Saturday, December 14, 2024
Scripture: I Kings 18:16-39

Who was Baal? In many ancient Middle Eastern communities, and especially the Canaanites, Baal was considered one of the most important gods of the pantheon. Most often, he was referred to as a fertility god – Prince, Lord of the Earth.

Now, think of a battle of the bands. Each band puts on their best show and are judged by several criteria. Then, one band is awarded the best band of the land. Now 100-fold that and you have the showdown written about in this passage.

The prophets of Baal, numbering 450, faced off with the lone man Elijah on a mountain. Two bulls were sacrificed on altars. Each would call upon their respective gods to send fire down to consume the offering. The prophets of Baal call upon him all day, even cutting themselves as a desperate plea. But no word from Baal, only silence. That must have been excruciating to watch.

Then Elijah comes forward and makes sure the altar is doused with water till it is overflowing. He raised his voice to the one true God in prayer, and immediately fire comes down and eats up everything, even the stones. What a display that must have been! No questions as to which god won that battle. Yahweh, the one true God, answered Elijah immediately.

Sometimes I wish that God was as visually effective in showing us who He is today – so that everyone would know that He is the one true God. As flashy as the spectacle was, its effect didn’t last long. That’s the thing about miracles. Man kept asking for sign after sign – until God decided to come down to Earth Himself. Our loving God came to Earth on that first Christmas, as the baby of regular folks. God gave us His most prized possession – Himself in His Son. God still speaks in a still small voice, sometimes just a whisper. Are we still and quiet enough to hear Him? What is God telling you today? Can you hear Him?

Lynn Odom is thankful that God came down and provided our salvation.