One of my favorite character's in the Bible is Elijah. Elijah was a powerful and influential prophet whom Jesus is compared to (Mark 6:15). In fact, when Jesus is transfigured, Elijah and Moses both show up (Mark 9:4). Even when Jesus is on the cross, the people witnessing his death proclaim that Jesus is calling for help to Elijah (Matthew 27:49). Obviously, the Jewish people held Elijah in high regard. Elijah was a miracle worker and foreshadowed the miraculous work Jesus would do later when he appeared on the earth.
Perhaps, the greatest event/miracle during Elijah's time came when God defeated the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). Elijah appeared to be fearless and completely dependent upon the Lord. One would think this great miracle would fortify Elijah's faith so that it could not be broken, but think again. When Jezebel (the King's wife) heard about Baal's defeat she made a simple proclamation, "May the gods punish me terribly if by this time tomorrow I don’t kill you (Elijah) just as you killed those prophets (1 Kings 19:2)." This simple statement shattered Elijah as he tucked his tail between his legs and took off for the wilderness. One little statement after a great miracle of God was too much noise for Elijah to hear. Elijah was willing to listen to the noise of Jezebel over the voice of God.
Elijah was so despondent that he shows many signs of being clinically depressed. All he wanted to do was sleep and refused to eat (1 Kings 19:5-8). He didn't do this once, but two times and had to have Lord's angel wake him and encourage him to eat for strength. Elijah was so depressed that he even despaired of life itself (1 Kings 19:4). Finally, Elijah has the strength to travel 40 days further to hide in a mountain cave.
It is in the cave, that the weakened Elijah is able to forget the noise and hear God's gentle whisper. Notice the noise of the world is still around Elijah, before he heard from God: "Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave (1 Kings 19:11-13 NLT)." It was only when Elijah could forget the noise that he was able to hear God's gentle whisper.
In the book of James we find an important point about Elijah. "Elijah was as human as we are (James 5:17a NLT)." It may be a tiny verse, but it has huge implications for us. We are human as well. Elijah was just like us. Even though Elijah was a great prophet of God, he experienced the exact same emotions and desires as we do. Elijah got tired, Elijah got hungry, Elijah felt alone, Elijah got depressed and Elijah would sometimes listen to the noise of the world. What a great comfort to know that we are all in the same boat together. We need each other and we need to forget the noise of the world and focus on the still small voice of God. Our world at times seems to be spinning out of control, but remember who's really in control. Our world sometimes makes a lot of noise, but remember to listen to God's gentle voice. If we don't forget the noise, we too become worried and depressed. Do you want to come out of the cave of despair? You need to forget the noise and listen to the Lord.
Comments
Post a Comment