From the Edges – Morning Devotions
Pastor Calvin – June 19, 2024
What Just Happened ?
The Lord Speaks to Elijah
9 There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 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. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”

This morning after some discussions the last few days in regard to the presence of the Holy Spirit and the omnipresence of God, I have been confronted by a few thoughts that I want to share after this scripture from 1 Kings 19 was laid upon my heart.

This scripture is significant in our life as significant as it was to Elijah. Elijah had just experienced some great victories. These were spiritual victories, the defeat of the prophets of Baal and answered prayer for rain. (read the beginning verses of 1 Kings 19). In the midst of these victories Elijah becomes tired and weary and the battles yet to fight are not over. Maybe we feel that way from time to time. We fight these battles only to realize that there will be more battles just up ahead. One thing we fail many times to realize, is because of God’s promise to be with us always that we must continually know the presence of God and not get caught with out faith in trust in the one who truly provides.

Elijah tired and weary returns to a sacred place, Mount Horeb. It was a long and arduous journey, but the whole way God continued to provide. A reminder to us that we constantly must return to the things that are important, with the most important being our one-on-one relationship with God. In this sacred place Elijah is called to go out and stand on the mountain where the Lord promises he will pass by. We are promised each and every day of the Lord’s presence. Do we notice that presence?

In this place that Elijah is called to three experiences, wind that tore apart the mountain, an earthquake, and a fire. Can we say holy moley this is how Elijah was to experience God’s presence? How about that nice, calm, reassuring voice of reason and hope. That is what comes next. The scripture says, “that after the fire came a gentle whisper.” Realizing God’s presence, he was humbled even soothed and stands before God waiting for the what’s next?
My dear friends, God is present always! We just have to realize it. Sometimes it might be in power and authority and sometimes it might be in a soothing and comforting voice. But be assured God is present, and there is so much more in store for us.

All of this is for us to realize that it is not for our own benefit. This is God showing up reminding us to return to what is important and is our purpose to experience God, working and moving. Elijah was called to something else, his work was not done. Elijah was also called to raise up new workers for the Kingdom of God, to mentor and guide people in the way of the Lord.

Here is the final message; You are not alone! You are not defeated! You are not un-important in God’s eyes. Here you are standing on the mountain of life and God is already there, step into the Holy place and experience God. May you be ministered to today by the presence of the Holy Spirit.