". . . and after the fire a sound of sheer silence."

Monday, August 4, 2014

Scripture

. . . and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. (1 Kings 19:12b)

Reflection

Elijah had run as fast as he could to Mount Horeb to force an audience with God. Evidently he needed assurance that God’s call and claim on his life was still valid. Never mind that he had just called fire from heaven to put to shame 400 prophets of Baal and to subsequently slay them. Queen Jezebel was furious for this humiliation the and annihilation of her pet prophets and threatened Elijah’s life. Despite the divine fireworks, Elijah was shaking in his boots from the threat from this treacherous woman.

On the mountain, God refused to deliver as Elijah had hoped. While there was indeed a great wind, an earthquake and fire, God was in none of them. It seems even such a great man of God as Elijah could not force God’s hand! All Elijah got out of all of this was the sound of “sheer silence.”

Sometimes it seems like we’re in Elijah’s shoes. The good news, for Elijah and for us, is that God reiterated Elijah’s role as prophet and gave him his marching orders.

  

Prayer

Gracious God, Forgive our attempts to persuade you to “show yourself” as we would dictate. Tune our ears to hear you speak, even in silence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.