13 June 2014 - not elementary

13 June 2014 - not elementary

Yesterday we heard that the LORD has authority over the rain, over the wind, and the waves.  We read that the "sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and a heavy rain fell", ending the drought in the time of Elijah.  It proves that the LORD, not Baal, commands the elements.  Today the LORD reveals that even while he commands the elements he is still above them.  They cannot contain him.

“Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD;
the LORD will be passing by.”
A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains
and crushing rocks before the LORD—
but the LORD was not in the wind.
After the wind there was an earthquake—
but the LORD was not in the earthquake.
After the earthquake there was fire—
but the LORD was not in the fire.

Since he is not contained in the elements we might think that the LORD would be therefore more distant from us.  But in fact he is even closer than the wind, earthquakes, and fire.

After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.

This is the famous still small voice of the LORD.  It is the voice to which Augustine refers when he says, "You were within me but I was outside myself, and there I sought you! In my weakness I ran after the beauty of the things you have made."

Elijah's heart is prepared to hear the LORD because he can say, "I have been most zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts."  This zeal is very similar to the purity of heart which Jesus tells us will allow us to see God.  Zeal and purity are the focus on the one thing that is necessary, Jesus.  Zeal and purity say, "I long to see your face, O Lord" and have no regard for the face of Baal.  Even in drought zeal and purity continue to focus on the face of the one from whom all good things come.  This is because zeal and purity allow us to "Wait for the LORD with courage".  When the rain does fall zeal and purity continue to gaze in thanksgiving on that face.

Because our earthly expression of love and purity is so closely connected with this zeal Jesus raises the bar for what is expected of God's people in this regard.  In order to be zealous for the LORD we must also be zealous in our earthly relationships.  In marriage we practice the same one-pointed devotion that is applied, on another level, to God.

But I say to you,
everyone who looks at a woman with lust
has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

This is why this teaching about lust is so important.  If our hearts become wishy-washy here we become susceptible to the very impulses which drive people to false gods.  We become the harlots and prostitutes that the prophet Hosea criticizes.  Let us seek God with all that we are.  Let us be zealous for him and pure in all of our earthly affairs, that we may behold his heavenly splendor.

Your presence, O LORD, I seek.
Hide not your face from me;
do not in anger repel your servant.
You are my helper: cast me not off.