I sure all of us have experienced a bad day. You get a text for an important doctor’s appointment and because of the wonders of technology you cancel when you really wanted to affirm the appointment. This happened to me a couple of months ago and happened to my wife, Anna, this week. We were able to reafirm the appointment happily.
A good night’s sleep usually takes care of most of my bad days. Elijah was having a succession of bad days. I have been most zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. But the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to the sword. I alone am left, and they seek to take my life. This was a nightmare for Elijah. He had nowhere to turn but the Lord and Elijah sought Him in a tiny whispering sound. This is where we also need to seek the Lord. Honestly, there is too much noise in the world and not enough quiet. It is hard to find that. One of my granddaughter’s, Rachel, who has two young children and pregnant with our fifth great grandchild knows no quiet. Still all of us have to make time for that quiet if we are to hear the Lord speak to us.
Elijah is important in the Jewish tradition. An empty chair is set for him at the Passover meal. The people of Israel expected to see Elijah again. Many thought that Jesus was Elijah returning. Remember Elijah was not supposed to have died. He was taken to heaven in a whirlwind and a chariot of fire ( 2Kings 1:1-13 ). Well surprise, surprise this was what actually happened. Elijah and Moses showed up at the Transfiguration ( Luke 9:30 ). Only Peter, James and John were witnesses but these events adds to proof that Jesus is the Messiah. The prophets of old are relevant and affirming the Kingship of Jesus from the Old Testament to the New Testament.
Now let us move on to the elephant in the room, the Gospel. Tammy Wynette had the country and western song, “Divorce”(1968). In some ways it effects all our lives. Last Sunday, my wife, Anna, and I met a nice couple over coffee and donuts who had just gotten engaged the week before. They both were young medical students and we wished them well. It is important to note that a man and a women don’t get married alone. There are parents and grandparents and the faith community that make a marriage successful. To make a marriage work there must be quiet time to listen to the whispering sound of the Lord. When two people become one it is hard to separate. That is why Jesus says unless the marriage is unlawful. Abuse in one form or another is never a part of marriage. A successful marriage must be maintained and strengthened to work.
Just like Elijah we must listen for that still small voice of the Lord whispering to us. We need to take the time, shut out the noise of this life and listen to the Lord speaking to us. This prevents the wrong turns of life including divorce. It also improves our relationship with Jesus.
Listen!
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
PS: Please pray for Cancer victims and their caregivers. Please pray for peace in the Ukraine.
