5 April | EVERYONE
“Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, ‘The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!’” 1 Kings 18:38-39
The drought had already lasted three years. The ground languished in the death throes—dying soil, a territory with struggle and conflict. On that day, the prophets of God and the prophets of Baal stood face to face. Baal was the name of a pagan god of the Canaanites. Baal worship had infiltrated Jewish religious life by the time of the judges (Judges 3:7) and expanded into Israel during the reign of Ahab (1 Kings 16:31-33).
'Baal' means 'lord.' In general, he was the god of fertility, considered capable of fertilizing the earth to produce in abundance. But Elijah defied the forces of the pagan god. The prophets of Baal would have the opportunity to prove that their god was real and powerful. The altars and firewood were ready. The animals had been slaughtered. All that was missing was fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice. Then the people would know who was worthy of worship.
Ever since Lucifer rebelled in heaven, he claimed worship and obedience for himself. The central theme of the conflict between Christ and Satan was always worship and obedience. God did not cause the conflict. He is the absolute Creator and Lord of the universe. Yet in every book of Scripture, we see this struggle symbolized and described in many ways. A part of that conflict took place on Mount Carmel.
The prophets of Baal cried out, pleaded and screamed until they bled, but the fire did not descend. Instead, when Elijah prayed, God's power was manifested, and the sacrifice was consumed. There was no longer any doubt for the assembled crowd. Only God deserves worship.
Therefore, in heaven, when all is over, the redeemed will sing, "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created” (Revelation 4:11).
Take Action
The main lesson of that experience on Mount Carmel is not that Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal, but that he chose the one God who truly satisfies. Meditate on it by drawing as many lessons as you can. Sing "Elijah and the Prophets of Baal" (if possible, with your family).