The Showdown

The prophet Elijah followed the Lord and proclaimed His Word. And on more than one occasion God called him to do something radical. In fact, he even challenged the prophets of Baal and the people who followed them. He told them to assemble for a showdown.

The prophets of Baal would prepare a bull as a sacrifice to their god and Elijah would prepare a bull as a sacrifice to the Lord. Then the prophets of Baal would call on their god and he would call on the Lord. When it was over, they would know that The god who answers by fire—he is the God. (I Kings 18:24b NIV)

The prophets of Baal must have thought they were up to it, because they prepared a bull, sacrificed it on their altar, and prayed. Nothing happened. Elijah began to mock them around noon. Then they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears . . . until the blood flowed. . . . (v. 28). Although self-mutilation is not unknown in pagan religions, we can hardly imagine a more gruesome scene. And although unusual events can happen when people interact with the spiritual realm, the antics of the prophets of Baal did not help. Baal did not answer.

When the prophets of Baal were finally done, Elijah repaired an altar of the Lord that had been standing unused. It had probably been built years earlier, ignored by people who had abandoned Jehovah God. When the altar and sacrifice were ready, Elijah prayed a simple prayer. O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, he began, let it be known today that you are God . . . answer me, so these people will know. . . . (v. 36a,37a)

Perhaps you remember the story. The Lord responded with fire that not only burned the sacrifice but that consumed the wood, stones, dust, and even the water he had poured over the sacrifice before he prayed.

And the people? They knew. Falling on their faces they cried, The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God. (v. 39b)

Originally published March 3, 1989.
Picture: Commercial landscape, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

The Enemy Within

The Israelites struggled for 400 years after entering Canaan before they actually possessed the land God had promised. During many of those years, they endured hardship. At one time, the neighboring nation of Midian was so strong that the Israelites lived in mountain crevices and caves. Often, when they planted their crops, the Midianites or other nations would raid them and take their harvest.

But when the Israelites turned away from idols to their true God—when they cried out to the Lord for help (v. 6)—He answered their prayers.

One day the Angel of the Lord came to an inexperienced youth named Gideon, telling him he would lead the Israelites in battle against the Midianites. But the angel's first assignment was a special task. Before he could defeat an enemy from another nation, he must defeat the enemy within. God said, Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Then build a proper kind of altar to the Lord. . . . (v. 25,26 NIV)

This was no small test. Gideon knew people would react in anger and he was afraid for his life. He asked for signs to reassure him all would go well before he followed God’s instruction—and God, who knew his heart, honored his ultimate obedience.

All went well when he followed God's instructions. After that, with a unique and remarkable strategy he led the people and defeated the Midianites. Then he served as an Israelite judge (governmental leader) for 40 years.

Originally published October 5, 1984.
Picture: Como Park, St. Paul, MN, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Throw Them Away

The Canaanites were the people who occupied the promised land before the Israelites arrived. They worshipped idols, and they often enshrined their idols on hills. These idols were a problem for the Israelites. There were even times when the Israelites loved the idols.

We wonder why they would, but idols did not tell them they were sinners. Idols did not tell them to repent—or to feel sorry for sin—or to give up sin. In fact, the people who worshipped idols delighted in encouraging others to get involved in idol worship. When more were involved, they could feel just a little bit better about their activities. At one point, the Israelites said to God’s servant, Give us no more visions of what is right. Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. (Is. 30:10b NIV) They gave themselves to sin.

Throughout Israel’s history, however, a faithful remnant of believers resisted idol worship. And then there were the godly prophets who faithfully brought God's messages of truth.

True messages from God share two facets of His love. Isaiah prophesied judgment. He also prophesied healing from the effects of sin. And he spoke about a time when the Israelites would return to the Lord and throw them [their idols] away. (v. 22)

The Israelites might have felt they could live life however they pleased when they worshipped idols that remained silent. But during times of trouble, the Israelites discovered problems with a god who said nothing—who seemed to be asleep. Then they needed and wanted a living God.

Originally published April 25, 1984 and June 22, 1984.