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.

Solemnly Forewarned

After the prophet Samuel had served many years as the Israelite’s judge—years during which he judged the people fairly—they decided they wanted a king like the nations that surrounded them.

Samuel was distraught. He felt they were rejecting him and his ministry, but God spoke to Samuel and provided a different viewpoint: they have rejected Me . . . However, you shall solemnly forewarn them and show them the behavior of the king who will reign. . . . ( I Sam. 8:7,9 NKJV)

Samuel obeyed God and warned the people as God said he should. He listed the cruel demands and devices of kings. But when they persisted, and when God arranged the circumstances, Samuel followed God’s Word to him. He anointed Saul—and the people of Israel made Saul their king.

But Samuel was still disturbed. Although he had warned the people once, he warned them again: if you do not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel . . . that Lord will be against you. . . . 12:14,15) He emphasized that the people must serve and obey God rather than the king, but he knew it his heart, that his warnings would not have a lasting effect. He knew the people would turn to their king. And yet, as a prophet, he felt compelled to warn them. (12:14,15)

Originally published September 19, 1986.

She Made a Vow

Sometimes God’s people have to get serious when they pray. And sometimes, when they get serious, they make a vow.

Hannah did. After years of taunting and emotional persecution by members of the family, she had a purpose when she went on the family’s yearly pilgrimage to the Tabernacle in Shiloh. There she wept and bared her heart before God, and then she prayed, [I]f you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord . . .” (I Sam. 1:11a NIV)

After Eli the priest blessed her, Hannah returned home, and within a year she gave birth to Samuel. Several years later, when Samuel was weaned, Hannah fulfilled her vow. She took him back to Shiloh, and there she gave him to the Lord by placing him with Eli.

Samuel ministered to the Lord in Shiloh. He became a prophet who called Israel back to God. He was also the last judge to serve as the governmental leader of Israel. He even anointed Saul, the first king—and then he anointed King David.

The heart-felt vow of the desperate Hannah helped shape the history of Israel.

Originally published May 13, 1983.

Respond to the Call

Deborah was one of the early judges or governmental leaders of the Israelites after they settled in Canaan. She was also a prophetess, and she met the needs of the people as she sat under a Palm tree. Truly, these were primitive people living in primitive times—but they responded to a woman’s leadership.

When Israel was called to fight a Canaanite commander named Sisera, Deborah knew it was a time to exercise a different type of leadership. She became a military leader, and in this new position she called for a united effort by reaching out to all twelve tribes of Israel.

Some responded and some did not, but with her general named Barak, she led the army into battle. Then another woman, a woman named Jael , entered the story by responding to the call as well. She killed the enemy general!

When it was over—and when the battle was won through the efforts of many and through the initiatives of two women—Deborah sang a song of victory. She mentioned those who failed to respond: there was much searching of heart . . . Why did you stay among the campfires. . . ? (Judges 5:15c,16a NIV) She emphasized those who came forward to join: When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves—praise the Lord! (v. 2)

God had encouraged the people and given them the faith, wisdom, and strength they needed to prevail. Deborah had reason to rejoice.

Originally published July 29, 1988.
Picture: Commercial landscape, Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

The Ultimate Prophet

Jesus was a prophet; He proclaimed Truth and He foretold events. When one of His disciples looked at Jerusalem—and historians say the city, especially the Temple, was beautiful—he couldn’t suppress his excitement.

Jesus was not so excited. He replied, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” (Mk. 13:1,2 NKJV) We know Jesus wasn’t happy to share this particular knowledge. But the prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD when the Romans destroyed all of Jerusalem—including the temple.

Prophets do two things. First, as seers (see-ers) they perceive or see and they understand things others do not understand. Second, as tell-ers they tell others what they saw if God tells them to share it with others.

Jesus was the ultimate prophet during His earthly ministry. He was the One who saw and understood all things—and He was the One who told or revealed all truth. In fact, Jesus not only understood and proclaimed truth, but He was Truth. As God Incarnate, the Living Word, everything He said and did expressed the nature of His Father.

Originally published January 22, 1988.