S) "21 Elijah came near to all the people and said, 'How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.' But the people did not answer him a word."
1 Kings 18:21 (NASB)
O) This is a huge confrontation, as Elijah squares off with 850 idolatrous priests, in front of a nation, on top of a mountain! I mean, it really doesn't get much more intense than this. This fight is very much like David vs. Goliath. While David fought Goliath physically, Elijah fought these men prayerfully. In both cases, it was to prove the power and reality of the LORD. Both men shared a common, vital characteristic - they both had faith that was tested. Elijah was able to be so bold because he had become entirely convinced that the LORD was God, irrefutably. In the end, his fath on display is as simple as his proposition.
A) While there is a good lesson to learn about bold faith, I think this verse really demands that I answer Elijah's question. I think the only appropriate answer to give, is to say, "No longer!" Then again, this isn't really about words, it's about actions. It's a daily call, to acknowledge the LORD, to submit to Him as sovereign, and to forsake anything else that would divide my devotion to Him. Just as these people would see, as this chapter unfolds, I have seen the power of God at work right in front of me, within me. So, the real challenge is to relive the fight. By playing the victories in my head, over and over, it will force me to acknowledge Him; I will have to answer Elijah's question, every time I remember when the LORD slew a giant for me, every time I remember when the fire of God burned undeniably.
P) Father, I have such a terrible habit of replaying all of my defeats, over and over, in my head. It does no good, and is obviously a ploy of the enemy. I want to break that habit, God. Help me start a new habit, LORD. I want to relive the victories You have given me. Remind me, Father, of the rescue mission You completed. Remind me of the amazing grace You gave me, even before I knew You. Remind me of the provision You've proven, of the healing You have given, of the freedom You have established. I want to relive the championship You have wrought for me, to remember that You are God, and there is no other. The LORD is God, and I will serve Him alone. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
A) While there is a good lesson to learn about bold faith, I think this verse really demands that I answer Elijah's question. I think the only appropriate answer to give, is to say, "No longer!" Then again, this isn't really about words, it's about actions. It's a daily call, to acknowledge the LORD, to submit to Him as sovereign, and to forsake anything else that would divide my devotion to Him. Just as these people would see, as this chapter unfolds, I have seen the power of God at work right in front of me, within me. So, the real challenge is to relive the fight. By playing the victories in my head, over and over, it will force me to acknowledge Him; I will have to answer Elijah's question, every time I remember when the LORD slew a giant for me, every time I remember when the fire of God burned undeniably.
P) Father, I have such a terrible habit of replaying all of my defeats, over and over, in my head. It does no good, and is obviously a ploy of the enemy. I want to break that habit, God. Help me start a new habit, LORD. I want to relive the victories You have given me. Remind me, Father, of the rescue mission You completed. Remind me of the amazing grace You gave me, even before I knew You. Remind me of the provision You've proven, of the healing You have given, of the freedom You have established. I want to relive the championship You have wrought for me, to remember that You are God, and there is no other. The LORD is God, and I will serve Him alone. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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