[495 words]
Recently I was asked why God repeated his question to Elijah during the incident recorded for us in 1 Kings 19. Before I give you my answer (opinion), let me briefly set the context for you.
Elijah had just achieved great victories. He had confronted the prophets of Baal and challenged them to pray to their god and thus bring fire to a sacrifice (1 Kings 18:21). Elijah, of course, prayed to God and received fire from heaven (18:38). Rain also returned to the region in answer to his prayer (18:42; James 5:17, 18). However, shortly after the victories, Jezebel swore to kill Elijah. With amazement, we read the words, “Then he was afraid” (19:3). Let me just say this is not a condemnation of Elijah or a criticism of his faith. It is rather, a testimony to the evil and resourcefulness of Jezebel, as well as the power of exhaustion and discouragement on a servant of God.
Because of Jezebel’s threat, Elijah headed south, as far away from Jezebel as he could get. After a long journey, and sustenance by God, Elijah came to Horeb (Sinai). At that time he came to a cave and stayed there. While there, God spoke to him: “What are you doing here Elijah?” Elijah answered by recounting the terrible circumstance of the previous years and concluded by saying he was the only faithful person/prophet left. God allowed Elijah to see several unusual events (wind damage, earthquake and fire). Then he heard a whisper. After that, God repeated his question: “What are your doing here, Elijah?” (19:14-13). The man who was once empowered by God was actually running away from his enemy.
I believe God was asking the question, not for information, but so that Elijah could have a “mirror moment.” In other words, God wanted Elijah to look deeply within himself and decide who he was going to be and what he was going to do. He could have given up or he could decided to move forward and live for God. Thankfully, Elijah decided to move forward and live for God–and aren’t we glad he did?
I also believe we all have mirror moments–times in our lives when deep introspection is called for–when we must decide to move forward and allow God to work with and through us, in spite of our fears and misgivings. I think some of those times are: high school graduation, college graduation, wedding day, first day of new job, birth of first child and retirement. There are others, but I think you get the point: These are the crossroads of our lives, and the direction we choose can make or break us. Far too many people are “walking past the mirror,” taking little or no time to ask themselves, “What are you doing here?”
Well, it may not be one of those times mentioned above, but…what are YOU doing here?
Lance Cordle
Calvert City Church of Christ
Calvert City, KY