1 Kings 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. I. IT IS A POWER WHICH GOD USUALLY EMPLOYS TO ACCOMPLISH HIS WORK. 1. In the government of the material world. How noiselessly does He work the great machinery of nature! There is not a sound to be heard. Poets talk of the "music of the spheres"; but it is a music that has never fallen on their ears. 2. In the dispensation of Providence. We sometimes imagine we hear nothing but the stormy wind, or the terrible earthquake, levelling to the ground all our hopes. The fire of Divine disapprobation seems to rage most fiercely, and we feel ready to perish. But these are not the chief agents employed by our Father in the dispensation of His Providence. "After the fire a still small voice." 3. In the renovation of the soul. "The wind, the earthquake, and the fire," may be used as preparatory means to the great work of conversion. The influence of the Spirit on the heart is secret, silent, and effective. II. IT IS A POWER THAT IS PRODUCTIVE OF THE GREATEST GOOD. It is folly to think that because an influence is silent it cannot be effective. 1. It awakens thought. The wind, the earthquake, the fire, sometimes disturb the slumbers of a soul in sin. 2. It operates on the heart. The noisy tempest may affect the passions, stir up the animal feelings; but it cannot reach the sinner's heart. 3. It regulates the actions. The very power that impresses the heart, will also mould and shape the actions of life. It is often remarked that "example is more powerful than precept." The reason of this is evident. III. IT IS A POWER THAT IS LASTING IN ITS EFFECTS. Why is the power of silent influence so durable? 1. It is emblematic of the Divine presence. God was not in the awful tempest which preceded the "still small voice." 2. It becomes a living element in the new character. The believer in Christ is a new creature. (J. H. Hughes.) Parallel Verses KJV: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. |
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