- Morning Devotional
- August 8,
2005
"Just a Whisper"
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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 alone am left, and now they are trying to kill me, too." "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 19:10-13 ).
Today’s reading is from one of my favorite Old Testament passages. It takes place after Elijah has called down fire from heaven and defeated all the prophets of Baal. Because of a threat from Jezebel, he had fled for his life, to Mount Sinai, and had cried to the Lord for help. A God who could save him from such a powerful despot, he would associate with fearsome phenomena such as fire or earthquake. But it was in the calm after the storms that God spoke to Elijah in a whisper. There is an illustration even closer to home from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. After the maestro has been building up to the Ode to Joy chorus, one is waiting for the powerful culmination. But the maestro brings it in as a whisper. This always seems like my moment.
I find a similar mistake often in our worship. For most people, they have not really been to “worship” unless they have been impressed. The minister should speak with a strong articulate voice. They should command our attention and inspire and lead us. Prayers should be carefully designed, and sermons insightful. The pipe organ should be a strong presence to the service with a very large choir to accompany and lead. Or we might have a line of microphones and guitars. We would like our service to be powerful. All of this can be worship, but the quiet moments can be powerful as well. The communion service is a great example of this.
The scripture is read and the elements are served. "This is my body broken for you." In the silence of the church, as we all partake, each person in their own way, expectant and attentive to their communion with the Lord, I find a powerful presence. It is at this time I believe the Lord whispers to us. I believe that in our daily life, the Holy Spirit whispers to us also. It is always quiet and unobtrusive, personal and private. It can be so low profile that we might not be even aware of it. Our spiritual enrichment may be imperceptible, like the movement of the hour hand on a clock, or the daily growth of a young child, but in this we obtain our spiritual rebirth and maturity as with the infallible passage of time. What are you looking for in your walk with Christ? Are you waiting for the earthquake or the lightning? If so, you may miss the whisper. Listen carefully, you won’t be disappointed!
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