King Ahab was one of a long line of evil kings who ruled Israel. To make matters worse his wife Jezebel was just as evil, if not more so. Even today, calling someone a Jezebel is no compliment! The worst thing they did was to turn the hearts of the people of Israel from the one true God to false gods. Baal was the god of sun and fire and Asherah, Baal’s wife the goddess of fertility. These god promised to increase crops and provide abundance and blessing to those who worshiped them. Elijah was appointed as God’s prophet to confront Ahab regarding idol worship, but Ahab paid no mind to Elijah’s warning. The message from God foretold a devastating drought until Ahab and the people turned from their idolatry. Elijah was forced into hiding. The drought was so severe, people were dying, and Elijah was a “wanted” man. After three years, God sent Elijah once again to confront Ahab. Elijah proposed a contest to determine the real God, or gods. It was agreed that the people would gather at Mt. Carmel, along with 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah. Elijah on one side and all the others against him. The contest required that the true God/god send fire from heaven to burn up the sacrifice that was placed on the altar. After a full day of praying, dancing and ritualistic appeals, Baal and Asherah didn’t show up. When Elijah prayed, God displayed his power in a mighty way, devouring the sacrifice, altar, dirt and everything around it! The people turned their hearts back to God!

Scriptures – Mt 22:37-38; 1 Ki 16:30, 18:17-21, 24, 27, 36-39; Re 3:15-16

Verse – He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment.” (Mt 22:37-38) Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing. (1 Ki 18:21) “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” (Re 3:15-16)

Thought – Elijah is just one of the many prophets sent by God to bring Israel back to him. Time after time they chased other gods and wavered between the one true God and the false gods who promised much but failed to deliver. With Having witnessed many of God’s mighty acts, why were the Israelites so unfaithful? How could anyone be drawn into worshiping idols carved from wood or gold? The very idea of bowing to a carved image/idol seems crazy. However, we bow to many things and allow our love for God to waver between the gods of this world and the one true God. Our culture likes to pick and choose what to believe—build-a-faith. For many Christians, the Bible is a segmented document with parts they choose to believe and parts they choose to ignore. If the Lord is God, follow him; sell out and go all in! If material possessions, pleasure, power, prestige—Baal is god, then go for it. God will not tolerate lukewarm faith. When you realize how much God loves you, understand what he did to save you, let it really soak in, the false gods will be seen for what they are—false! It’s a decision we each must make!

Questions – Is there an area where you are wavering? What things in your life have you placed ahead of God? What are the top 3 things you spend your time doing? What are the top 3 things you spend your money doing?

Response – Sincerely ask God if there is anything you are putting ahead of him. Listen and be open to what he has to say. Be honest with yourself and with God. Commit yourself to him fully, unwavering, all in!

Prayer – Dear God, I want to be wholly yours. Keep my heart and my mind wrapped around your word, your truth and your purpose for my life. Help me to be unwavering in my love for you alone! In Jesus Name I pray, amen.