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

 What made Baal worship so offensive? It seduced Israel, luring many away from the true God.  It was a disgusting and brutal religion. It involved male and female temple prostitution, sexual orgies, and even the sacrifice of children. Jehovah responded by sending Elijah to Ahab to announce a drought that would last until God's prophet proclaimed its end. (1 Kings17:1) Several years 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 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 54:5) Would you not agree that people still 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 a sense, the most potent elements that characterize Baal worship are thriving today. Reflecting  on that ancient context between Jehovah and Baal can  help us to make a wise choice about whom we will serve.

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

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