When I was a lot younger, my mother in law used to leave me with the words “Remember who and Whose you are.”   And, while I didn’t appreciate the impact of living with those words at the time, I do now. In fact, they flow from my lips when I lock eyes with my own sons. Remember. Because a lot can unravel when you forget. 

1 Kings 19:1-15 is the account of what happens when the prophet Elijah forgot. He just performed miracles and defeated the prophets of baal. And, a word of vengeance was spoken over him in return, causing him to lose hope and flee.  1 Kings 19

However, after caring for Elijah’s physical needs, God asks the same question twice, purposefully woven into the story like a drumbeat to all who will press in and ask the question of themselves.

In verses 9 and 13, God asks Elijah “What are you doing here?”  It’s not because God doesn’t know. 

It’s more because He wants to unearth something in Elijah–who and Whose he is. 

What are you doing Elijah? All this hiding and running from a perceived threat? 

What are you doing here? In a cave? Knocked off course?

And, for all Elijah’s answer–his list of what he has done and how faithful he has been and look where it has gotten him–God doesn’t guilt trip Elijah…but he doesn’t necessarily let him off the hook, either.

The first time He presents the question, He reminds Elijah of Whose he is.

Go out on the mountain. Behold Who I am. There was wind, an earthquake, and fire. Such a display that God alone is in control of all things.  What are you doing here? Can you compare anything Jezebel is capable of with My power?

One might expect for a loud voice of the Lord to thunder from all of this natural display. But, not this time.

God was in a still, small voice. Now that Elijah had been humbled, it was time to revisit the question.

Get out of the cave. What are you doing here?

Go. There is a remnant. You are not as alone as you think you are. You still speak on My behalf. You still have work to do.

And, when it’s time for you to leave this world, you go on My terms, not Jezebel’s.  

We can’t hide from God.

That is Good News for all us runners and hiders.  

He calls us out of caves. He exposes our fears. He answers it all with reminding us of who and Whose we are.

When we try to cover our shame, like Adam or Eve, God asks the questions which reveal the truth. Where are you? Why are you hiding from me?

When we run from our purpose, when we forget who we are, God is a Good Father, ready to receive us back and put a robe and a ring on our prodigal selves.  

God is intensely relational.  He dealt with Elijah by having a conversation. He longs to communicate His vast love for you. To remind you that you are His. He chooses you. 

What are you doing here? Like, in this place and time. If you are hiding in a cave, or running away, or burying your talent, or agreeing with any plans the enemy of our souls has spoken over you—may I suggest you join the rest of us in remembering what at times can be forgotten–who and Whose you are. You hold the same power that raised Jesus from the dead in you. You are not meant for a cave. If you are reading this, there is still work for you to do. 

What are you doing here?

Prayer:

Lord God, 

Your Word says in 1 Peter 2:9 that we are chosen, royal, and called to praise You. We thank You for calling us out of the darkness of fear and ignorance and sin, and into Your perfect light. We remember we are Yours. We step into agreement for the plans You have for us, and keep our eyes fixed on You. 

In Jesus name, 

Amen