Let us examine five lessons that we can learn from Elijah and the prophets of Baal. If you are not familiar with this account, then I would encourage you to read I Kings 18: 20 – 40, as this will be our primary text for today.
Lesson #1: Faith and Zeal can be Misplaced
The prophets of Baal believed wholeheartedly that their god would rain down fire if they requested it. If they had not believed in their gods, then why would they have persisted to pray from the morning, through the afternoon, and into the evening; even going as far as cutting themselves (verses 26 –29)? These actions indicate that they had sincerity in what they believed in, but it was due to a lack of knowledge (Romans 10: 2 – 4). Scripture teaches us that we need both faith and zeal (good works) to be pleasing unto God; for without faith, it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11: 6), but faith without works is dead (James 2: 14 – 26). Both are of necessity.
Lesson #2: When We Pray, We Must Do So in Confidence
As children of God who are striving to walk in the light, we should have confidence that God WILL hear our prayers (John 9: 31, Psalm 34: 15, 1 John 5: 14 – 15). Elijah demonstrated his confidence by drenching the altar, sacrifice, and wood with 12 barrels of water (1 Kings 18: 31 – 35). Elijah wanted to ensure that the prophets of Baal had no reason to doubt or deny God’s ultimate power once the sacrifice had been consumed with fire.
Lesson #3: Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve
In verse 21, Elijah explains to the people that they must make a choice – they can either follow God or Baal, but they cannot serve both. Elijah has made that very clear. There will be no compromise and there will be no riding the fence. Joshuaurges the people of Israel to make the same type of choice in Joshua 24: 14 – 15. Matthew 6: 24 teaches us that we cannot serve two masters. The reality is that everyone must make this choice for themselves. So, I ask you – which side are you on? Are you going to live for God and be His follower? Or will you choose to pursue those things which pull you away from God?
Lesson #4: Our God is the One, True, Almighty God!
God has proven His great might time and time again – even defeating Satan on the cross. Through study of prophesies, miracles, and scientific evidences, we can KNOW that the God that we serve is the one, true God. If God be for us, then who can be against us?! (Romans 8:31) As His children, we have the power to overcome (Romans 8: 37, 1 John 4: 4) and the hope of eternal life (1 John 5: 11 – 13).
Lesson #5: Our God is the One, True, Almighty God
There were 450 prophets of Baal present during that event, whereas Elijah was remaining faithful to God on his own (verse 22). It can be difficult, particularly for new Christians, to remain faithful when so many people in the world around us are not serving God. It can cause us to doubt our faith in God when we feel all alone. But in the end, we must remember that it is the narrow gate which leads to life, and few there be that find it (Matthew 7: 13 - 14)
Comments