Chapter Ten -Elijah Stood Up for Pure Worship

 

The Answer

Late in the afternoon came Elijajh's turn to offer a sacrifice. He repaired an altar to Jehovah that had been torn down, no doubt by enemies of pure worship.  He used 12 stones perhaps reminding many in the 10-tribe nation  of Israel that the La given to all 12 tribes was still binding on them.  Then he laid out his sacrifice and had everything doused with water, possibly obtained  from the Mediterannean Sea nearby. He even had a trench dug around the altar and filled it with water. Just as he had given the prophets of Baal every advantage, he gave Jehovah every advantage-such was his confidence in his God. - ! KINGS 18:30-35.

When everything was ready, Elijah said a prayer. Eloquent in its simplicity, the prayer showd clearly where Elijah's priorities lay.  First and foremost, he wanted it known that Jehova, not this Baal, was "God in Israel." Second, he wanted everyone to know his own role was that of Jehovah's servant; all glory and credit should go to God. Finally, he showed that he still cared about his people, for he was eager to see Jehovah turn "turn their  heart back." (1 Kings 18:36, 37)  Despite all the misesry that they had caused by their faithlessness, Elijah still loved them.  In our own prayers to God can we manifest similar humility, concern for God's name, and compassion for others who need help?

Before Elijah's prayer, the crowds there might have wondered if Jehovah would turn out to be an empty lie, as Baal had proved to be. After the prayer, though, there was no time for wondering.  The account says: "At that the fire of  Jehovah came falling and went eating up the burnt offering and the pieces of wood and the stones and the dust, and the water that was in the trench it licked up."  (1 Kings 18:38) What a spectacular answer! And how did the people respond? 

Next time: Chapter Ten -Elijah Stood Up for Pure Worshp - Conclusion of The Answer

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