| BAAL DEFEATED |

We are now well into the account of the kings of Israel and Judah (the Northern and Southern kingdoms). Ahab was one of the most wicked kings of them all. Ahab led the people into the worship of the false god, Baal. Elijah was a prophet of God during the wicked reign of King Ahab. Today’s reading is a wonderful account of God demonstrating that he alone is God.

The account begins with Elijah asking an important question. It is one of the most practical questions that we can ask. Is God truly God? Who is really the Creator, Sustainer and Ruler of the universe? If the Lord really is God, then we simply must follow after him. Any other decision is foolish in the face of the God of the universe.

Elijah then demonstrates before the people that the Lord alone truly is God. He did this in a resounding fashion. The Baal prophets tried all they could to cry out to their false god. Meanwhile, Elijah mocked them. Perhaps Baal was busy or asleep or going to the bathroom. But when Elijah calls out to the Lord, the Lord is pleased to consume the sacrifice and demonstrate that he alone is God.

Some may ask why God does not prove himself in this way for us today. But we should consider the evidence. Jesus, who is himself God, rose from the dead. The evidence for the resurrection is daunting. What better evidence do we have for the truth of God than that his Gospel is confirmed in the resurrection? If you are interested in more on the resurrection, I would recommend Jonathan Dodson’s short book, “Raised: Finding Jesus by Doubting the Resurrection.”