One of the most inspiring passages in the Bible is the account of Elijah upon Mt. Carmel challenging the false prophets and priests of Baal. It is a record of great courage, and immense faith and trust in God. As we read through this passage in Scripture, let’s allow it’s message to strengthen our own faith.
Elijah was one of the greatest prophets and servants of God in the Old Testament. Elijah preached God’s Word in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of evil King Ahab and his even more wicked wife Queen Jezebel in the 9th century B.C. Shortly after their split from the southern kingdom, the people of Israel plunged into terrible idolatry. Most of the people had turned to worshipping the false gods of the neighboring pagan nations, particularly Baal. Baal was a pagan god of crop fertility, and was often believed to supply rain for the crops. He was also believed to cause lightning and thunder. The Israelites also worshipped the pagan goddess Asherah, a mother/fertility goddess. Though a number had completely abandoned Yahweh, many combined worship of Yahweh with worship of Baal and other foreign gods.
Elijah knew the time had come. Yahweh would not tolerate the people wavering back and forth between gods. Also, He would not accept the people worshipping Him along with any other deity. Elijah spoke to King Ahab, telling him to summon the priests and prophets of Baal and Asherah to Mt. Carmel where a spiritual showdown would take place (vs 17-20). Elijah had the people build two altars, and the God who answered by consuming the sacrifice with fire was the true God (vs 21-24). Since the followers of Baal believed he controlled lightning, they would think this a fair test. Elijah urged the people to take a stand, to follow whoever is the true God. We all have to make up our mind about who we will serve and worship. Do we believe that God is who He says He is? We have to take a stand. We can’t hesitate between two opinions.
This could have been a scary time for Elijah. He was alone in the midst of 850 pagan priests, in addition to the multitudes of people. He was totally outnumbered, in addition to being on the king’s “most wanted list”. However, Elijah knew that he was in the will of God. It didn’t matter that there were 850 pagan priests against him. He had the true God on his side.
The Baal worshippers went first, and set about praying to their deity. Much as they beseeched him, Baal didn’t answer (vs 25-29). They even tried cutting themselves to gain their god’s pity. Baal did not answer because he, like all false gods, is not real. The things we worship, besides Yahweh, are just as false and dangerous, because they cause us to depend on something other than God. In times of crisis when we call out to our false gods, they will be equally silent.
Now it was Elijah’s turn. As I mentioned before, he was alone, with no support. However, Elijah had strong faith and confidence in God, so much so that he did something seemingly daring to prove to the people that Yahweh, and only Him, is the one true God. Elijah ordered that his altar be drenched in water so no one could accuse him of trickery (vs 30-35). He then spoke aloud his prayer to Yahweh, for all to hear (vs 36-37). At this occasion Elijah did not pray off in a corner by himself. He prayed openly and publicly. If we have accepted Jesus as Savior, we are to come boldly into His presence with authority because of our position in Christ (Hebrews 4:16). Elijah didn’t pray as a last resort. Prayer was his first and only resort.
What was the response? God immediately answered by fire! (vs 38-39). Like Elijah, we can pray confidently to God, asking Him to work in ways that will bring glory to Himself. Like him, we can have faith that whatever God commands us to do, He will provide what we need to carry it through.
No comments:
Post a Comment