Behind the kingdoms and kings in the book of 1 Kings is the King of Kings who despite man’s rebellions still desires to have a relationship with His people. This is most obvious through His speaking through the prophets starting in chapter 17 where we hear of Elijah. By Him God would shut the heavens, feed him through ravens, and provide his needs through the caring ministry of the widow at Zarephath. He would raise the widow’s son and challenge a wicked king and his wife. Defeat 400 priests of Baal and challenge a nation to decide who they should put on the throne of their hearts.
Yet as tough as Elijah was who faced down 400 priests he is terrorized by one angry woman in Jezebel. He is so defeated that he hides under a juniper bush and begs God to take his life but even there God provides him a baked cake and a jar of water, it must have been some protein as it sustained him for 40 days and nights, (19:4-8). And in a cave the Lord came to him, not in an earthquake, a raging fire nor a thunderstorm but in a still small voice by which he learns that God is not always to be found in overwhelming power. No, sometimes His power is best experienced when He moves through the still small voice of a transformed heart and conscience!