July 3, 2024
Still Small Voice -- Part 3
1 Kings 19:11-12
07/03/2024
11 And he said, ``Go out and stand on the mount
before the LORD.'' And behold, the LORD passed by,
and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and
broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the
LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an
earthquake, but the LORD was not in the
earthquake.
12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was
not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of
a low whisper. (ESV)
The prophet Elijah, who was fleeing from Queen Jezebel,
heard the voice of God.
And he said, ``Go out and stand on the mount before the
LORD.'' And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and
strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the
rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the
wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD
was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a
fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the
fire the sound of a low whisper.
Where do we find God? Do we need to go on a pilgrimage into
the mountains, to a secluded cave, to find Him? Do we need to
lock ourselves into a barren room to contemplate His goodness, to
discover Him in our deepest thoughts? Do we need to perform
mighty deeds of strength and valor to attract His attention so
that He will listen to us?
We do not find God, He seeks us out. He comes to us in His
holy Word, the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, which were
written for our redemption. He comes to us as an infant born in
a stable, crucified as a criminal, yet resurrected and alive
forever. He comes to us in the water of Baptism, in the bread
and wine of the Lord's Supper where He gives us His body and
blood. He comes to us in the words of absolution, ``Depart in
peace, your sins are forgiven for the sake of Christ Jesus.''
May our Lord find us, and may we respond in faith to His
great mercy and love. Amen.