presence – Fire, wind, earthquake, still small voice
  4. Human fellowship – We need support, not feel all alone
  5. Work to do – Arise and go

 


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