1 Kings 18 30 - 40
We seen last study how Baal failed miserably. He was supposed to be the god of weather yet there Had been a three and a half year drought. He then failed the test that Elijah set up. They shouted and screamed for 6 hours asking Baal to produce the fire to burn the offerings.
It is important to testify to the true God but it is also important we expose the lies of false religions. We need of course to do this in love.
Today's passage shows the power of the one true God.
1/. The preparation. 30 - 35.
He invites the people to come close. he wants them to see exactly was was happening. He rebuilt the alter of the Lord. The nation had become so pagan the altar had been torn down. He rebuilt it using 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. He was calling the people back to the God of their fathers.
He then dug a large trench around the altar and prepares a sacrifice. They then absolutely soak the sacrifice. They pour 12 large jugs of water that not only soaked it but filled the trench around it.
Surely it would be impossible for this to light.
2/. The prayer. 36-37.
Elijah was a man of prayer. He didn't pray as a last resort but it was his first port of call
He prayed in view of a sacrifice. The people just couldn't come and sacrifice and approach Him when they wanted.
Elijah came at the time of evening sacrifice.
The prayers of God's people need a sacrifice to be able to come to Him. Jesus Christ is that sacrifice that we can come to God because.
Elijah comes and prays in the name of the LORD. the one true God. All true prayer must be addressed to Him.
He prays for the glory of God. He wanted everyone to know the LORD was the true God. He wasn't doing it for his glory but for God' glory.
He prays for the vindication of God's word. It wasn't a self seeking prayer. He wanted to prove God's word. May we strive to show God's word to be true.
He prays for conversions. He wants the people's hearts are turned back to God. Elijah knows he can't do it but God can. That's why he prays.
Baal spent 6 hours praying. Elijah spent 2 verses. We don't need big long fancy prayers. We need to come to Him in a proper manner recognising who He is.
Do we pray for revival. God moves in power in response to His people's prayers.
3/. The profession. 38 - 40
No doubt the people were transfixed on the soaking wet sacrifice in front of them. Suddenly fire appeared from heaven. It burned up the sacrifice, the stones and the water. It must have been an awesome sight. The people fell on the ground and declared, He is God.
It wasn't mere words. Verse 40 tells us Elijah ordered the 450 prophets be arrested. The people done it.
The prophets of Baal have been shown to be frauds.
A changed life is a sign of a changed heart. If Jesus is our LORD we will live our lives a lot different than we did before we were Christians.
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