Yesterday I talked about visiting a church last Sunday and some lessons from a sermon titled The Still, Small Voice of God.
In the story from 1 Kings 19:10-19, there’s an interaction between God and Elijah that begins when God asks, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
It’s sort of an odd question. God obviously knows exactly why Elijah is hiding.
Then there’s this episode when God says, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
Then God does something I wouldn’t have expected. He repeats the question. “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
Why? Why ask at all? Why ask twice?
Do you listen for God’s still, small voice? Do you ever offer answers when you know God already knows?
God’s not interested in information, but He does want interaction. His questions to Elijah—and to us—express His desire for conversation.
Jesus asked lots of questions to which He knew the answers. He used those questions to open dialogue and spur discussion. It wasn’t about the answers.
We don’t ask family members how their day went because we want a detailed rundown of events. We ask because we care, because we want to hear the feelings, successes, and struggles. We ask because we want to listen.
That’s why God asks. He wants the interaction, the relationship. He knows that’s what we need; it’s how He created us.
Are my prayers more than a list of requests? Do I listen? Do I share?
You?
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