Saturday, 18 May 2013

1 Kings 18:20-40.
The Victory on Mt. Carmel over Baal worship. Elijah, the prophet of God, against the 450 prophets of Baal. What are the lessons we can draw from this passage in Scripture?
1. The people of God were in an idolatrous state, but even so God reserved 7,000 who did not bow the knee to Baal. He always does so.
In every age and period of time God has a faithful remnant who do not compromise their faith and witness in Christ. Here, in this passage, we have a type of the Church of the last days. Much activity and works but no real Holy Spirit power. Only the prophet of God stands faithful in a backslidden people-the messenger of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
There is a drought in the land, i.e. scarcity of water, the pure Word of God, in spite of much preaching in the Church, mostly to itching ears-Amos 8:11. We need Revival, we need the move of the Holy Spirit and the power of God.
2. The man of God stands apart, no compromise in His message. It is God's message to the people.
In solitary confinement for three and a half years, but he is kept by God. A man who obeys God's commands. God preserves and prepares him for the fire to come.
The man God uses knows how to wait on God. It is not his message. God's Name is at stake. He is a type of John the Baptist who came in the spirit of Elijah. The man who is prepared to wait on God, is prepared by God and used when God has put in him what God wants to say.
3. The trial by Fire. One man stands against 450 prophets of Baal. The odds are enormous, but Elijah knows his God, like David did. Elijah is prepared.
The prophets of Baal produce a lot of noise but no fire. False worship and empty religion leaves the common people naked of of any real faith. When the false prophets come to their end, the man of God is ready. The Altar is prepared, worship must begin. Are our Christian lives in a sorry state? Mend things and our broken lives for God to begin the healing process.
The sacrifice is placed on the Altar. Our lives should be offered as a burnt sacrifice to the Lord-Romans 12:1. The wood is placed and something precious-Water. There is a drought but the people are asked to offer what is precious to them. All must be offered to Jehovah if we are going to see the fire come down. Nothing held back. Do we need Revival? We have to pay the cost.
The man of God offers a simple prayer. The spiritual preparation was done before in the wilderness, being alone with God for three and a half yeras. No Revival is recorded that has not been preceeded by prayer, repentance and seeking God.
When all is ready the Fire from Heaven comes down and licks everything-sacrifice, wood, rocks, water, dust. The power of the Holy Spirit leaves no room in our lives for anything carnal or of the world. All must be burned on the Altar of God.
4. The people fall on their faces and acknowledge the Lordship of their God. Earlier, Elijah challenged the people as to their allegiance. When the fire fell they had no doubt who was on the Throne. When Revival comes, the Holy Spirit will convict of sin. Salvation belongs to our God.
5. The end of Baal worship and the slaughter of his prophets. No room for idolatry in a heart cleansed by the Blood of the Lamb. Revival means restoration to God's vibrant life, Christ's life. The cleansing of the Church is the work of the Holy Spirit.

No comments:

Post a Comment