1 Kings 19.9b (What Are You Doing Here?)

But the LORD said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” [1 Kings 19.9b]

Here was Elijah's answer:

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 am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” [1 Kings 19.10]

Yeah, well, this says a guy who just called fire down from heaven...

Was his work done?

It is interesting that God asked Elijah the same question twice. And, twice Elijah gave the same answer. I struggle to believe Elijah gave the answer God was looking for.

First, God never asks a question because He is ignorant of that question's answer. Never. God only asks questions to make the one being questioned think.

I get the idea God was demonstrating to Elijah that he (Elijah) had fled a situation out of fear. I believe God was making it very clear to Elijah the He (God) had a purpose for Elijah and that Elijah's flight to Mount Sinai was simply a learning mission. During this learning mission, God reminded Elijah of His power to control nature. God also reminded Elijah that what God has spoken need not be shouted again, but merely whispered. Why? Because God's plan is so unstoppable that just the whisper of it to man is all that is necessary to obey and fulfill it. There were more 'bold moves' to be made by Elijah. There was no place for fear.

Isn't it amazing that God went to such great lengths to reassure Elijah not to fear? Isn't it even more amazing that God didn't make a big production, grab Elijah by the coat, shake him, and slap him? Isn't it profound that God spoke to Elijah in a still small voice - a whisper?

"What are you doing here, Greg?" God might ask me.

I could list any number of circumstances that brought me here. But, if I look deeply, I might certainly find that some of the circumstances were simply messengers of fear to distract and discourage me from continuing with the mission that God's gentle whisper had spoken, and is still speaking, to me.

Wow, this is so deep...

Father, help me to come back to Your gentle whisper and obey it. Forgive me for listening to the noise of the world and allowing it to cause fear.