What makes me think that “Juniper Lane” in Pukenui north of Kaitaia is probably a street where you find holiday homes, where people go to find rest from their hard work?

Because I remember a holiday place in Huahin (seaside) in Thailand called “The Juniper Tree,” where missionaries go for a break to do just that, to find some rest, to relax.

In First Kings chapter 19 we read that Elijah flees to Horeb and in verse four it says,

“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat under a Juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, it is enough: now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am not better than my fathers,” (KJV) (broom tree – NIV)

What is the meaning of Elijah’s words?

He is weary of life. He is despondent. It is easy for missionaries to become dejected.

They expected success, but there was no success. They worked hard and faithfully and the result was hate and unthankfulness.

“Juniper Lane”

1. Read the story of JEREMIAH. He said: “Cursed be the day I was born!” (Jeremiah 20:14)

2. Read the story of ISAIAH. He said, “But I said, ‘I have laboured to no purpose; ..” (Isaiah 49:4)

3. Read the story of Moses. He said, “I cannot carry all these people by myself; …” (Numbers 11:14)

Where is real help?

Do we get help from the medical profession? Do we get help from medical tonics?

Do we get help from a good rest at the seaside? (Huahin in Thailand)

We don’t despise all those things, but our real help comes from the Lord. Let us read Psalm 145:14:

“The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all those who are bowed down.”