Vol. 1, No. 12
M – 2016
If the Lord is God, follow Him! If Baal is God, follow him! But the people were completely silent. 1 Kings 18:21
The silence was deafening. They raved all afternoon until the time of the evening sacrifice, but still there was no reply, no voice, no answer. The only sound was perhaps the sandal of Elijah as his feet scooted along the ground in his busyness before the One who was his Supreme Leader.
The false leader (god) had his chance; now Almighty God would demonstrate His power and authority.
It is interesting what Elijah does not do:
- He does not lecture
- He does not pronounce a three-point sermon
- He does not admonish
- He does not force something “fresh” upon them to “blend” with the times
It is also interesting what Elijah does:
- He repairs the altar—he does not leave it in ruins (vs 30)
- He takes 12 stones—each represents a tribe in Israel (vs 31) [their future is tied to their heritage]
- He pours water upon the wood laid for fire—four jars, three times [picturing the attempts to extinguish the work of God]
- He speaks about their practice—their drift from that which God established
- He reminds them that God is eternal—he reminds of what lasts (vs 37)
- He states his case—in terms of their spiritual heritage
- He prays—Lord, your people need to know You . . . Lord, your people need to be brought back to You (vss 36-37)
Often those who contest God play games. God always wins.
Leaders of government, institutions, churches, and businesses often play games to accomplish what they want. They often rely on the latest fads of color, programs, and secular appeal. However, the reliable is that which is shown dependable; and, the reliable is based on absolute truth, integrity, justice, and righteousness.
What should leaders do to develop following leaders; the latest of fads, or use the reliable truths imbedded in success God’s way?
Let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29
