Part 2/2
1 Kings 19:11-12: And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks 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. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. (ESV)
We serve a God who is both vast and mighty, close and intimately personal.
We see this in the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-12, when the Lord meets Elijah on a mountain.
Let us never forget that our God is powerful. The wind that broke rocks, the earthquake, and the fire were all his doing. He is, after all, the same God who spoke the universe into being (Gen. 1), turned the Nile into blood (Exodus 7), and parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14). He created all and has sovereign authority over all (Psalm 24:1, 1 Chronicles 19:11).
But look at how God chose to communicate to Elijah.
After the raging of the elements, there was sudden quiet. A whisper. God.
God did not meet Elijah in all of his power and might. Perhaps it is because Elijah was weary and worn, feeling small and alone. (And yes, having a pity party.)
Instead, God met Elijah in a still, small voice. He gentled himself, contained his great power, and met Elijah in an intimately personal way.
Let us never forget that God is personal. After all, He is the same God who walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the garden (Gen. 3:8), met a cast-off slave and her son in the wilderness (Gen. 21), and wept when Lazarus died (John 11:35). He is the God who numbers the hairs of your head (Matt. 10) and calls you by name (John 10:3) .
God’s great power and God’s great love beautifully intertwine in the crucifixion and resurrection of HIs son, Jesus. His great love sent Jesus to die the death we all deserved. His great power raised Christ Jesus from the dead and provided us the hope of new life in him. All we must do is place our trust in Jesus.
So come. Let our small, simple souls find a few moments to just sit in the greatness of God. Our God who is vast and mighty, close and intimately personal.
Father, thank you for the beautiful gift of Jesus, the ultimate example of how your power and love work in perfect unity. Let our small, simple souls embrace the beautiful mystery of the limitless power and overwhelming love found together in you. All praise, and honor, and glory to you forever. —Amen
Until next time,
Shelby
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