At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave, where he took shelter. But the word of the LORD came to him, “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. After the earthquake there was fire— but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave. (1 Kgs 19:9,11-13)
This passage about the “tiny whispering sound” or “the still small voice” (as some translations have it) is one of the classic passages of the spiritual life. But it’s good to remember that the “tiny whispering sound” wasn’t a call to rest and enjoy the mountain view, just the opposite. The voice asks, “What are you doing here? There’s work to be done—kings and a prophet to anoint. Get going!”
