Today’s author is Prince of Peace member Jim Armstrong
1 Kings 19:1-18 God says, Where are you, Elijah? Why are you here? “I am afraid.”
After the momentous event of the Mt Carmel sacrifice and the killing of 400 prophets of Baal, Jezebel threatens to kill Elijah. She is the King’s wife, so she has the power to do it. Elijah says, “I am afraid. I have followed you faithfully. I have done all that you wanted me to do and now I am afraid. I have had enough. I feel defeated by life and I want to die, for somehow death is far better.”
Elijah, don’t you remember that I gave you power and authority to demonstrate to the people of Israel that I am God? Did not the powerful sacrifice display and the death of Baal’s prophets remind you of my power and that my presence is with you? Why are you afraid, why are you in the wilderness? Why are you hiding in a cave? Why are you trying to block out the world?
Elijah, come out and stand on the mountain, and I will meet you.
Then a great and powerful wind came and tore the mountain and shattered the rocks, showing God’s great power. But this was not how he spoke to Elijah. Then there was an earthquake—God’s power again, but this was not how God spoke to Elijah. Then there was a great fire, but God still did not speak. And then there is a still, quiet whisper, and God speaks. And Elijah hears him. What are you doing here, says God. Why are you hiding out? Come, you have work to do and you are not alone. There are 7,000 more doing my work among the people. Go and serve as I will direct you; and Elijah goes.
People of God, why are you here today? Are you hiding or looking for God? As we look around us today, we see the marvels of God’s activity. The beauty of the earth, the abundance of medical aid, scientific technology, the abilities and capabilities seen in people’s activity today. And yet in the midst of all life’s advances, we see the tragedies of life, medical pains, crime and often assaults upon the world around us, and we are afraid.
In the midst of all of God’s power and presence, Satan is always at work in the world around us. It looks at times that the power and work of God is going nowhere. Elijah was afraid of life and so are we.
But God still speaks, quietly at times, to remind us that we are not alone, the world is filled with those who are faithful to him. And he is right there in the middle with us.
Why are you trying to hide from God and the world, Elijah. There is work to be done. Go, and I will lead and guide you. Elijah, in obedience, goes.
People of Prince of Peace, look around you to see that God is at work in the world around us in abundant ways. God still speaks in a quiet voice at times, through word and sacrament, worship and fellowship, and the companionship of the faithful around us. We are reminded what Jacob said after encountering God in a dream at Bethel (Genesis 28:16), “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”
The work of God is still to be done in a variety of ways. We are called and guided in the process to be a part of it.
Pray: O Lord, we thank you once again that you look upon us in love. You always want to be part of our lives. Like Elijah, help us to be faithful in our service to you. Amen.