The Story… At a big showdown on Mount Carmel, Elijah (and God, of course) dramatically defeats the prophets of Baal. Malevolent Queen Jezebel is not happy and vows to kill Elijah. Amazingly, even after being such a powerful instrument in the Lord’s hands, Elijah succumbs to a spirit of fear and depression by Jezebel’s threat. He flees south from Mt. Carmel and holes up in a cave deep in the Sinai desert on Mount Horeb.
The story at one level is about allowing “The World” to steal from us the promise, provision, protection and purpose God has for us. (“I am alone in all this, and they are seeking my life to take it away,” Elijah says.)
We can all become distracted by the “Jezebels” in our lives where we can longer hear the “still small voice” of God speaking truth, assurance, peace, direction and power for living into our lives. We can be consumed and blinded by problems, fear, bitterness, trauma, etc.
It is interesting that Elijah retreats to the “Mountain of God.” Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai, is a place where God has the reputation for showing up. Whether by God’s design or Elijah’s intention, Elijah ends up where he was sure to encounter the Living God…and he does. And God asks Elijah, “What are you doing here?”
When the Jezebels in your life close in on you, do you put yourself in places where God has a reputation for showing up? Do you seek a place where you can hear the “still, small voice” of God speaking truth, assurance, peace and direction into your life? Is Holy Trinity that kind of place for you? Equally important… Are we making Holy Trinity that kind of place for others?
Fr. Rob
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