Scene 1: Elijah is on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:16-39). The prophet has declared a test. He and the prophets of Baal will each erect an altar and call to their respective gods. The one who sets the altar on fire will be revealed as the one true God (1 Kings 18:24).
The prophets of Baal holler to their god all day, even slashing themselves with knives to get his attention. But the altar stands untouched (1 Kings 18:28-29). Then Elijah drenches his altar with water and calls on the Lord. Soon fire falls from heaven and burns the soaking altar to a cinder. The people fall prostrate in awe (1 Kings 18:38-39).
Scene 2: Elijah is on Mount Sinai, this time alone (1 Kings 19:1-13). He’s told to get ready for an appearance from God. A powerful wind rushes past, splintering rocks and shaking the mountain. Surely this is God! But it’s not (1 Kings 19:11). An earthquake comes next and then a fire (as on Mount Carmel), but God is in neither. Then, as things grow quiet, Elijah hears a gentle whisper. He covers his face in awe (1 Kings 19:12-13).
One man, one God, and two very different spiritual experiences. I think this story has a lot to say to us today. Some of us seek God through dramatic wonders. We like large gatherings with loud worship, and we call on God to work miracles every Sunday. If Sunday comes and a miracle doesn’t occur, some “wonders” people question why God didn’t “show up.”
Others of us like quietness and order. Our spirituality emphasizes the hearing of God’s gentle whisper. When a wonder comes, some “whispers” people get suspicious, or they dismiss the miraculous altogether.
But Elijah encountered God in both wonders and whispers. A balanced spirituality for us means being open to both.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 49:1-33
More:
Read Luke 5:16-26 to see Jesus seeking the Father’s whispers (Luke 5:16) and then enacting the Father’s wonders.
Next:
Are you more prone to seek God’s wonders or whispers? Why is it important to acknowledge both?
Wayne on January 30, 2014 at 4:03 am
The Lord speaks loud and in a quiet whisper but he speaks. Thank you Lord for loving us and telling us whats up ! Seek The Lord and he will not disappoint.
Thank you, Wayne
Gene on January 30, 2014 at 6:58 am
So many of God’s wonders are recorded in the Word, yet He is constantly working in us and through us. Jesus spoke to large crowds and said a lot to the smaller group of followers. He sought the Father in solitude and in the temple. I personally experience both and believe both experiences are vitally important in our Christian walk.
Sheridan Voysey on February 3, 2014 at 4:34 am
Yes, Jesus experienced both wonders (miracles) and whispers (getting up early to be with the Father in solitude)!
Tom Felten on January 30, 2014 at 8:52 am
Experienced the peace and presence of God as I spent time in His Word and in prayer this morning . . . saw a “loud” and beautiful winter sky as I was driving the kids to school. Praise God for His special and general revelation. He is there and He is not silent!
jowend on January 30, 2014 at 9:02 am
Too many times we put God in our own denominational Boxes, but God knows what is the best way to work in lives and will move Heaven and earth to get us there.
Sheridan Voysey on February 3, 2014 at 4:35 am
Nicely put, Jowend.
pfhusker on February 1, 2014 at 12:00 am
I feel some what guilty in that I have never had God speak to me a quiet whisper.. Its always through his word. I was mad about something today and I heard a verse of scripture very clearly today. When I say I heard I mean God spoke to me in several scripture verses. Brought them to mind. Amen.
Sheridan Voysey on February 3, 2014 at 4:37 am
‘I was mad about something today and I heard a verse of scripture very clearly.’ Isn’t hat God whispering to you, pfhusker? I truly believe the timely reminder of a verse that’s just right for us in the moment is His whisper, as much as any subjective sense of being addressed. Please never feel guilty for not having had a particular spiritual experience.