Thurs 23rd July – 1 Kings 18:20-24

Thurs 23^rd July  –   Read 1 Kings 18:20-24

V20:  Ahab does exactly as Elijah says, clearly under a compulsion from God, but one wonders what he anticipates from the confrontation to come. Even as believers, we do not always see or know what God is doing, but we are called to “trust Him for all that’s to come.” 

V21:  Elijah now addresses the people – they should have been God’s people, remember – 10 of the 12 tribes form the rebellious Southern kingdom, which still bears the name of Israel. He knows they are not truly committed to Baal, they “serve him” from fear and compulsion,  but this can not go on. They are like people limping along with their legs on 2 different levels. We would say they are “sitting on the fence.” No, says Elijah, if the Lord is God they must obey and follow Him – if Baal is “god” follow him! God will not share His people’s allegiance. Compare Matthew 6:24. The people, perhaps chastened, or in fear of Ahab, say nothing!

V22:  Elijah now sets up the contest. He alone stands for God ( where are Obadiah’s 100, we might wonder.)  The prophets of Baal are 450. ( The other 400 seem to fade into the background ) But as someone has said ” One, with God, is a majority.”

V23:  So, the challenge! The false prophets will have a bull to offer as a sacrifice to their “god”, Elijah will have one to offer to the Lord. Both are to be prepared for sacrifice, laid on the altar, on wood – but no fire is to be lit – no fire made by human hands!

V24:  They are to call on Baal to send fire – remember, he is supposed to be a god of fire – and Elijah will call on the Lord. Let the one who is truly God send fire from heaven and prove His claim! Already, we anticipate the outcome – but we must remember, all that Elijah does is at God’s direction ( v36. ) We are not to presume to call on the Lord in such a way, but trust Him to act as He chooses, to His own glory.