|
A Still, Small Voice Have you read about the prophet Elijah? If not, quickly take a look in your bible in 1 KINGS chapter 19. Start right at verse 1 and read through to the end of verse 21 – it won't take you very long. The chapter begins with the Queen swearing to murder Elijah within 24 hours for killing her prophets. Elijah immediately runs for his life and eventually when he stops, he asks God to take his life. He has given up, convinced he will die anyway. He sleeps for a while and is awakened by an angel with food and water for him. After eating he sleeps again then eats again and has the strength to travel 40 days to Horeb, the Mountain of God. Elijah sets himself up in a cave and God asks why he's there. Elijah tells Him how he's been trying so hard, but the people won't listen, they've rejected God's instructions and killed His prophets. Now only Elijah is left and they're out to get him, too. God's reply is for Elijah to stand before Him on the mountain. God passes by and a tornado hurls rocks about. An earthquake follows, and after that a fire. We are told that God was not in each of these events. But the thing that gets Elijah's attention is a whisper – Elijah covers himself and goes out to face God. After being asked again why he is there, Elijah gives the same reply as before. This time God gives him instruction to appoint a new king as wall as a new prophet who will take care of any killing that needs to be done. He also informs Elijah of 7,000 Israelites who are faithful still, who have not abandoned God and His teachings. Elijah then leaves and finds Elisha who will stay with him and be his helper. Interesting story? Yes. Is there anything to be gained by thinking about it a little more? Definitely. Here is an illustration of God's interest in our lives, His compassion, His mercy, and His abiding faithfulness. How so? Well, let's start with the utter terror that must have possessed Elijah with the opening death threat. The other prophets weren't spared, so where did that leave him? Why think it would go any differently for him? By the time the adrenaline runs out, Elijah seems to be depressed. (I think I might be, too!) He'd rather just die. But God doesn't give in to his request nor does He punish Elijah for his state of mind. God instead provides Elijah with food to sustain his body and company to comfort and encourage. He is able to safely rest due to the provision of God and then continue his journey. Elijah must still walk on for over a month, but comes to no harm. In a cave on Mount Horeb, Elijah is beckoned by God. He has not been abandoned; in fact God seeks him out. God wants to know what Elijah thinking and feeling. Elijah laments his situation – his fierce support of the Almighty that has been rewarded by a death sentence. He reveals his sense of despair, that he is the only one doing what is right. God doesn't respond with anger or exasperation. He calls Elijah to Him instead. He displays His power that exceeds anything man can do. Elijah is safe in the midst of what to man are disasters, events of terror. And then the Great Creator, Maker of the Heavens and the Earth, whispers to Elijah, mere mortal. A still, small voice – tender, gentle, intimate. What immense power contained to a volume that will not agitate but instead soothe a man in need! Elijah has not been forgotten by God, oh no, he has been the object of God's concern personally. After this amazing display, Elijah is still of the same mind – or at least the words he speaks remain the same. God is still patient with him, not harsh. He gives Elijah clear instructions to follow so he will not waste any more time in turmoil and confusion. He reassures Elijah that he is not alone in his walk of faith – there are plenty of other believers who face the same kind of struggles each day. He provides Elijah with personal support in the person Elisha who will learn from Elijah and carry his mission into the future. So what does this mean to me? Well, the same God that cares for Elijah cares for me – and you, too. Thankfully, at this point in my life, I am enjoying peace and safety. But I am reminded of other times past when I have known the feeling of despair due to death and other trials in my life. I am not foolish enough to think that I will never have to face crisis again. Life is filled with ups and downs, good and bad – for believers and non-believers alike. This bible story reminds me to keep the faith: in thought and in action not matter what. It reassures me that God will be faithful to me, even when I have given up hope, when I feel like I am alone, when I can't find the strength to go on. Each of us will face trials, perhaps some so great we will not have the will to carry on. There are times we may feel abandoned and forgotten. We may feel that the obstacles ahead of us are too massive to overcome. Maybe we will seem insignificant in the face of the events going on around us. But we need the assurance that God will never leave us or forsake us. In JOHN 14:16 -18 Jesus Christ gives us a promise to hold on to, that we shall not be left comfortless. In the midst of our greatest struggles, I pray that His still, small voice will find each one of our hearts to help us bear whatever we must; and that, like Elijah, we will know the love of God in our darkest hours. |
Send mail to
johncoish@rogers.com
with questions or comments about this web site.
|