This passage is part of the story of Elijah, and what I love about it is the way God’s speaks to Elijah. And twice in this passage God asks the same question, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
Perhaps there is an inference here that Elijah was there for his own reasons and not because God had sent him. But the way God spoke to Elijah is the most telling. Not in the wind, or the earthquake, or the fire. But in a whisper.
That small voice that can so easily be missed if we are not listening for it. If you were here last week you will know that we looked at prayer. How we talk to God, but also how we listen as well.
A proposition that prayer is a two-way street – a dialogue. I would suggest that prayer and listening are two sides of the same coin. Interesting that we have one mouth to pray, but two ears to listen.
Here in Egham, we might not have wind, earthquakes and fire. But we certainly live in a time of many distractions, and sometimes it’s really hard to listen to that whisper, that small voice. If we don’t make time and space for that whisper from God, then we could really miss out on what He is saying to us. And I wonder if, like Elijah, he might be saying to us, “What are you doing here?”
Personally, the more I think about that question, the more challenging it becomes. Just a recap from last week on how God can whisper into our lives. Through God’s word the bible. Words written thousands of years ago can still speak powerfully into our lives today. Through His creation, especially at this time of year. When we see the beauty of new growth – nature waking up after a long winter. A time of anticipation and hope. Through the wise counsel of a trusted Christian brother or sister. We are so blessed to be part of God’s family here, to be able to share our joys and sorrows with each other.
Finally, God can speak through His Holy Spirit right into our hearts. One of the many spiritual gifts that God can give us. These are all ways that God can speak into our lives, but if we are not able to listen, then we can miss out on what God is saying to us.
Final thoughts
When we listen to each other, we don’t just use our ears. We use some of our other senses too, especially our eyes. Non verbal communication can say so much more than just words. Facial expressions, gestures, proximity can all play a part.
Today there seems to be a drift towards texting and emails. But these can be very one dimensional, and this may have happened you; I have received emails where the tone of the email has been misunderstood. And this can lead to problems. This why I prefer speaking face to face. I’ve come to the conclusion that I can get away with saying almost anything so long as the person or persons hearing me see the smile on my face and the good will behind it.
As we journey through Lent and move towards the cross where Jesus gave his life and took the penalty for all humanity. So that we might be reconciled to God, to know that we can be forgiven, to be part of his family, and have a future in heaven when our life on earth is done. In these weeks leading up to the cross and resurrection, it is good to make time to be closer to God and with each other. To listen to that whisper, that small voice that change our lives.
Amen.