A gentle whisper
REV. MARK BARTSCH
“I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty.” (1 Kings 19: 10)
What does God look like to you? Perhaps you see him as a powerful judge. You will stand before him, and he will list all of the things you have done. You might ask, “Does God see what I have done wrong? Will he condemn me for my mistakes and my sins?”
Perhaps you see God as an understanding, merciful father. He will not hold your sins against you. Are you therefore willing to live every day of your life for God? Are you willing to share his love with the world around you? How great is your zeal for the Lord?
The prophet Elijah was in a bad spot. He thought that he was all alone. He said to God, “I am the only one [prophet] left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” He seems to be afraid of God, and it appears that he is ready to give up.
Jezebel, the wife of the wicked King Ahab, vowed to kill Elijah. Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. He went a day’s journey into the wilderness and then prayed that he might die. Twice, an angel of the Lord came to strengthen him. He traveled for 40 days and nights, at which point we find him in a cave at Horeb, the mountain of God. This is where the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
The Lord then showed Elijah his power and his love. First, a great wind tore the mountains apart, but the Lord was not in the wind. Then came an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. Then came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. Then came a gentle whisper. Elijah knew the Lord was in the whisper.
Elijah had lost his zeal, but the Lord restored it. The Lord assured him that there were yet 7,000 people who trusted in the Lord.
Day after day, you might lose your desire for the Lord. Things will be tough. You might feel all alone and apart from God. But listen to that gentle whisper of the Lord, and know his mercy. You will be restored. You will again have great strength and zeal to serve the Lord.
Prayer: Dear Lord God, when I feel weak and all alone, restore to me the joy of your salvation. Help me to hear your voice and to feel your touch in your gentle whisper. Help me to speak your name with joy and great zeal. In your name I pray. Amen.
Devotion used by permission of The Lutheran Home Association
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