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Yet on further reflection, from Elijah I learn why God does not always act as we may want.

In the first place, Elijah's style did not achieve the desired results. Despite all the fireworks, his ministry accomplished little. Even the Mount Carmel scene made barely a dent in the nation's faith. The Bible shows again and again that spectacular miracles have minimal long-term effect on faith. Elijah himself, who had just stared down 850 priests and an angry king, fled likea scared dog from the threats of Queen Jezebel. The God we think we want does not always produce the results we think we'll get.

In a tender scene following Elijah's flight from Jezebel, God revealed a different style. At Elijah's lowest point, God visited him—pointedly, not in a powerful wind, earthquake, or fire; rather, in a gentle whisper. Instead of overwhelming Elijah with supernatural power, of which the prophet had seen plenty, God found a way to descend, to restore his confidence from the inside out. (I think of a similar scene centuries later when Jesus tenderly led Peter back from despair toward faith.)

I understand why Jews still leave a place for Elijah at the Passover table,for in some ways faith in Elijah is easier to understand than faith in Jesus."But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself,"said Jesus. He called on us to take up a cross, not a lightning bolt. And if this world is to be won for Christ it will probably be won by a gentle voice and self-sacrificing love, not by loud shouts and spectacle. Jesus' style, not Elijah's.

Copyright © 1997 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christianity Today magazine. For reprint information call 630-260-6200 or e-mailcteditor@christianitytoday.com.

December 8, 1997 Vol. 41, No. 14, Page 88

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December 8 1997, Vol. 41, No. 14