What Are You Doing Here?
Sunday, June 22, our scriptures for that day come from 1 Kings 19:1-15, and Luke 8:26-39. I cannot ignore the similarities in these two passages of scripture. They both have a cave (a tomb is a cave), a question of purpose (one asked by God, one asked by demons), a life changing encounter with God outside the cave, followed by a commission. All of it answers the question, "What are you (we) doing here?"
Elijah after his encounter on Mt. Carmel with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18) flees in fear to the wilderness because Jezebel wants to kill him. Elijah is exhausted, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and discouraged. He finds a place to rest under a broom tree and begins to pray to God that he might die, (1 Kings 19:4). Elijah takes a nap; an angel wakes him to have a snack. This part reminds me of the Snickers commercial; you are not you when you are hungry grab a Snickers. Elijah lays down and is told by the angel to eat more because he needs it for the journey that awaits him. Elijah travels 40 days to the mountain of God and hides in a cave. The LORD asks him here "What are you doing here, Elijah?" Elijah lays his frustrations before the LORD and God directs him to go out and stand before him on the mountain. In a still small voice, in a gentle whisper Elijah finds God's presence, God again asks the question what re you doing here Elijah? God again hears his concerns and sends Elijah back to work.
When Jesus gets off the boat in the region of the Gerasene’s, he is met by a demon possessed man who lives in the tombs. The demons recognize Jesus and ask another question of purpose. "What have you to do with me, Jesus, son of the Most High God?" This man possessed by demons comes out of his cave (a tomb in this case) and has a complete life changing encounter in the presence of God. Jesus sends the demons out of him and into a heard of pigs. This man is found at the feet of Jesus like a disciple and commissioned to do the work of a disciple in that region. To tell everyone what God had done for him.
What can we gather from these two encounters? As followers of Christ doing the work God has given us to do, the work, and life can get overwhelming. We too can and have felt like Elijah. The answers to the questions, "What have you to do with me?" and "What are we doing here?" are why you are here. Elijah is there for an encounter with God. We gather on Sunday to have an encounter with God, who strengthens us for the work God has given us to do. The demoniac's question, while asked by demons, is a valid question to ask for those seeking Jesus. What do you have to do with me, Jesus? In the presence of God there is strength and encouragement for the weary, deliverance and transformation for those seeking what God has for them. Join us Sunday at 11:00 as we encounter God's presence together.