Elijah Stood Up for Pure Worship - A Long Struggle Reaches a Climax

 

For much of his life Elijah had helplessly watched as the best thing about his homeland and his people was pushed aside and trampled underfoot. You see, Israel was in the grip of a long struggle. A war between pure religion and false, betweeb the worship of Jehovah God and the idolatry of the surrounding nations.  In Elijah's day, that struggle had taken an especially ugly turn.

King Ahab had deeply offended Jehovah. He married Jezebel, the daughter of the king of Sidon.  Jezebel was determined to spread Baal worship in the land of Israel and to eradicate the worship of Jehovah. Ahab quickly fell under her influence. He built a temple amd an altar to Baal and took the lead in bowing down to this pagan god. - 1 KINGS 16:30-33. 

What made Baal worship so offensive?  It seduced Israel, turning many away from the true God. It was also a disgusting and brutal religion. It inovlved male and femal temple prostitution, sexual orgies, and even the sacrifice of children.  Jehovah responded by sending Elijah to Ahan to announce a drought that would last until God's prophet proclaimed its end. (1 Kings 17:1)  Several years had passed before Elijah showed himself to Ahab and told him to gather the people and the Baal prophets to Mount Carmel.

What, though, does this struggle mean for us today?  Some might assume that a story about Baal worship is irrelevant now, since we do not see temples and altars to Baal around us. But his account is not mere ancient history.  (Romans 15:4)  The word "Baal" means "owner" or "master." Jehovah told his people that they should choose him as their "baal," or husbandly owner.  (Isaiah 54:5) Would you not agree that people serve a variety of masters other than God Almighty? Whether people use their life n the service of money, career, recreation, sexual pleasure, or any  of the countless gods that are worshipped instead of Jehovah, they choose a master.  (Matthew 6:24; read Romans 6:16) In a sense,  the most potent elements that characterize Baal worship are thriving oday. Reflecting on that ancient contest between  Jehovah and Baal can help us make a wise choice about whom we will serve. 

Next time:Elijah Stood Up for Pure Worship - "Limping" - How?

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