I Kings 19:12
“After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice.”
I love this. God is teaching Elijah a lesson. First He gives massive demonstrations of nature’s power, great wind, earthquake and fire. But God was not in any of those. He ends with a gentle wind as a still, small voice. God was in that.
What’s interesting is that Elijah’s ministry has been one of power. A few days ago there was the challenge of “Who was God?” against the prophets of Baal. Elijah called down fire from heaven, then slaughtered dozens of prophets of Baal. That was quite dramatic. Is his ministry going to change to that which is more gentle? We’ll have to see. Maybe this was just a personal lesson to Elijah.
The three prior dramatic signs were frightful and kept Elijah in the cave. The gentle wind drew him out. That’s what God’s voice does. It brings peace and comfort. In my early days as a christian I felt much guilt. My experience in the church growing up did that. I learned that that wasn’t God. Here’s what Romans 8:34 says, “who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” It says Christ doesn’t condemn, but is interceding for us. That took some time to sink in. Years in fact.
The gentle wind is easy to miss. We’re more impressed with the dramatic. Here’s an interaction with Jesus and the pharisees in Matthew 12:38,39, ‘Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation craves a sign; and so no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet”. I’ve heard people curse God and say that He isn’t real for they weren’t struck down. God’s merciful and won’t be tempted.
God’s voice draws and comforts. Romans 8:15,16 says, ‘For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God’. When we are born again we receive the Holy Spirit. He lives in us. He adopted us. As children, He is our Father. His Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are children of God. Our spirits are in communion with one another.
Jesus says in John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me”. Jesus expounds His manner in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.” He is gentle and humble and His presence brings rest.
Jesus’ presence allows us to relax and unfold like a flower. His presence also brings peace. Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We may be in a time when we should be anxious, but we’re at peace. That’s His presence. Does this mean a christian will never be anxious? No. We are to go to Him in prayer and trust Him that He’s got us. His peace will come.
Satan is an enemy of God. He attempts to give Him bad press. His lies deceive many. John 4:24 says, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” God brings truth and we worship Him as such. He is humble, the devil demands the grandiose, God is truth, the devil is vague and confusing, God brings peace, the devil instills fear and so on. The devil assigns much evil to God. Pride and arrogance are of the devil. He leads many in those ways.
His presence brings healing. Like an antibiotic kills off bad bacteria, so His Word and loving presence tears down lies (2 Corinthians 10:4) and heals. Those that are greatly wounded are put in a coma to heal. So God’s presence heals us.
Lord, thank You for Your gentle voice. You disarm us and give us rest. You give clarity and truth. Your restful presence brings healing. Thank You