Read I Kings 18 The Contest on Mount Carmel

"Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again. (I Kings 18:37 NKJV)

The Confrontation: God raised Elijah to confront Ahab of his idolatry. Ahab met Elijah and accused him as the trouble maker causing the famine when Elijah spoke of the drought. (I Kings 17:1) In boldness Elijah said its Ahabs idolatry (I Kings18:18) The people were gathered as Elijah called for a challenge between him who serve the living God and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah.

The Choice: And Elijah came to all the people, and said, How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him. But the people answered him not a word. (I Kings 18:21)

The Contest: The prophets of Baal used every kind of incantation to bring fire down upon the offering in the name of Baal. Elijah spoke with irony and sarcasm. They yelled louder and became more frantic, but to no avail. The prophets of Baal retired in defeat. Elijah repaired the altar of twelve stones, showing that the nation Israel as one. He arranged the wood and the sacrifice. Barrels of water were poured on the altar.

Elijah addressed Gods attention. Others were aware that he was calling upon Jehovah God of Israel. Elijah addressed God as the One whom he served. He had experienced God's provision during the drought through the ravens (I Kings 17:1-5) widow (I Kings 17:6-13), as well as Gods power in raising a child from death (I Kings 17:17-24). The contest was not to show his ministry but God. It was to show Baal is not God and no idol can response. His motive was that the people return to God.

The Consequences: 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. The scarifies was consumed but not that of Baal. John Knox was right One with God is a majority

The purpose Elijah had was to challenge them return to the Lord. The people thus honoured the Lord God Jehovah. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, The LORDhe is God! The LORDhe is God!

Prayer: Father God, regardless the number that opposes You; You remained unchallenged and stand victorious. If theres any confrontation I encounter with the enemy; let it be as You intended that what the people witnessed of my life shall return to You in the outcome.

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