Read: 1 Kings 19:1-8
An angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” (v. 5)
The popular 1990s television show Touched by an Angel told fictional stories of angels helping ordinary people through the tough times of life. Although sentimental, the show gave its audience a bigger imagination for what it looks like for angels to serve as God’s messengers on behalf of humanity. Today’s passage shows us quite literally what it means to be touched by an angel.
Several hundred years after entering the promised land, the Israelites remained disobedient—appointing kings like Ahab who led the people astray in worshiping other gods and marrying foreign women. The prophet Elijah spent his ministry opposing King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who vowed to kill Elijah for slaughtering her false prophets. Having fled for his life into the desert, Elijah prayed to die before collapsing under a bush to sleep. He awakened twice to the touch of an angel, who prepared a meal of fresh bread and water for him.
“Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you,” the angel told him (v. 7). God’s provision through the tender administrations of an angel gave Elijah the strength he needed to journey for forty days and nights to Mount Horeb, where he met with God and was given fresh vision and courage for ministry. Are there places in your life where the journey has been too great for you? If so, are you willing to turn aside and take the time needed for God to replenish and restore you?
As you pray, ask God to help you receive his provision.
Katelyn J. Dixon is a contemplative writer, speaker, and poet living in the Seattle area. In her free time, Katelyn enjoys cooking, photography, and exploring the enchanting Pacific Northwest with her husband, Drew, while partnering with him in life and ministry.
