Where is the God of Elijah?

1 Kings 18:16-19:3

 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.”

 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.

"I have had enough Lord, take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.  They failed to keep Israel serving you, they failed to get the people to listen and repent. They could not bring the Kings to serve you after Solomon. More and more Israelites have abandoned you - they didn't even choose you at Mt. Carmel.  I am the only prophet left in Israel, and all I see all around me is Baal.  And now Jezebel is going to kill me - where will Israel be then?"

Two meals the angel brought me, and still I was discouraged beyond measure. I walked to Mt. Horeb, the mountain of God. If Jezebel had any brains she would look for me there, but I didn't care.

For a month and a half I walked. It was good to be alone, but my thoughts were filled with despair, anger, hopelessness.  I was so tired. The fire had come and burned up the altar.  But Jezebel still ruled Israel and we all were afraid of her.  The people had seen the power of God and bowed down.  But would their hearts really turn toward God?

"Are you really turning their hearts back to you God? Will they build up the altars again, and take back the temple?  Israel is doomed - they have abandoned you God. Why am I here? I cannot possibly turn this ship around."

After 40 days I reached the mountain and found a cave to sleep in.  I felt enveloped and hidden and safe in there, like the mountain was God.  I was glad to be in out of the open, but I did not want to talk.  In the cave I felt like I could pretend I didn't exist - that Israel didn't exist - I could just stay here forever.

But a few mornings later the Lord came and spoke to me like he always did when I came here, and asked "What are you doing here Elijah?" 

I could have said I was on a personal retreat, or re-fuelling, taking a Sabbath-rest...but I couldn't help myself and I blurted out  "I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty.  The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." It was defensive and accusing.

And the Lord didn't argue or reason with me - he simply said "Go stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by." 

I went out to the mouth of the cave and waited. The wind howled around me and pelted me with dust and sand. I braced myself against the rock.  I felt the wrath of God on me and the Israelites, but the storm passed and he said nothing.

Then there was an earthquake and I was very afraid; rocks broke off and tumbled down all around me as I huddled there at his mercy.  Perhaps God was destroying Israel and I - but the ground became firm again and I checked - I was okay - and everything was quiet again. Still he did not speak.

And then a fire roared down the mountain and I hid in the cave. It passed over and left a huge swath of blackened earth on the mountain.  If Jezebel knew I was here, by now she would think I was dead. I thought of how the fire had burned up the altar and the stones, but this fire did not do that.  Was this too the wrath of God or his purging fire on Israel?  But he said nothing. Was he reminding me of his power? Was this another prophetic message I had to deliver to Israel? Would it even do any good?

And then I heard his voice, very quietly. "Elijah." I covered my face and stood waiting.

But instead of giving me another damning prophecy for Israel he asked me again, very gently, like now he was ready to listen "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

I told him again, his gentleness kindling hope in me and melting my anger;  "I have been very zealous for you, Lord Almighty.  I have poured myself out for you and for Israel.  But still they are not listening, not seeing.  What has it all been for?  What else is there to do? How could you or I be any clearer? They have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars and killed your prophets.  They aren't just apathetic or lost; they have set themselves against you - against me.  I am the only one left, struggling to bring them back to you - to show them you are their God - but now they are trying to kill me too. I am discouraged and tired and disappointed and frustrated beyond belief."  

I heard his voice softly say to me, gentle and kind "Go back the way you came, and go to the desert of Damascus. Anoint Hazael king over Aram. I am leading and directing there, and I need you to do that for me.  Then, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel - I have seen the wickedness of Ahab and Jezebel and yes I am still leading Israel.  Then anoint Elisha son of Shaphat to succeed you as prophet.  You will be alone no longer, and when you die there will still be a prophet in Israel.  Jehu will put to death any who escape Hazael's sword, and Elisha will put to death any who escape Jehu.  I am your protector Elijah. I will fight those who fight you. 

And Elijah - I reserve 7000 in Israel whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.  I am still in charge, I am still taking care of my people, and you are not alone."