His bold faith brought him to a dangerous place.  Elijah took on King Ahab and the prophets of Baal.  He called them to reject Baal worship for the living God.  He challenged them to a “duel” where the true God would answer by sending fire.

The prophets of Baal did everything they could to get their god’s attention. Louder, Even Louder they cried.  Then in desperate measures, even cutting themselves to try to gain Baal’s attention.  But there was only silence. “But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.” (29)

Elijah rebuilt the altar of the LORD.  He placed the sacrifice on the altar and then to make it harder, he had them pour water–lots of water–on the sacrifice.  Then he prayed.

This time, there was an answer.  The living God showed himself to be a God who hears and answers prayer.  He answered by fire, consuming the sacrifice.

We often find it convenient to worship other gods–often gods of our own making or imaginations.  These gods bring us some pleasure or satisfaction, but in the end they cannot save–they bring no real hope.  When we really need someone to be there, someone to answer, we are left with silence.

How good it is to know that there is a God we can always turn to.  One who always listens.  One who is able to save us no matter what dangerous place we find ourselves in.  We have every reason to stop wavering between false gods and the living God.  With confidence, we can devote ourselves wholeheartedly to the one who loves us and hears and answers our prayers.

Cry out to Him today.  He hears.  He will answer.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 135:8-14 | 1 Kings 19:1-21 | Acts 12:1-23 | Proverbs 17:14-15

©2005 by Jeffrey R. Syverson. Feel free to share with others, but give credit where credit is due.