In today’s lectionary we read the story of the great prophet Elijah encountering the presence of God on Mt Horeb in 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13. It is an evocative story which I love. Elijah was aware of God’s presence, not in such dramatic events of a raging wind, earthquake or fire but in peaceful sheer silence.
Look and Hear
I spent some time imagining Elijah’s time of encountering God on Mt. Horeb. 1 Kings 19:13 made me imagine Elijah inside the cave before sensing the sheer silence. Using Artrage 6, I created this digital painting using paint and digital collage (photos from pixabay). The dramatic events in the text line the cave walls.
After encountering the wind, earthquake and fire Elijah wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. In this second painting I imagined Elijah stretching out His arms. He was standing in wonder, praising God for the beauty of the silence in which he had sensed the Lord’s powerful presence. I pray we may all encounter the sheer silence of God in this season of pandemic. May you sense the purity of the peace God gives us.
Creative response?
Stand on the mountain before the Lord
Maybe you imagine that Elijah was standing out on the mountain observing the wind, earthquake and fire. Explore using the space I have edited into this image, to create your own art response to this story. As you spend time making, may you enjoy the company of God and encounter the pure silence of His presence.
