So, Ahab summoned all the people of Israel and the prophets to Mount Carmel. Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. 1 Kings 18:19-20
I think Elijah was being generous about the people being divided or “hobbling” between two opinions. Most of Israel were following the ways of Baal and the idols of the heathen nations. God called Elijah to prophesy the drought and then to gather the people of Israel with Ahab and the prophets of Baal to a showdown on the mountain. It was no contest and the prophets of Baal utterly failed and God sent fire to consume the water-logged sacrifice of Elijah including the wood, the stones, and the water in the trench. Where do you have divided loyalties with God? Is there anyone or anything that is replacing the Lord’s supremacy in your life? Israel still followed Baal even after God’s great victory on the mountain and the rain that would follow. They were stuck in their ways and refused to allow the Lord to give them new hearts. The world can bring temporary joy, but the only lasting peace and joy comes from God in Christ. May the Lord bless us as we commit to following all the way with not hobbling between opinions this morning. AMEN.
