God Still Speaks (Part 1)

Fear gripped Elijah’s heart as he made his way toward the mouth of the
cave. Forty days of traveling to the mountain of God. Forty days ago, he had prayed to God that he might die. Forty days ago, Elijah had fled to the wilderness because King Ahab and Queen Jezebel were hunting him down to end his life, just as they had done with the other prophets of God.

Elijah was fleeing because of the events on Mount Carmel. On that mountain, Elijah and all the people had seen God’s power over Baal, the favored false god of the time. Only the One True God could prevail in sending fire from heaven and burning up the sacrifice—not to mention the stones, the dirt, and even the water that had drenched everything (1 Kings 18:17-46).

But, after that victorious but intense confrontation with the prophets of Baal, Elijah fell into despair, fleeing from King Ahab’s certain wrath and begging for death. But even then, God was with Elijah, sending an angel to strengthen and refresh him.

Now, Elijah rested in a cave on Mount Horeb, known as the mountain of God.

“What are you doing here, Elijah?†the Lord asked (1 Kings 19:9).

Elijah proceeded to pour out his heart as he curled up on the floor of the cave.

God responded simply. “Go stand on the mountain in my presence…I am about to pass by.â€

Suddenly, a mighty wind began to tear the mountain apart! But God was not in the wind. Then, an earthquake came. Then, fire—fierce and sudden. But God was not in these two either.

Abrupt and intense as the fire had come, silence fell over the mountain. There was only a gentle whisper—light and musical as a bubbling brook. Elijah knew this was the Lord. His God had chosen a whisper to speak to His servant. • Savannah Coleman

• Instead of reprimanding Elijah, God met him right where he was in his fear, giving him rest. Jesus—who is fully human and fully God—meets His people in the same way. While we were still sinners, He died and rose again so that those who put their trust in Him could rest in His finished work, knowing they are secure in Him because He has forgiven their sins (Matthew 11:28; John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:8-9). Read Hebrews 4:14-16 and 1 Peter 5:7. In Christ, is there anything you can’t bring before God?

“Though the mountains move and the hills shake, my love will not be removed from you and my covenant of peace will not be shaken,†says your compassionate Lord. Isaiah 54:10 (CSB)

Read Verses:

1 Kings 19:1-18