Preparing for Revival. - I King 18:16-40.
I King 18:16-20
“So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him, and Ahab went to meet Elijah. When he saw Elijah, he said to him, "Is that you, you troubler of Israel?" "I have not made trouble for Israel," Elijah replied. "But you and your father's family have. You have abandoned the LORD's commands and have followed the Baals.
Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table."
So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel.”
The olympics highlight competition among the best athletes in the world. It has been awesome to see those who accomplish individual feats as well as those who work together in teams. I think of the time, effort, sacrifice and money put into these events and people who commit their whole lives to win an award. It is a great achievement from a worldly view and I don’t want to minimize that, for the lessons they learn in competition are noteworthy for the rest of their lives. It is a positive way to exercise commitment, excellence and disciple. Unfortunately, we usually hear stories of cheating, political pressures, and drug use where rules are not followed, but the desire to win at all costs overrides the purpose of the sport.
But what about eternal things?
This week we will look at the conflict between God and the false gods worshiped by Israel. Elijah was to call King Ahab and the nation to revival. The power of God was going to be demonstrated in a most dramatic fashion. The goals were far more important than gold, silver or bronze. It related to the eternal life of their souls. This conflict isn’t with men. It is with Satan and God. Revival begins by exposing sin.
After Obadiah ran into Elijah, he feared for his life for King Ahab wanted to kill anyone who still worshipped Jehovah. Although Obadiah was feeding and hiding true prophets, he knew anyone who knew of Elijah’s whereabouts could suffer death also.
Elijah was more concerned for God’s glory than he was for his own life. He had no fear and when he presented himself to Ahab. Ahab confronts him. “Is that you, you troubler of Israel?” Elijah counters with "I have not made trouble for Israel, but you and your father's family have. You have abandoned the LORD's commands and have followed the Baals.”
We all need to have sin exposed to have the power of the Lord revealed. We have all sinned and unless we face our sin, the power of God is limited. Ahab had abandoned the Lord’s commands and followed false gods. He led others astray. Political power and pleasures kept him from taking God seriously. Whatever comes before God in our lives is an idol.
Ahab refused to change. So, Elijah presented the contest: Which power can end the draught and bring needed rain? Ahab agreed to this contest. He bought forth the prophets of Baal and Asherah, over 850 who eat at the table of Jezebel.
People easily extinguish the fire of the Spirit of God by crowd pressure. Power and pleasure had captured hearts instead of God. The Israelites compromised their faith and ignored the truth for worldly things. Soon evil was thought of as good and God’s voice was harder to hear. His word was ignored. And so it is today.
In our day, so many things have a priority over the Lord. Sin abounds. Fellowship with other Christians is lacking. We see all around us evil. We need revival. Do we really want the Lord of Lords in our lives and churches or are we content to serve self and things of this world? God calls us to follow Him and leave behind the things that so easily entangle us.
Prayer: Revive us again with your power from above!
