God in the Silence

Understanding God’s Closeness: From Ancient Israel to Today

Matthew Vander Els‘s teaching explores the concept of God’s presence and relationship with humanity, drawing parallels between the ancient faith of Israel and contemporary Christian beliefs. The central idea is that God, known as Yahweh, desires an intimate, personal connection with individuals and families, much like a household deity in ancient Near Eastern cultures. This perspective challenges the notion of God as a distant, unapproachable figure, emphasizing His active involvement in the lives of believers.

The Ancient Near Eastern Context

In ancient times, people in the Near East worshipped various gods, often in a hierarchical structure.

• State Gods (Patron Deities): These were the top gods, like El in Canaan or Marduk in Mesopotamia, typically associated with major temples and cities. People believed these gods weren’t omnipresent, so they had to travel to the god’s temple to meet with them.
• Lesser Gods (City/Community Gods): These deities held less significance than the state gods.
• Personal/Family Gods (Household Deities): These gods were specific to families or households, offering a more direct and personal relationship. Unlike the state gods, household deities were believed to be interested in the well-being of individual family members.

Common people often felt disconnected from the state gods and turned to household gods for their daily needs and requests. This historical context helps to understand how Yahweh presented Himself to Abraham and the Israelites.

God as a Family Deity

Yahweh revealed Himself to Abraham as a God who would be with him, bless him, and look after his interests. This is similar to the role of a household deity. God established a covenant with Abraham and his descendants, emphasizing a family-like bond. The speaker highlights how the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is referred to as a family God, indicating His continued involvement and commitment to His people.

The Enthronement of Yahweh

After leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Yahweh’s status evolved from a family deity to a national God. This transition occurred at Mount Sinai, where the Israelites declared Yahweh as their King. God’s response was a promise to make them a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, distinct from other nations. Even as a national God, Yahweh maintained the characteristics of a personal, family-oriented deity, offering comfort and wanting a close relationship with His people.

Challenges and Faithfulness

The teaching references the conflict between Yahweh and Baal, a storm god worshipped by some Israelites. The story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel illustrates the struggle between true faith and idolatry. Despite facing opposition and threats, Elijah remained faithful to Yahweh, demonstrating courage and boldness.

Elijah’s story also reveals moments of doubt and fear, such as when he fled from Jezebel. However, God sustained him, providing nourishment and guidance. This highlights the idea that believers may experience times of weakness, but God’s grace and presence are always available to strengthen them.

Hearing God in the Silence

The teaching emphasizes that God is always close, even when He seems distant. Elijah’s experience in the cave, where he heard God in a still, small voice, illustrates this point. It suggests that believers can encounter God not only in dramatic events but also in moments of quiet reflection and stillness.

Application for Everyday Life

• Recognize God’s Closeness: Understand that God is not a distant, unapproachable figure but rather a present and caring companion.
• Nourish Your Courage: Instead of praying solely for courage, seek to nourish the courage that God has already placed within you through His Spirit.
• Listen in the Silence: Cultivate moments of stillness to hear God’s voice and receive His guidance.
• Be a Messenger: Share the “awesomeness” of God with others in your daily interactions.
• Support Fellow Believers: Engage in fellowship to encourage and support one another in faith.
• Remember God’s Covenant: Reflect on the covenant relationship you have with God, knowing that He remains faithful to His promises.

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References

• Genesis 12:1
• Genesis 12:15
• Genesis 31
• Genesis 35
• Exodus
• Deuteronomy 8:3
• Joshua 24:2
• 1 Kings
• 1 Kings 17
• 1 Kings 18
• 1 Kings 19
• Psalms 96
• Psalms 97
• Matthew 4:4
• Galatians 3:29
• 2 Timothy 1:7

Additional Resources

• The Bible
• Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament by John Walton

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