I Kings 19
Dear RTB’ers,
Elijah, continued. Fearful of Jezebel’s death threat, Elijah flees Israel and passes through Judah to Beersheba, the southernmost city in the Promised Land, where an angel ministers to him. From there he goes on to “Horeb, the mount of God” (v. 8b), which could be an alternate name for Mt. Sinai, the mountain where God delivered the Ten Commandments. There God, Himself speaks: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (v. 9b) Presumably unsatisfied with Elijah’s response, God then sends a mighty wind, an earthquake, and fire to get Elijah’s attention. However, it’s the sound of a low whisper (v. 12b) that brings Elijah out of his cave wherein God asks him again, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (v. 13b)
A couple of reflections… First, What are you doing here, Fred?
I’ve never heard God specifically ask me that question, but I’ve often asked it of myself, “What am I doing here?” Even now, as Carol and I have moved to Lexington, what are we doing here? Last fall at this time we were preparing to teach in Slovakia. What were we doing there? Every morning I prepare a post for RTB. What am I doing? What am I doing? And you, readers, what are you doing here?
Second, the sound of a low whisper is a still small voice in the KJV translation, words that are commonly cited worldwide, suggesting how God speaks to us. I guess it’s because we need to listen more carefully to understand a whispered voice. It’s a good reminder that we need to quiet our own lives in order to hear Him. Shhhh…!
Blessings.
See also: May 24 (2023) / I Kings 16:21-19:21.