Clouds in the sky can be so incredibly beautiful.  Yesterday, as I admired a cloud formation, I was taken back to a moment in the summer when I paused to take a picture of a tiny, very tiny cloud, that stood alone in a cloudless sky. When I took the picture, those I was with weren’t quite sure why.  I said, “See that tiny cloud? One day it will be an illustration.”

Clouds find their place in various scripture stories. Let me take us to one in 1 Kings 18.

Elijah, the prophet, had lived through a long 3 years of drought, with ‘severe famine’ in the land (2). During this season God provided for Elijah in unique ways and unexpected ways; ways that could only be identified as from the hand of God. Physical famine covered the land, but spiritual famine, amongst God’s people, also covered the land.  Elijah was called to address this spiritual famine. This was a difficult task, for even King Ahab, called to lead God’s people, neglected the ways of the living God, Yahweh. Elijah told Ahab that he was not the troublemaker as Ahab insinuated.  Reality is, said Elijah, “You and your father’s family have abandoned the Lord’s commands and have followed Baal” (18). Decline, evident in God’s people, noted in the worship of idols, and those things that were not of God, or to the praise of God, required an intervention. A critical moment occurred at Mount Carmel when the true God Yahweh was positioned against the other gods of Baal being worshipped (please find time to read this great story today in 1 Kings 18). God’s people would be asked to choose whom they would serve and follow.  Elijah stood before God’s people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions?  If the LORD is God follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him” (21). Elijah was telling God’s people that they were dancing back and forth between two partners.  Only love for one could mark their steps. 

After the showdown, at Mount Carmel, it was evident that the LORD alone was God. The people who gathered saw Baal worshippers dance, and cry out to their gods frantically, with increasing fervor, asking for evidence of his power, to no avail.  No fire on the prepared altar came.  No evidence of life from their god was seen.  Then, four large jars of water were repeatedly poured on the other altar, the altar to the LORD. Following this Elijah simply prayed, “Let it be known today that you alone are God in Israel and I am your servant and have done what you have commanded me” (36).  At that moment “the fire of the LORD fell and burned up” not only the altar but the stones and the soil “licking up even the water in the trench” (38).  When this life shattering moment occurred, the people of God said, “The LORD – he is God!  The LORD – he is God!” (39).

And then, following the exhausting day, and challenging three years, the cloud came.  This is where my photo comes to have meaning 😊.  The “cloud as small as the man’s hand,” in the distance, was a small but clear sign that the famine was going to end. The greater story being told by was that the Lord alone, the only living true God, was the provider of the rain (44).  He alone was to be followed.

Our God continues to act and speak and make himself known in our world and lives today because of his infinite love. Perhaps even now, in reading this, you sense you are being asked to choose this day whom you will follow – no more dancing with two partners! That’s the Spirit of God at work for your good and God’s glory. The God of the Israelites is our God, known to us in Jesus, and without a doubt is worth following.  “The Lord, He is the one who goes before you.  HE will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

21: God Speaks To Us

1) God speaks to us in bird and song,
In winds that drift the clouds along,
Above the din and toil of wrong,
A melody of love.
2) God speaks to us in far and near,
In peace of home and friends most dear,
From the dim past and present clear,
A melody of love.
3) God speaks to us in darkest night,
By quiet ways through mornings bright,
When shadows fall with evening light,
A melody of love.
4) O voice divine, speak Thou to me.
Beyond the earth, beyond the sea,
First let me hear, then sing to Thee
A melody of love.

Ever present God, maker of the clouds, thank you that you make yourself known through your profound activity, as small as it sometimes might be.  By your Spirit, alert us to your watchful care and abiding presence.  Jesus, aware of you, deepen our faith and trust to follow, for in you alone is life and life to the full.  AMEN

With care and in prayer,