Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 18:39, NKJV- “Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!””
These people in 1 Kings 18 reacted this way because God revealed Himself to them.
Elijah stated that he was the only prophet of the LORD left but that King Ahab had 450 prophets of Baal in his kingdom. Some days it can feel as if these same odds are against the believers of today. The number of people turning away from God and welcoming foreign gods is unsettling. Well, until we recall who is The LORD our God.
1 Kings 18:17-18 tell us, “When Ahab saw him, he exclaimed, “So, is it really you, you troublemaker of Israel?” “I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “But you and your father’s family have. You have abandoned the LORD’s commands and have followed the Baals. (NIV)
Elijah then told Ahab to summon the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets to Asherah to Mount Carmel. 1 Kings 18:21 states “Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.” (BSB)
We must not waver in our LORD. In 1 Kings 18:24 Elijah said “Then you may call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The God who answers by fire, He is God.” And all the people answered, “What you say is good.” (BSB)
The prophets of Baal shouted for Baal to answer them, but they received no reply. 1 Kings 18:27 tells us that “At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.”” (NIV)
1 Kings 18:29 told us “And when midday was past, they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice. But there was no voice; no one answered, no one paid attention.” (NKJV)
Elijah then built an altar and had the people pour water over the sacrifice three times to make lighting the fire seem impossible. Next in 1 Kings 18:36 “And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word.” (NKJV)
Do you serve the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel? In today’s cultural environment we must also be committed to being servants of the God in Israel. We worship The LORD our God and not humans, political parties, or nations. Regardless of the opinions of others, we must be servants of the God in Israel and do all things at His word.
We serve God best when our purpose and prayers are as those of Elijah in 1 Kings 18:37, “Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.” (NKJV)
The LORD answered this prayer for Elijah and the fire fell from heaven and burned up the sacrifice. “Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!” (NKJV) It was God and not Elijah who rained down the fire. We can serve God by calling on His name and bringing others to Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father in heaven, thank You for answering Elijah and we pray now that You hear us so others too may know that You are the LORD God. Please reveal Yourself from heaven to be over all other gods and turn all hearts back to You. Amen.
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