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Does the Christian ever wish for death? Did you know that one of the Old Testament prophets once wished for death? In 1 Kings chapter 19 verse 4 we read of the prophets Elijah.

But he himself went to day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough! Now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” (1 Kings 19:4)

Elijah was beaten down. He was persecuted. He felt that he was all alone. He felt that his life was a failure. He wanted to die.

The fall into sin has many consequences. The oppression of such thoughts, even suicidal thoughts, is one of those consequences. So yes Christians can and do suffer from such things. This might be due to circumstances or biological or psychological reasons.

The Lord comforted Elijah with the assurance of his presence and care and he also reminded him that there were yet many fellow believers in Israel. Elijah had worth as a child of God and the Lord had a plan for his life.

The same is certainly true for you.

Christ Jesus has dealt with the problem of the fall into sin FOR YOU. He has lived and died to give YOU eternal life. In the forgiveness of your sins. In your baptism the Lord claimed you as his own dear child. In the word and in the supper Christ comes to you personally. At God’s house you also gather with fellow believers.

The Lord is with you and he does have a plan for your life. If you are wrestling with thoughts of wanting to die or even suicidal thoughts please talk to your pastor right away. Our pastors are trained in biblical counseling and they can also help you navigate finding psychological and medical treatment. The Lord cared for Elijah, the Lord cares for you. Amen.

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The Book of Romans is a book of tremendous gospel comfort. We read that eternal life is the free gift of God. (Romans 6:23) We read that the gospel is the power for our salvation. (Romans 1:16) We read that we live by faith. (Romans 1:17) We read that baptism connects us to Christ Jesus and his saving work for us. (Romans 6:3-5)

Romans is full of comfort. Near the end of this letter, in the midst of St. Paul’s final instructions, we come to chapter sixteen verse seventeen where we read:

But I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the teaching that you have learned, and keep away from them. (Romans 16:17)

Why would Scripture gives such a command? Because false teaching hurts people. False teaching harms faith. The truth of God’s Word feeds our faith but false teaching does the opposite. So a teacher who teaches some of the truth of God’s Word but also some falsehood is like a baker who has added some poison to his ingredients. That poison is harmful to one degree or another and it has the potential to kill.

The same is true of false teaching and our faith. This is why scripture commands us to not fellowship, to not join, in the means of grace in the acts of worship with those who teach anything contrary to God’s Word. It is to protect our faith.

So whom should we fellowship with? Whom should we receive the sacraments from and pray with and worship with and receive the truth of God’s Word from? Those who teach the full truth of Scripture. Then our faith will be protected and the faith of others will be protected as well. Seek out those who teach the full truth of Scripture and receive the saving truth from them. Receive the pure saving Gospel. Amen.