In our story from 1 Kings 18:22-24 & 38-39 God’s prophet Elijah has two sacrifices prepared.
1 Kings 18:22-24 – Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only prophet of the Lord who is left, but Baal has 450 prophets. 23 Now bring two bulls. The prophets of Baal may choose whichever one they wish and cut it into pieces and lay it on the wood of their altar, but without setting fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood on the altar, but not set fire to it. 24 Then call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by setting fire to the wood is the true God!” And all the people agreed.
In verses 38-39 we see the Lord’s response. 38 Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, “The Lord—he is God! Yes, the Lord is God!”
What was God’s purpose of this demonstration? It was to awaken the people that He was God and the prophets of Baal were false. If the prophets of Baal were false, it also showed them their religion was a false deception. God, in His mercy, begins to awaken the people of Israel.
How has the Lord awakened you along your spiritual journey? How did that change your life? Maybe you are not a believer in Jesus yet, and today the Lord is awakening you that He is the true God.
2 Cor. 6:2 – For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.
To hear this story of Elijah, click here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/journey-with-elijah-and-elisha/elijah-at-mt-carmel
Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (1 Ki 18:22–24,38-39, 2 Cor. 6:2). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.