It is once again time for another Weekend Sermon. I thank the Lord for continuing to give me the opportunity to post these messages each week.
For the past several weeks, we have been studying the life of the prophet Elijah. We are seeing what we can learn from what the Bible tells us about this great man.
In last week's message, we saw that after a period of about three years, the Lord was preparing to end the drought that had beset the nation of Israel. The Lord told Elijah to go find King Ahab and tell him the news.
Ahab encountered Elijah, and then Ahab addressed Elijah as the troubler of Israel. Ahab could not see that it was his idolatry that had brought the hard times on his people. He blamed Elijah instead of looking at his own ways and calling on the Lord in repentance.
Elijah proposed a contest of sorts between the priests of Baal and God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Each side was to get an ox. The priests would call upon their god to answer by fire, and Elijah would call on his God to answer by fire. Whichever one answered by fire, would prove to be the true God.
Elijah called upon the people to make a decision. They had to follow one Lord or the other. They could not try to serve both.
Elijah allowed the priests of Baal to go first. They prepared their sacrifice and called out to Baal. They called for hours until noontime. Nothing happened. Elijah taunted the priests telling them to call out louder since Baal might be on a journey or asleep. The priests began to cut themselves and cry out all the more. But there was no response. Finally, Elijah had seen enough.
He prepared his altar with 12 stones in representation of the twelve tribes of Israel. He then asked that water be powered over the sacrifice and the altar three times. Finally, Elijah prayed. He asked the Lord to let the people know that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was the True and Living God. God answered immediately with fire from Heaven. The offering was consumed, and all of the water was consumed as well. The Lord demonstrated that He was the True God.
Elijah then went to see if the Lord would send rain. He sent his servant seven times to look for a sign of rain. On the seventh time, the servant saw a small cloud. Elijah knew the rain was coming. He informed Ahab who set out to Jezreel in his chariot. Elijah was filled with the Spirit, and he outran Ahab's chariot back to Jezreel.
This is quite a story. It is one of my favorites in the Old Testament. So, what can we learn from this encounter between Elijah and the priests of the false god?
The first thing I notice is that we must not be like Ahab. We can't blame God for our problems when we are going against the things that we have been taught in the Bible. If we are doing the opposite of what Jesus teaches, we can't blame Him when things don't go right in our lives. If we are doing wrong, we need to repent and turn to the way of the Lord. That is when His blessings will be upon us.
The second thing that I want to point out is that we can't try to serve two masters. Many of the people in Israel were trying to serve Baal and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. That wasn't going to work. There is only one God, and He will not share His glory with another. I am also reminded of what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount. He said no one can serve two masters. We cannot serve God and money as money is the false god of our world today. We have to make the decision to serve Jesus as Lord and do what He wants us to do and follow in the path where He leads us.
Third, this passage shows the mighty power of God. He didn't have to be begged into answering the prayer of Elijah. The Lord immediately sent fire from Heaven. He is a great and mighty God. He is awesome in power and majesty. May His name be praised.
Finally, I want to point out something important. Elijah told the priests to cry out louder because Baal might be asleep. I tell you this. Our God never slumbers or sleeps. He is always by our side watching over us. He is always ready to listen to us and to come to our aid when we call upon His name. In all things may the name of the Lord be praised. Amen.
Prayer Requests
I would ask that you please continue to pray that I would get to feeling better. Thank you.
Continue to pray that inflation will get under control. Many people are having a hard time making ends meet.
Let us remember to keep praying for peace in Ukraine. Keep praying for peace in Yemen, Congo and Syria.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those who live in Bhutan and Algeria. Pray that many will come to know Jesus.
Next week, we will continue with our current series. I will post the verses on Monday, and I will try to post something midweek. May God bless you all.
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