“Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” (1Ki 19:18 AV)

Elijah is a classic study of spiritual depression.  He had just waged a mighty war with the prophets of Baal.  He called down fire from heaven to devour a sacrifice when the prophets of Baal couldn’t even light a match!  He had been on the run from Ahab and Jezebel for three years and was getting really tired.  This great prophet made a statement a few verses earlier that he alone was left of the faithful prophets of God.  However, Obediah, a servant of Ahab, had just informed him there were 100 prophets of the LORD safely in hiding from the wicked had of Jezebel.  After the great victory of divine fire, Elijah found himself spiritually drained.  He had nothing left.

The LORD came and visited him by the still small voice.  He told him to anoint a new king in Syria, a new king in Israel, and anoint Elisha as the next prophet to take his place.  Then, the LORD made the statement we find above.  There are 7,000 who are still faithful in the northern kingdom of Israel.  These 7,000 would not be joining Elijah.  These 7,000 would have no contact with Elisha.  They would not come along side him to encourage him.  That was not the intent of this statement nor was it the need of the prophet.  All he needed was to know that his ministry meant something.  All he needed to know was that he was not alone.  He was willing to fight for the LORD for another 14 years with Elisha by his side.  Yet, at the moment of spiritual depression, what he needed the most was to know there were others who would not compromise as he had made the same choice!

Sometimes, all the faithful servant needs to know is that he is not alone.  He doesn’t necessarily need help.  He just needs to know there are others who will take the same stand and fight the fight of faith without selling in to the world.  He doesn’t need their offerings or necessarily their companionship.  He needs their testimony!  Faithfulness, in and of itself, is the greatest ministry one can offer to another!  Knowing there is another battalion on the next hill encourages the team in the fray to continue on!