The Juniper Tree I Kings 19:4-5 I. Introduction. A. The Juniper tree is mentioned three times in KJ version: Job 30:4; I Kings 19:4-5. 1. A tree with bushy branches--offering some protection from Sun and wind. 2. A desert plant(a welcome sight for a traveler). 3. Called "broom tree" by Arabs because of bushy nature(ASV translates it as such). B. In Florida, as well as Arizona, shade is a valuable commodity. 1. Especially in the arid state(Arizona). 2. Yet--the Florida sun can be intense(when humidity is high). 3. Sometimes--anyone at any place needs some shade. C. There are more lessons from the Juniper tree than a place for shade. II. Body. Read I Kings 19:4-5. A. Elijah came upon the tree and it offered him rest. 1. Have you ever been exhausted, weary or plain "give out?" 2. How welcome is a place of rest when needed. 3. A disciple can be physically exhausted(part of the prophet's problem). 4. A disciple can be depressed and full of weariness. 5. One can be emotionally "worn out." 6. Elijah felt it was time for him to die! 7. "Depression mingled with fear" can do strange things to a person. B. Why was Elijah in the desert? 1. Fleeing from Jezebel's threat: I Kings 19:2. 2. Elijah had contended for Jehovah and slain the false prophets: now he was a hunted man. 3. When one stands for right, there is a price to pay. a. Opposition. b. Ridicule. c. Physical and material consequences. d. Isolation(from neighbors, friends, family, etc.). e. Sometimes: One's life. 4. Elijah had proven the truth of God by the calling of fire from heaven, but his enemies did not accept or believe the facts! 5. Now--Elijah is alone, exhausted, and weary--asking the Lord to let him die. 6. Yet--God had not abandoned the prophet. 7. "Put yourself in Elijah's place." C. Elijah has a Juniper tree. 1. A place to rest, a place to sleep. 2. A place "to think, to meditate and to be alone with God." 3. The prophet had been among the boisterous prophets of Baal(from dawn till noon: shouting and cutting themselves). 4. "There is a place of quiet rest..."(song). 5. Under the Juniper tree, God would reveal His plans for Elijah. 6. God would also supply his needs: I Kings 19:5-8. 7. God was not finished with Elijah and He would not let him die at this point. a. Later, Elijah would be "taken up." b. Did he die? D. Have you ever needed a Juniper tree? 1. Been where thought all was lost and hopeless? 2. Felt no place to turn or nobody cared? 3. As Elijah, have you sought a place of rest and peace? 4. Perhaps you have tried the approaches of men--found unsatisfactory. 5. In a desert of sin, of worldliness and of hopelessness, there is a God who cares--there is a place of refuge. E. God made the Juniper tree for Elijah. 1. He met the needs of the prophet under that shade. 2. Jehovah does not manifest himself under the dispensation of Christ as He did in days of the prophets. 3. Our needs are provided through Jesus Christ. a. He is our Savior: Philippians 3:20. b. He is our hope: Galatians 5:5. c. He is our strength: I Corinthians 16:13. d. He provides all spiritual necessities: II Peter 1:3. III. Conclusion. A. Folks often find what they believe to be a Juniper tree, but it turns out to be only a scrub in the desert. B. Elijah had God's help, so can we: Jesus is our protector and Savior: trust in Him. -James L. Yopp