FLASH AND BANG

So He said, “Go forth and stand on the mountain before Yahweh.” And behold, Yahweh was passing by!  And a great and strong wind was tearing up the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before Yahweh, but Yahweh was not in the wind.  And after the wind an earthquake, but Yahweh was not in the earthquake.  Then after the earthquake a fire, but Yahweh was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a thin gentle whisper.

1 Kings 19:11–12.

I was recently at what was advertised as a worship service where the trendy band, audio equipment, fog machines and lights overwhelmed a large crowd and, if given a chance, would have overwhelmed any reasonable budget meeting! As song after song that had been produced by heretical "music ministries" pummeled the audience, I couldn't help but notice how far the Spirit of God was from that place. What was relatable to me, was the desperation of broken humans to experience the living God. I know well the need to have the Lord meet with me and provide soul care!  And there have been times when I, too, have been tempted to find a way to purchase a spiritual encounter that avoids boring stuff like faithfulness, Bible reading or prayer. It reminds me of when I was with a motorcycle riding buddy and some guy was telling us how much he loved the sound of his sport bike when it was wound up to go fast. My friend just muttered, "Well, I ride a Harley because I'd rather sound like a thunderstorm than a bumblebee!” I have a similar sentiment when it comes to motorcycles. But loud pipes, bright lights or a big bass amp cannot replicate the true work of the Spirit of the Living God! The story in 1 Kings is a reminder that often the most powerful moments with God's Spirit will take place in the midst of ordinary, unassuming methods. Spiritual depth and experience is granted freely and regularly to the sheep who sit with their Shepherd.

Joe Ensley