What made Baal worship so offensive ? It seduced Israel. luring many away from the true God. It was also a disgusting and brutal religion. It involved male and female temple prostitution, sexual orgies, and 3even the sacrifice of children. Jehovah responded by sending Elijah to Ahab to announce a drougth would last until God's prophet proclaimed its end. (1 Kings 17:1) Several years passed before Elijah showed himself to Ahab and told him to gather the peopleand 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 this 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 4:5) Would you not agree that people will serve a variety of masters other than God Almighty? Whether people use their life in 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 Sense, the most potent elements that characterize Baal worship are thriving today. Reflecting on that ancient contest between Jehovah and Baal can help us make a wise decision about whom we will serve.
Next time: "Limping" - How?
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