Read: 1
Kings 18
The drought has continued in Israel for three
years. Ahab and his household manager, Obadiah, agree to scout the land in
search of water and vegetation. If they do not find any, the king’s horses and mules
will die and his cattle will have to be slaughtered. This would leave Israel
vulnerable to other nations, who would still have their own animals for work
and warfare. Obadiah had the fear of the Lord in his heart. Despite Jezebel’s
persecution of Yahweh’s prophets, Obadiah remained faithful to the True God.
Obadiah hid a hundred prophets and provided them with food and water. He saved
the lives of these faithful ones who were hunted by Jezebel. While Obadiah is
searching for green pasture, he meets the prophet Elijah. God recently called
Elijah to return from exile and face Ahab. Elijah promises not to harm Obadiah
be fleeing again and asks Obadiah to bring Ahab to meet him.
When Ahab arrives, Elijah speaks boldly. It is
because of the sins of Ahab and Ahab’s fathers that Israel is facing this
drought (v 18). Elijah offers a test. They will gather 450 prophets of Baal and
400 prophets of Asherah. They will offer a sacrifice to their gods. Elijah also
will offer a sacrifice to Yahweh. The god who consumes his sacrifice with fire
will be proven as the True God (v 24). The people of Israel agreed that this
was a good idea (v 24).
When the day of sacrifice came, the prophets of
Baal and Asherah prepared their offering. They prayed to their gods, called out
in loud voices and even committed self-mutilation to get the attention of their
gods. Yet Baal and Asherah remained silent. Then Elijah called the people to
him and prepared his offering to Yahweh. He rebuilt the altar to Yahweh and
placed his offering on it. Further, he poured so much water on the offering
that it filled the surrounding trenches. There would be no room left for doubt
in the minds of onlookers. Because of all the water, it would be impossible for
the offering to catch on fire through natural methods. However, Yahweh can work
in easy that exceed the means of nature. He sends fire from heaven, consuming
the offering, burning the stones and wood, and even evaporating all of the
water. At this the people declare that the Lord is God (v 39).
Elijah sends Ahab to feast because the rain is
coming. Elijah then retreats to the top of Mount Carmel and prays to the Lord
for rain. Seven times he sends his servant to examine the skies for a sign of
clouds. When a small cloud finally appears, Elijah sends word to Ahab to go to
Jezreel, for a great storm is coming. By the power of God, Elijah outruns Ahab
to Jezreel. We are left in anticipation for their Elijah and Ahab’s next
meeting.
Prayer and
Journaling
1. God is sovereign. He controls everything, including
weather. We cannot say for sure that every weather pattern is a sign of
blessing or discipline. However, we can trust that God sometimes works this
way. Spend time praising God for His sovereign power today. If He is bigger
than the weather, He is certainly bigger than your personal problems.
2. Twice in this chapter Elijah fervently prays to
God. Both times God grants Elijah’s request. Think of a situation where you
need to see God display His sovereign power. Ask Him how you can pray for this
situation. Then pray with an earnest heart.
3. Pray for God to display His glory in our
country. He is majestic, sovereign and powerful! Pray that, people who are
turning from Jesus to false gods would be rescued. Pray that God would meet
these people and draw them back to Him. Pray for specific people you know who
are walking away from the Lord. Ask God if there is any way you can partner
with Him to rescuing these people.
