Carlyle Marney used to preach a sermon on this passage, “No New Word,” in which he translated (I can still hear his gravelly voice drawl the words), “still small voice” with the statement, “The Jew knows… the Jew knows what Elijah heard was stone silence.”

Marney went on at length to illustrate that the word from God that Elijah recieved was simply a reiteration and exposition of what Elijah already knew. Elijah already knew his task was not yet done. He knew he was not alone. His pity party nevertheless recieved a gentle, firm reminder of what he already knew. IOW, “no new word” until we actually commit what we’ve already recieved from God to our hearts and faithfully act on that revelation.

When I begin to feel despair at an seemingly overwhelming situation or task, I often hear Marney’s gravelly voice echo in my head, reminding me, “No new word.” IOW, “Get off your duff and get about doing what you already know to do.”