“And I have put My words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of Mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, ‘Thou art My people.'” Isaiah 51:16
It was in the days of Elijah the prophet in Israel, that the Lord took extraordinary measures to awaken His people to their spiritual need, but at the same time provide for them a demonstration of His power so unique and precisely applied, that they would choose to trust in the power of God rather than the words of men. Elijah at told wicked Ahab, king of Israel, to gather all Israel to mount Carmel. He added specifically that the prophets of Baal, which numbered four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves, which numbered four hundred, should be present. It was not by accident that Elijah added, concerning these prophets, that they ate “at Jezebel’s table.” We need to remember that Jezebel was responsible for the murder of “the prophets of the Lord.” (1 Kings 18:13) The people of Israel, for the most part were “in hiding,” doing everything to stay away from both Ahab and Jezebel, for fear of losing their lives. For many, there was not a fundamental committal to God, to believe, trust, and obey Him. There was more of an acceptance of Baal and the false prophets, because it seemed that they had the power to dominate at that time. In other words, the spiritual condition of the nation was very low. Though later the Lord would tell Elijah that He had reserved, and kept, over seven thousand individuals who had not bowed to Baal, the people were indecisive. Even Elijah himself became convinced that he was the only one left remaining who was faithful to God. However, there was certainly much prayer made in secret by the faithful few. God would hear, move, and work to speak through Elijah to awaken the people to a living, true faith. Where did it all begin?
In one of Elijah’s prayers we discover the reason, means, and the fulfilment of God’s purposes at this time, and how He would move to save the people, not only from idolatry, but also, from wicked Ahab and Jezebel. Elija prayed this: “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that Thou art God in Israel, and that I am Thy servant, and that I have done all these things AT THY WORD.” (1 Kings 18:36) We discover here that the entire matter of saving the people began by the initiative, and intervention of God, by His word. He spoke to His servant Elijah with such clarity and conviction, and power, that Elijah would stand in essence before the whole nation, and all of those who represented the wickedess of Ahab and Jezebel. Elijah stands as a pillar of strength and conviction, not only a signpost to give direction the people, but also, a demonstration of the power of God, so that the people will be convinced that God was present, revealing His power, and thus, was worthy of total trust and commitment by the people.
Elijah, after seeing the failure of Jezebel’s prophets to call down fire out of heaven, rose, built an altar, arranged the sacrifice upon it, and then prayed. His prayer was very simple: “Herar me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that Thou art the Lord God, and that Thou hast turned their heart back again.” (18:37) The result of his prayer was the “fire of the Lord” falling, and consuming the sacrifice. Such a demonstration of the presence and power of God who answers prayer, was sufficient for the people to fall on their faces, declaring: “The Lord, He is the God; the Lord, He is the God.” It was in the word of God to Elijah, spoken to the people, that the power of God was revealed. Faith was again born in the hearts of the people, a true faith in the true, and living God.
Dear Father, Show us thy power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.