Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, or the mighty in his might, Nor the rich his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That HE UNDERSTANDS AND KNOWS (Yâda‛) ME…” (Jer. 9:23-24) The Old Testament word Yâda‛ means, “TO INTIMATELY KNOW” God in such a way as to have an INTIMATE EXPERIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE of Him. Miracles and powerful ministry CAN NEVER SUBSTITUTE FOR INTIMACY WITH GOD.
God said to Elijah, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire A STILL SMALL VOICE.” (1 Kings 19:11-12) What God wanted Elijah to experience was he had to GET UP CLOSE to God so he could hear HIS STILL SMALL VOICE IN HIS EAR, this is a picture of INTIMACY. “So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he (in humility) wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:13) So, Elijah told the Lord, “I alone am left; and they seek to take my life. Then THE LORD SAID TO HIM: “Go, return on your way…I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal.” (1 Kings 19:14-18)
Can we hear this still small voice? Yes, the Lord says, “Call to Me, and I WILL ANSWER YOU, and show you great and mighty things, which YOU DO NOT KNOW.” (Jer. 33:3)
-Bill Stockham