I Kings 18:21-40

One of the places that people like to go while vacationing is to the mountains. There is something about the mountains in all their grandeur that is exalting, for here we see the great handiwork of God.

For the next few weeks, we are going to enter the mountains by way of the Bible as we worship together. The purpose of doing this is not rest, but spiritual refreshment.

Today, we will go into Mount Carmel with the prophet, Elijah, to share with him some of the experiences that he had as a servant of the Most High God.

As we come to Mount Carmel, we are in the midst of a spiritual conquest. Our friend, Elijah, is bringing his people to the point of a decision. For we hear him say, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”

Israel, at this point, was sitting on the fence. They were a people who had historically worshipped Jehovah God. They were a distinct people because of this. Now, however, they were being encouraged to worship Baal. Which should they do, worship Jehovah, whom they could not see, or Baal, whom they could both see and touch?

Today, the world is in somewhat the same position. The question is being raised, “Shall we worship and serve a God who is revealed to us in the Bible, but we cannot see, or shall we satisfy our own desires by following the instincts of our own ways and find our pleasure in the physical things of the world today?

The words of the prophet, Elijah, come ringing in our ears once again, “How long will you waver between two opinions?” The experience at Mount Carmel has an answer for our indecision.

A. The test

Elijah instigated a test between the prophets of Baal and himself as to who was the true God. Note that Elijah is on the offensive and will not be placed on the defensive.

Purpose

The reason for this test is to settle once and for all who it is that should be worshipped by mankind. To be a fencesitter means that you are of no real value to either side. A test of this nature takes real faith in the one whom you serve. Either you can be a great victor or the object of great ridicule.

Preparation

Note carefully that in preparing for this test, the same steps were to be taken by both groups. There was to be the altar, the wood, the sacrifice, but no fire. The God who answers by fire is to be declared the true God.

Procedure

The preparations are all made, and now we proceed with the test. The prophets of Baal are given the first opportunity to bring down fire by their god.

• Baal worshippers – feverish frenzy
  • Elijah’s words are not sacrilege, for he was speaking of a non-existent being
  • Cuts and blows of no avail for their god was one who had eyes, but could not see, and ears, but could not hear
• Elijah proceeded with fearless faith
  • 12 barrels of water
  • Simple prayer

Note, it was not Elijah on trial, but God. Therefore, he prayed that the people would know the one, true God.

B. The triumph

In every conquest, we are most interested in knowing who comes forth as conqueror.

The Bible says concerning Elijah’s test, “Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.” This experience reminds us of the words, “our God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20-21

• A principle
  • In every conquest, the Lord is victor
    • Tower of Babel
    • Death of Christ
• A point to consider
  • The final victory in this world is the Lord’s

Paul tells us in Philippians 2, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

All other factors that seek our loyalty are not worthy of our time and effort, for they are temporal. There is only one true conclusion to make: God is real, powerful, and worthy of our complete obedience.