In the canvas of life, unseen by us,
God paints a plan, in Him we trust.
Through whispers soft and moments grand,
He communicates, extending His hand.
Not just in thunder, not just in rain,
In quiet moments, His voice remains.
In subtle signs, in gentle breeze,
In silent prayers, on bended knees.
In depths of despair, in nights so long,
In weakest moments, He makes us strong.
We are not alone, in Him we confide,
In every step, He is our guide.
Despite our fears, doubts that unwind,
God deals with us, patient and kind.
He reassures us, shows the way,
In His direction, we never stray.
So let us trust in His divine plan,
Seek His voice, His love so grand.
In His presence, comfort we'll find,
God's love for us, forever kind.
REFLECTION:
The Lord said to him, “Go, take the road back to the desert near Damascus. When you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king of Aram. Then you shall anoint Jehu, son of Nimshi, as king of Israel, and Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah, as prophet to succeed you.” (1 Kings 19:9, 15-16)
God has a plan for each of us, even when we can’t see it. He communicates in various ways. He can speak to us in quiet and subtle ways, not just through dramatic events. Even in our despair and in the lowest moments of our lives, we are not alone, He is with us.
Despite our fears and doubts, God patiently deals with us, providing us with the reassurance and direction we needed.
Let us trust in God’s plan, seek His voice in our lives, and find comfort in His presence.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We acknowledge that You have a plan for each of us, even when we can’t see it. We trust in Your divine wisdom and guidance, knowing that Your ways are higher than ours.
You communicate with us in various ways, speaking not just through dramatic events, but also in quiet and subtle ways. Help us to listen, to be still, and to discern Your voice amidst the noise of the world.
Even in our despair and in the lowest moments of our lives, we are not alone. You are with us, our ever-present help in times of trouble. You walk with us through the valley, and Your rod and staff comfort us.
Despite our fears and doubts, You patiently deal with us, providing us with the reassurance and direction we need. You are our Shepherd, leading us beside still waters, restoring our souls, and guiding us along the right paths.
Help us to trust in Your plan, to seek Your voice in our lives, and to find comfort in Your presence. May we always remember that You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
III: Stories of the Prophets
FLIGHT TO HOREB / CALL OF ELISHA
1 Kings 19:1-18
First Reading | 1 Kings 19:9, 11-16
9 At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave, where he took shelter. But the word of the Lord came to him, 11 “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. 12 After the earthquake there was fire— but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. 13 When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave. A voice said to him, “Elijah, why are you here?” 14 He replied, “I have been most zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. But the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to the sword. I alone am left, and they seek to take my life.” 15 The Lord said to him, “Go, take the road back to the desert near Damascus. When you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king of Aram. 16 Then you shall anoint Jehu, son of Nimshi, as king of Israel, and Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah, as prophet to succeed you.”
Background:
The background of 1 Kings 19:9, 11-16 is set in the context of the prophet Elijah’s life and ministry. This passage is a significant point in Elijah’s journey, marking a low point in his career.
Elijah had just demonstrated God’s power in a dramatic showdown with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). However, when Queen Jezebel threatened his life, Elijah fled into the wilderness. This mirrors the path of Moses, who also fled into the wilderness after killing an Egyptian.
In the wilderness, Elijah was miraculously provided for by an angel, similar to the Israelites during their wilderness journey. He then arrived at Horeb, also known as Sinai, the same mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
In 1 Kings 19:9, Elijah is found in a cave on Mount Horeb. God asks him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?". Elijah responds by expressing his zealousness for the Lord and his feeling of isolation, believing he is the only prophet left who has not been killed.
God then commands Elijah to stand on the mountain before the Lord. In verses 11-13, God reveals Himself to Elijah, not in the great wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a still, small voice. This is a powerful demonstration of God’s presence and communication, showing that He is not only found in dramatic displays of power but also in quiet, intimate moments.
Finally, in verses 15-16, God gives Elijah new instructions, including anointing Hazael as king over Aram, Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat to succeed him as prophet. This signifies a shift in Elijah’s ministry and the continuation of God’s plan for His people.
This passage is a profound exploration of Elijah’s faith journey, revealing his human fears and doubts, God’s gentle and patient guidance, and the ongoing unfolding of God’s plan. It serves as a reminder that even in moments of despair and loneliness, God is present and actively working out His purposes.
Learning Lessons:
There are several important lessons we can learn from 1 Kings 19:9, 11-16:
God is present in our despair: Elijah was in a state of despair and felt alone, but God was there with him. This teaches us that even in our lowest moments, God is with us.
God communicates in various ways: God did not appear to Elijah in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. This shows us that God can speak to us in quiet and subtle ways, not just through dramatic events.
God has a plan for us: Despite Elijah’s despair, God had a plan for him. He was to anoint new kings and his own successor. This reminds us that God has a plan for each of us, even when we can’t see it.
We are not alone: Elijah thought he was the only one left who was faithful to God, but God assured him that there were 7,000 others. This teaches us that we are not alone in our faith journey.
God is patient with us: Despite Elijah’s fear and doubt, God patiently dealt with him, providing him with the reassurance and direction he needed. This shows us God’s patience and understanding towards our human weaknesses.
These lessons remind us of God’s constant presence, His unique ways of communication, His divine plan for us, the community of believers we are part of, and His infinite patience. They encourage us to trust in God’s plan, seek His voice in our lives, and find comfort in His presence.
