1 Kings 18.20-21
“So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel. And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word.”
Elijah is simply reminding the people of Israel of their true identity and purpose. The people of Israel were not created and redeemed to serve the false gods Baal or Asherah. They were created and redeemed to serve the one true God … the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The intent of the drought was to get their attention and motivate them to repent.
So to further get their attention, Elijah calls them to Mt Carmel to witness a spectacular (and frightening) display of God’s power.
Before we review that dramatic event, consider this: We also live in a time of great idolatry and rebellion. Like the people of Israel in Elijah’s time, many in our time are worshiping false gods, engaging in immoral practices, and living by distorted standards.
With great sadness we must acknowledge that this is true not just of secular society, but sometimes in the professing church as well. Far too many are “limping between two different opinions.” And when confronted with the truth of scripture, “they did not answer him a word.”
I believe God is calling Christians in our generation back to their true identity and purpose. We were not created and redeemed to serve the false gods of the 21st century. Like Israel, we were created and redeemed to serve the one true God … the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Consider what the apostle Peter writes to the Christian church in the NT:
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (I Peter 1.13-15)
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (I Peter 2.9)
Sound familiar? May we have ears to hear and hearts to obey.
Coram Deo
