Tuesday 17 February 2026
And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. (v. 12)
Background
Chapter 18 of 1 Kings tells the story of a nation suffering through a severe drought and of the prophet Elijah, sent by God to call the people away from worshipping Baal. The chapter ends with the dramatic scene on Mount Carmel, a contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. The prophets of Baal cry out to their god to light the fire, but nothing happens. Elijah then soaks his altar with water, and even so, God sends fire from heaven. God is shown to be the true God, Baal is exposed as powerless, and the long drought finally ends with rain.
Yet, despite this great victory, the story in the next chapter (today’s reading) shows Elijah running for his life. He hides in a cave, afraid and exhausted. Our reading echoes the story of Moses that we reflected on yesterday: the people have turned away from God, one faithful servant remains, and God meet him. For Moses, God appeared in a cloud and covered him with his hand as he passed by. Elijah experiences a mighty wind, an earthquake, and a fire, but God is not in any of these. Instead, Elijah encounters God in “a sound of sheer silence.” (v. 12)
Today, our world feels battered by strong winds of change breaking apart long-held norms, by quakes shaking the foundations of democracies and international law, and by the fire of missiles and guns. In such noise and chaos, it can be hard to see or hear God.
When I visited Stella Maris Monastery on Mount Carmel in Haifa, I was told the story of how the Carmelite Order began with two Crusaders who sought refuge from the fighting. While historians say the Order’s origins are uncertain, the story tells of two warriors who fled conflict and found peace on Mount Carmel. There, they turned their backs on violence and chose a life of quiet with God and with others.
I imagine them, still shaken by the horrors of battle, hearing the divine voice in that same “sound of sheer silence” that Elijah heard, and then discovering a very different future.
To Ponder:
- Amid today’s winds, quakes and fires have you encountered “the sound of sheer silence”? If so, are there practices that help you become quiet enough to notice God?
- Like the Crusaders on Mount Carmel, what forms of power, conflict or false security might you be called to turn from so you can turn towards a life of peace with God and others?
Prayer
God of wind and whisper, in a world shaken by noise, turmoil and fear, teach us to find you in the quiet. When the storms around us roar and the ground beneath us feels unsteady, draw us into that “sheer silence” where your presence becomes clear. Guide us to listen, to trust, and to walk with you into the future you imagine for us. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd David Hardman
David Hardman is currently serving as the Methodist Liaison Officer, Jerusalem for the Methodist Church in Britain. Ordained in 1994, he has served churches and circuits in the city centre and in the inner city and suburbs of Manchester and London. He has also worked for Christian Aid as Senior Regional Coordinator in the North West of England and most recently was the Methodist Team Leader of the Joint Public Issues Team. Justice and peace have been at the heart of David’s ministry; he is an accredited mediator with Place for Hope and a committed activist.