1 Kings 18:16-40
Highlighting – “Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him a word.” (v.21)
This passage happens to be my favorite of all time. The people of Israel turned away from their God for the pagan god called, Baal. How often do we trade our Creator in by making an idol of something created? In this duel on Mount Carmel, Elijah suggested the 450 prophets of Baal call on their god and he would call on his God to answer with fire to determine once and for all, who is the real God. The prophets of Baal called on their god from morning to evening, no answer. They went so far as to mutilate themselves, but still, no answer. Elijah mocked their god, exclaiming Baal must be asleep or occupied. But what a mighty God we serve! He’s alive, He’s mighty, and VERY MUCH real. Elijah was so confident in his God that he had water poured onto the burnt offering, not once, but three times. He said a simple prayer to God and His glory was shown – fire fell from Heaven and consumed the entire burnt offering. What I love most about Elijah’s prayer on Mount Carmel in comparison to the prophets of Baal, is we see how God doesn’t require that we mutilate ourselves, but He seeks relationship with us and a pure heart. He is faithful to answer the prayers of His children.
So, as the prophets of Baal, are you “serving” a false god? It could be in the form of your job, marriage, your family, your children, etc. What idols do you have in your life that are keeping you from serving God wholeheartedly?
We also see that Elijah was zealous for God in his prayer. While zeal is important, without knowledge we can’t share the truth of the gospel. What do I mean by that? As Paul, when he was Saul of Tarsus, killing Christians and persecuting the church, he had zeal, but didn’t know the truth about God. Once he encountered the power of God on the road to Damascus, then did he realize he was sinning against God rather than obeying Him. Now (after his conversion) we speak of Paul as being one of God’s greatest apostles. (Please read Acts 8 & 9)
Additionally, we can’t share Jesus with others if we don’t have Him ourselves and haven’t experienced His works in our lives. For example, Peter and John speak with the lame man and Peter says, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene– walk!” (Acts 3:6, NASB). If we don’t have knowledge of the truth of the gospel, how can we share it with others? If we have not experienced Jesus in our lives, how can we give Him to others? As Peter and John, gold and silver they didn’t have, but what they did have they gave to the lame man, and in his belief he was immediately healed.
Dear Father, I know You are the One and only true God. Give me the courage to defend my faith even when it’s one against many. I want to serve You and make You a priority in my life. Please help me recognize when I’m putting something or someone else above You. May I grow in zeal for You with knowledge of the truth of Your Word. Please give me opportunities to share who You are with nonbelievers. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
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