Sermon

God Encourages Elijah: Divine Comfort in Despair

1 Kings 19:13–21

December 6, 2008 | Joel R. Beeke

Joel R. Beeke focuses on the prophet Elijah’s experience in 1 Kings 19:13–21, where God encourages him during a time of despair. Elijah feels alone and disheartened after his confrontation with the prophets of Baal, but God reassures him, providing spiritual renewal and guidance. The sermon emphasizes God’s care for His servants, showing that even in moments of deep discouragement, God offers comfort, purpose, and a renewed sense of mission.

Joel R. Beeke serves as president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, and pastor of the Heritage Reformed Congregation of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the author or co-author of more than 100 books, editor of another 100 volumes, and has just finished writing the final volume, with Paul Smalley, of Reformed Systematic Theology (4 vols.; Crossway).