As we saw in the story of the burning bush, God doesn’t come as we expect, when we anticipate, or how we imagine. Today’s text of the encounter of Elijah with God continues that theme of paradox. Elijah in his zeal has reached a point of burnt out, feeling spent and useless. It’s in that emptiness that he encounters God in the emptiness of a cave , and in the absence of all that seems magnificent enough to be a vehicule for God’s presence.
As I read the text I’m struck by the way in which God asks Elijah the same question, before and after this theophany and experience of his greatness in verses 9 and 13. God doesn’t come as a pony show, to impress or overwhelm Elijah, but rather to give him perspective, to open his eyes and ears (ironically through silence and a void). God doesn’t tell him to pick himself up by the bootstraps, writing him off with an easy “things will all work out” statement. Rather God takes Elijah’s pain and hurt seriously, choosing now to be one of the few of any times in which God reveals Gods-self. It’s in that paradox that one who couldn’t see what he was doing, or why he was doing it, gains clarity, courage and centered calm.
How do you need to experience the calming paradox of God’s centering presence in this season?
Prayer for the Day
God in your greatness open my eyes
to your still, small voice, in the carpool, the errands, the things to do list, daily tasks, and quiet.
Show me Lord how and who I am as I experience and better know my place in your story.
Amen