Wednesday 20 May 2026
- Bible Book:
- 1 Kings
Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces 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 a sound of sheer silence. (vs 11-12)
Background
This beautiful passage comes at a time when the prophet Elijah is feeling alone and deserted. It follows chapter 18 which features the great battle with the priests of Baal over sacrifice. While they are noisy, Elijah in return simply calls on the name of God. The result is an all-consuming fire.
In today’s reading God does not speak in the fire but uses a different way of communicating. In fact, God doesn’t speak to Elijah in ways found elsewhere in the Bible. In Job 38:1 God spoke through a whirlwind, in Exodus 19:18 an earthquake precedes God's voice like thunder. Here God's voice is speaking into silence. We are reminded that God is not confined to one way of communicating.
The celebration of Pentecost this weekend is often filled with noise and drama. Yet this is not the typical way that God speaks to an individual. More often than not, an individual will become aware of a quiet voice that speaks of conscience, encouraging the action of commitment.
As well as the difference between the breaking of rocks, thunder and fire, compared to God's quiet voice, there is the difference between the words of law which are terrible, and the gospel of love grace and mercy, which is gentle.
It is best to notice the voice in verse 13 is often referred to as ‘the still small voice’, and it comes after a moment of sheer silence. Underestimated in this passage is the silence. It follows all the noise. To rest in the silence particularly in moments as stress, or at times of feeling alone, such as Elijah is experiencing (verse 14) is the moment when God’s voice is heard more clearly.
Charles Wesley put it this way:
Open, Lord, my inward ear,
And bid my heart rejoice;
Bid my quiet spirit hear
Thy comfortable voice;
Never in the whirlwind found,
Or where earthquakes rock the place,
Still and silent is the sound,
The whisper of thy grace.
(Hymns and Psalms 540 verse 1)
To Ponder:
- Where have you heard most clearly the voice of God?
- How can we, and others, help people hear the voice of God this week?
Prayer
Gracious God, help me to find the balance between the vibrant and the quiet that I may hear what you are calling me to do. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Paul Davis
Paul is a supernumerary presbyter in the North West of England.