Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 17; 1 Kings 18; 1 Kings 19; Colossians 2
Scripture: 1 Kings 17:20-21
20 So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. 21 Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him."
But the people said nothing.
Observation: Elijah asks a penetrating question: "How long will you waver between two opinions?" The people of Israel had been lead by a wicked king with an even more wicked wife. The worship of God had been quashed and the pagan idol Baal was the god du Juor. (850 pagan prophets were honored and fed at the royal tables.) Most of the nation had followed the wicked king in worshiping Baal.
But these were the people of Jehovah and He has not let them go in spite of their disloyalty. Elijah is sent to challenge them to return to the Lord. But in so doing, the people are put in an uncomfortable position. He asks them to choose before the contest starts. He has created a showdown. It's like the Battle of the Network Prophets: Elijah vs. the Prophets of Baal. (That's one Elijah vs. 450 prophets of Baal.) So the people do not answer Elijah's question. "But the people said nothing." Not a big surprise. They want to see the outcome before they make up their minds.
Application: We are all called to answer this question: Chose whom you will serve. Either God is God or He is not. If He is, then serve Him. If not, then don't. But get off the stinkin' fence!
I challenge you. What do you really believe. If you believe that God is God, then let us serve Him without holding back -- 100% -- no holds barred -- no reserve -- no Plan B.
Prayer: Lord, You have called us to follow You completely and unreservedly. Help us to do that. May we step up and lay our lives on the line for You 100%. Show us ways where we are hedging our bets or not giving You our all and help us to repent and seek You fully.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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