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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I wasn’t there on Mount Carmel to see your fire consume Elijah’s sacrifice, but it’s just as real to me as if I had. I fall on my face before you and say, “The Lord, he is God! The Lord, he is God!” You are the one true God, and I worship you today! May my life always bring praise to your holy name! Today in Your Word Today you told me about Elijah’s showdown with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. The drought had caused a famine, and Samaria was in bad shape. Ahab was out with Obadiah desperately looking for some way to save his horses and mules. Obadiah is a fascinating character. He never performed a miracle like Elijah, but he was no less committed to serving you. Elijah’s ministry was public and confrontational; Obadiah’s ministry was private and behind-the-scenes. This teaches me that people can have vastly different ministries and still be faithful in doing what you want them to do. Indeed, Obadiah demonstrated his faith by telling Ahab to meet Elijah. He literally staked his life on the word of God’s man! The miracle on Mount Carmel only provoked Jezebel to more evil, but it seemed to have a positive effect on Ahab. When Ben-Hadad of Syria besieged Samaria, you sent a prophet (Elijah was not alone after all!?) to Ahab and assured him of victory. To my utter amazement, Ahab actually believed you, and he took a terrible risk in leading a pitiful group of youngsters out against Syria’s huge army. Wicked Ahab stepped out in faith, and you gave him a great victory. No story in the Old Testament displays your mercy and grace quite like this! Reflection Elijah asked the people of Israel, “How long will you go ‘limping’ between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him” (1 Kgs 18:21). Elijah’s question assumes that theology leads to discipleship. This means that your existence is not academic. If you truly are God, then my only proper response is worship and obedience. Request Father, if Ahab had enough faith to risk his life against Ben-Hadad, how can I waver in the face of difficulty? Give me the faith and courage of Obadiah and Elijah. May I always trust in you! Thanksgiving As I see you working in Ahab’s life, I can’t help but feel gratitude for your patience and love. Thank you for the many times you’ve been patient with me. Keep working on me! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Why Halt Thus, O Deluded Heart” — Leopold F. F. Lehr. Meditation Verse: 1 Kings 19:18. |