Spiritual Landscape at Elijah’s Time
- Israelites was surrounded by many pagan religions
- Asherah: goddess of fertility
- Baal - god of fertility and weather
- Instead of following God alone, Israelites comprised by worshiping other gods
- Jehovah became only one of the many religious choices among the Israelites
- Question: Has God been only of the many boxes on our priority list?
God or Baal on Mount Carmel
- Elijah challenged the people
- How long are you going to struggle with the two choices?
- If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.
- Baal’s 450 prophets called on the name of Baal
- Elijah called on the name of the Lord
- The God who answers by fire → He is God.
- Round #1 (18:25-29)
- Baal’s 450 prophets tried
- Result → nothing happened
- Round #2 (18:30-38)
- Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord which had been torn down.
- Result → the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering
- People reaction:
- they fell on their faces; and they said,
- The Lord, He is God; the Lord, He is God!
- Spiritual Awakening
- God used Elijah to bring awakening among God’s people
- From in spiritual compromise → rebuilding the altar
- Let God’s people understand their priority
- Reject the false gods in life
- Reconnect to the true God
Application
- Reflect - what has been taking over God in our life priorities?
- God is revealing to us that He is the # 1 true God
- He is calling us to make Him our life priority, and to serve Christ joyfully in all aspects of life
