May 25, 2021 -- I Kings 19:13-14 -- We shall overcome someday deep in my heart I do believe

And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”

I Kings 19:13-14 English Standard Version

Usually at the end of the day I’ll check out the internet and see what the latest news is. Interestingly, there were several articles with provocative titles like: “COVID hastens the demise of the Church” or “Will there be a post-Covid Church”? Truly there is nothing new under the sun. Even the mighty prophet Elijah was afraid that the crisis of his day—living under the wicked King Ahab whose wife was persecuting the followers of God and promoting the worship of a hateful pagan god—meant he was the last faithful man standing.

Don’t believe a word of it. Then it was not true. Nor is it true today. In every age and through every crisis the LORD our God brings in His people and preserves for Himself a faithful remnant. The book of Acts records the scattering of Christians, displacing people around the known world, which contributed to the spread of Christianity. James wrote his letter to Christians in dispersion.

Jesus declared to His disciples, just hours before His arrest and mock trial and crucifixion: “Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:32-33

King Jesus, doomsayers and prognosticators of woe railing against Your victory have in every generation proclaimed “God is dead” or “The Church is no more”. Every single ill-breath of forecast has failed and Your people have always been protected through the persecutions, which inevitably have meant the scattered believers were like seeds sown in new regions. Blessed are You, Triune God, for You are from everlasting to everlasting. Spirit of God, give to us this very day, eyes of faith, such that we see Jesus has already overcome the world and based on this grant us the confident, peaceful, conviction we too overcome in HIs Name. He is our boast and our song. Amen.

https://youtu.be/wMYbd2ZhhjE