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Gentle Whisper 32 x 24" , mixed media and gold leaf
Elijah was a prophet of deeds and miracles of extraordinary measures. Sidlow Baxter names him as the Martin Luther of Israel. He is spoken about in the New Testament more than any other Old Testament prophet. He had zeal and a jealousy for God. 1 But if you know this story, he was running for his life. 2 He fled to the Mountain of God and God said: What are you doing here? The prophet had lots of excuses and blame and self-pity and needed to be addressed in an unusual manner to get his attention.
God appeared loudly on the Mountain in the wind, earthquake and fire and Elijah still didn’t see him. So God went one step further; he showed up in a manner Elijah was not accustomed to. . .He covered him with a gentle whisper. It was a quiet sound, a still small voice the scripture says. And Elijah heard it. He was caught up with the gentleness of God’s ultimate subversive power that undercuts the power structures of the world and covered his face. 3 Other phrases come to mind that image a merciful God: gentle and humble in heart, easy yoke, light burden (Matthew 11:29); gentle answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1); spirit of gentleness (1 Corinthians 4:21).
It’s wonderful how God made us all with different needs and temperaments. Some hear God in activities and crises. Others of us listen in quietness and contemplation. I’m grateful to be covered often with the gentleness of God and I hope you have found the language in which God speaks to you.
1 Explore the Book, Sidlow Baxter 2 1 Kings 19-1-21 3 Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, p. 325
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