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in the fine whisper

1 Kings 19:1-21 (JDV)

1 Kings 19:1 Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword.
1 Kings 19:2 So Jezebel sent an agent to Elijah, saying, “May the gods punish me and do so severely if I don’t make your throat like the throat of one of them by this time tomorrow!”
1 Kings 19:3 Then Elijah became afraid and immediately ran for his throat. When he came to Beer-sheba which belonged to Judah, he left his servant there,
1 Kings 19:4 but he went on a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. He said, “I have had enough! Lord, take my throat, for I’m no better than my fathers.”
1 Kings 19:5 Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. Suddenly, an agent touched him. The agent told him, “Get up and eat.”
1 Kings 19:6 Then he looked, and there at his head was a loaf of bread baked over hot stones, and a jug of water. So, he ate and drank and lay down again.
1 Kings 19:7 Then the agent of Yahveh returned for a second time and touched him. He said, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.”
1 Kings 19:8 So he got up, ate, and drank. Then on the strength from that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God.
1 Kings 19:9 He entered a cave there and spent the night. Suddenly, the word of Yahveh came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
1 Kings 19:10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for Yahveh God of Armies, but the Israelites have abandoned your covenant, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are looking for me to take my life.”
1 Kings 19:11 Then he said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in Yahveh ‘s presence.” At that moment, Yahveh passed by. A great and mighty wind was tearing at the mountains and was shattering cliffs before the Lord, but Yahveh was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but Yahveh was not in the earthquake.
1 Kings 19:12 After the earthquake there was a fire, but Yahveh was not in the fire. And after the fire, there was a voice, a fine whisper.
1 Kings 19:13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Suddenly, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
1 Kings 19:14 “I have been very zealous for Yahveh God of Armies,” he replied, “but the Israelites have abandoned your covenant, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they’re looking for me to take my throat.”
1 Kings 19:15 Then Yahveh said to him, “Go and return by the way you came to the Wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive, you are to anoint Hazael as king over Aram.
1 Kings 19:16 You are to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah as prophet in your place.
1 Kings 19:17 Then Jehu will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Jehu.
1 Kings 19:18 But I will leave seven thousand in Israel — every knee that has not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
1 Kings 19:19 Elijah left there and found Elisha son of Shaphat as he was plowing. Twelve teams of oxen were in front of him, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah walked by him and threw his mantle over him.
1 Kings 19:20 Elisha left the oxen, ran to follow Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” he replied, “for what have I done to you?”
1 Kings 19:21 So he turned back from following him, took the team of oxen, and slaughtered them. With the oxen’s wooden yoke and plow, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he left, followed Elijah, and served him.

in the fine whisper

Certainly, God caused the wind, the earthquake, and the raging fire, but that was not the message God wanted to give Elijah. He was in the fine whisper, and the refreshing cakes, and the restful sleep. Even though he has all power, and demonstrated that so well by consuming the doused altar, He is also the Holy Spirit of gentleness. Elijah thought that he could not go on – that he had expended all his energy, and God was through with him. But God’s message was, to rest… because he must now prepare the next generation.

LORD, thank you for giving us rest, but not allowing us to think that our job is done.

Books by Jefferson Vann

• 148 Days with the Coming King is a compelling devotional journey designed to inspire spiritual growth and reflection over a period of 148 days. Throughout this transformative experience, readers will engage with profound insights, reflective prompts, and meditative practices aimed at deepening their understanding of faith. It includes a full new translation of Matthew’s Gospel.

• An Advent Christian Systematic Theology (volume 1) – This book is the first volume in a comprehensive series exploring the doctrinal foundations and theological interpretations of the Advent Christian denomination, aiming to provide readers with an in-depth understanding of its unique beliefs and practices as they relate to systematic theology. This volume introduces the study, and answers questions about God and how he has revealed things to humans. It also includes an appendix of selected articles on the exclusive immortality of God.

• An Advent Christian Systematic Theology (volume 2) – A comprehensive exploration of doctrines and theological concepts within the Advent Christian tradition, this volume offers readers insights into historical context, biblical references, and practical applications for contemporary faith practice. Whether for personal study or academic research, it serves as a valuable resource for understanding the depth and richness of Advent Christian theology. This volume specifically covers the doctrine humanity and sin. It also includes an appendix on human mortality and on the intermediate state.

• An Advent Christian Systematic Theology (Volume 3) – This volume is part of a comprehensive series that delves deeper into the systematic theology from an Advent Christian perspective, providing insightful analysis and interpretation of theological concepts, offering both historical context and contemporary relevance for readers interested in the rich tradition of Advent Christian beliefs and practices. This volume treats the doctrines concerning Christ, the Holy Spirit, Angels and Demons, Salvation and the Church.

• An Advent Christian Systematic Theology (Volume 4) – This volume represents a comprehensive exploration of the theological tenets unique to the Advent Christian denomination. It delves deeply into topics such as salvation, the nature of God, and eschatology, offering readers an in-depth understanding of Advent Christian beliefs. Essential for both scholars and laypeople interested in systematic theology, this work is a crucial addition to any theological library. This volume treats the doctrine of eschatology and includes indices on the resurrection and final punishment.

• Another Bible Commentary – This commentary offers insightful interpretations and detailed analysis of all the biblical texts, making it valuable for both scholars and readers seeking to deepen their understanding of scripture. The author, Jefferson Vann, has crafted a resource that blends traditional biblical scholarship with contemporary relevance, appealing to a broad audience interested in theological studies and practical application of biblical principles in everyday life.

• Devotions from Exodus – A profound collection that offers rich reflections and spiritual insights, ideal for both personal contemplation and group study, leading readers through the important themes and lessons within the Book of Exodus, promoting a deeper understanding of faith and divine guidance. It includes a new translation from the original Hebrew.

• Devotions from Leviticus – A comprehensive devotional that deeply explores themes found in the book of Leviticus, offering insights and reflections to guide personal spiritual growth and understanding of biblical principles in everyday life. . It includes a new translation from the original Hebrew.

• Devotions from Mark’s Gospel – A comprehensive and inspiring collection of spiritual reflections and meditations based on the Gospel of Mark, aimed at deepening one’s faith and understanding of the teachings of Jesus. This work can serve as a valuable resource for personal study, group discussions, or devotional reading, encouraging readers to engage more deeply with the scriptures and apply their lessons to daily life. It includes a new translation from the original Greek.

• finding gold in Genesis – This fascinating book delves deep into the transformative messages within the Book of Genesis, providing readers with practical insights and a fresh perspective on biblical stories, making it an invaluable resource for personal growth and spiritual enrichment. . It includes a new translation from the original Hebrew.

• The Coming King – This book offers a profound insight into the themes and messages found within the text of Matthew’s Gospel. It serves not only as a translation but also as an illuminating commentary that guides readers through the intricate layers of meaning and interpretation, making it an essential read for anyone interested in biblical studies and spiritual growth. . It includes a new translation from the original Greek.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #1 – This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through years within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from October 2019 to October 2020.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #2– This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through generations within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from September to December 2020.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #3 – This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through generations within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from January to April 2021.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #4 – This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through generations within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from April to August 2021.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #5 – This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through generations within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from August to November 2021.

• Words from the Collector is a captivating exploration of the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes. It includes a new translation and devotional commentary of the book. The Collector is Solomon as an old man, who collected wisdom to pass on to the next generation. It includes a new translation from the original Hebrew.