Verse of the Day 5/8

Through the Bible - 1 Kings 19-20, John 3:1-21

The Old Testament reading is currently following Elijah and will soon transition to Elisha.  The names of these two Old Testament prophets are worth some consideration.  Elijah is a combination of the divine names El and Yahweh, meaning "Jehovah is God".  Elisha is also built upon the name El and means "God is salvation". Today's New Testament reading is in John 3 about Jesus being sent from God the Father to bring, to offer salvation to the world.

 

In yesterday's devotional we looked at Elijah facing the prophets of Baal.  In today's reading we find Elijah running away from Jezebel after such an amaziing victory.  There can be times when we face spiritual battles that leave us like a smoldering wick even after a recent victory.  There can be storms in life that unsettle us.  There can be tragedies that shake us and rock our world.  In all of these we may be crying out to God in the midst of them.  Sometimes, we look to these events as signs in and of themselves.  In today's verses we learn an important lesson from what God is teaching Elijah.

 

1 Kings 19:11 Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces 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 a still small voice.   NKJV

Sometimes having gone through "big events" we expect big signs from God to give us direction.  Looking back in life, more often, it is His gentle whisper that call us in the wake of the storm to come to Him, to follow Him, to draw near to Him.

 

John MacArthur writes, "The Lord's self revelation to Elijah came in a faint, whispering voice.  The lesson for Elijah was that the Almighty God was quietly, sometimes imperceptively, doing His work in Israel."   Isn't it the same in our lives?

 

Have you done the same with your children?  Do you remember putting your arm around them when they were discouraged, and whispering to them, "it's all right, things will be OK"?

 

When we face important trials in life, seeking direction from God is the right thing to do.  What happens though when things seem to get worse?  First, remember that these trials are not the end of the story, God is still at work.  Second, continue to "seek His face", pray with other believers, turn to Him and turn from any sin that may have led you astray.  Third, hold on to, cling to what we know of God.  He is faithful, merciful, and full of compassion, He will not fail us.

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
More tools available at: http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV
1 Kings 19:9-20:1

 

The LORD Speaks to Elijah

 

But the Lord said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

 

10 Elijah replied, "I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too."

 

11 "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. 12 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. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

 

And a voice said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

 

14 He replied again, "I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too."

 

15 Then the Lord told him, "Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. 16 Then anoint Jehu son of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet. 17 Anyone who escapes from Hazael will be killed by Jehu, and those who escape Jehu will be killed by Elisha! 18 Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!"

 

The Call of Elisha

 

19 So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. 20 Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, "First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!"

 

Elijah replied, "Go on back, but think about what I have done to you."

 

21 So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.

NLT