.Tuesday, May 05, 2009 ; 8:25 PM -
.His Mercy is New everY mornInG.
Still Small Voice
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! —Psalm 46:10
When God spoke to Elijah on Mount Horeb, He could have done so in the wind, earthquake, or fire. But He didn’t. He spoke with a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12). God asked, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (v.13), as he hid from Jezebel who had threatened to kill him.
Elijah’s reply revealed what God already knew—the depth of his fear and discouragement. He said, in effect, “Lord, I have been most zealous when others have forsaken You. What do I get for being the only one standing up for You?” (see v.14).
Was Elijah really the only one serving God? No. God had “seven thousand in Israel . . . whose knees have not bowed to Baal” (v.18).
In the depths of our fear or despair, we too may think we’re the only one serving God. That may happen right after the height of a success, as it did for Elijah. Psalm 46:10 reminds us to “be still, and know” that He is God. The sooner we focus on Him and His power, the quicker we will see relief from our fear and self-pity.
Both the clashing cymbals of our failures and the loud trumpeting of our successes can drown out God’s still small voice. It’s time for us to quiet our hearts to listen for Him as we meditate on His Word. — Albert Lee
Keep listening for the “still small voice”
If you are weary on life’s road;
The Lord will make your heart rejoice
If you will let Him take your load. —Hess
To tune in to God’s voice we must tune out this world’s noise.
I think many are feeling the disappointment and helplessness that Elijah was feeling.
Look at the world now. When we thought the financial meltdown was bad enough, when we thought the crisis has finally bottom out, when we thought silver lining is in sight, here comes the H1N1 virus. With the threat of worldwide pandemic and rapid human to human transfer, the virus successfully wreak havoc. So what happen to the wealth and health gospel that has been broadcast all over the world?Some will openly question God, others who are not so outright will simply suppress the feeling and blame themselves for not having enough faith. What's my reaction? I still question. But, only to selective few who understands. I guess I am a sceptic christian.
Dont get me wrong here. I am not having some kind of faith crisis. Whatever faith I have is given by my Lord. Whatever amount he is given me is enough to go through my current situation.
So here's my point.
The world will continue to enter worst state than it is already is. This is the state where the bible called it "birth pain" I shall explain it next time.
I don't know why certain things happen. However, I am sure of one thing and one thing only - Jesus will still triumph in the end. I am sure many are familiar with the death and resurrection of Jesus - even to non christian, as long as you have watched Passion of Christ or see the trailer.
Friday was the day Jesus died, crucified naked in the public. In the scene, there were 11 disciples (minus one coz Judas obviously the one who turn Him in) plus the multitudes who followed Him everywhere, idolizes him and believe wholeheartedly that He is the coming King who will restore Israel from Roman empire and once again become the mighty nation just like David and Solomon time. Imagine how disappointed they were when they see their King crucified, defeated and humiliated in the public. Their only hope, their only chance.
Jesus died. Someone buried Him. Then came Saturday. Gloomiest day for His followers. Everything is over. They thought God answered their prayer by sending Jesus to them. All signs pointed to Him as the coming King, the one who will liberate Israel from their enemies.
Then came Sunday morning. A woman by the name of Mary came running to the 11 and said that their Lord has risen. They were thinking "what a joke" How can dead person be alive again. Impossible. But Peter and John saw with their own eyes. He was not there. The angels was waiting to tell them the news. Notice something, Jesus only appear to those that believe in Him. Jesus did not appear to the high priests nor to the Roman governments. WHy? Because Jesus wants his disciples (the 11 and the rest who has followed Him from the time he started his ministry) to know that there's hope.
Our current situation is like the "friday". When nothing happens, it feels like the "saturday". However, "Sunday" will come when our Lord appear to His believers and bring the everlasting Hope. He give us enough faith to last through the "Sunday". When we are hopeless and helpless, look to Him who is in control of the situation. I know it is hard. What is faith but believing in the unseen. And the unseen is not some airy things in the air. He is our Lord and the God who will deliver us!
I just finished reading Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey. Quite a good book. It clears up a lot of questions e.g. Does God care? Why is He so silent? Why is He hidden? Why is He so shy?What happen to all those fire from heaven, pryotechnic displays and also pillar of clouds that signify His presence? Why so few miracles? Why God does not show up to people who say "if Jesus is real then show Himself to me Now! (you think God is a vending machine, put the coin in and your drink will appear) etc etc....
Come to me if you want the book.
