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This morning’s post is a rerun from a blog we posted back in 2015 that we find so relevant today.
It is about the service of Elijah the prophet of God. It is three years after he had prophesied that a drought of three years was to occur. He has now returned to challenge the prophets of Baal before the people of Israel. He asks this question, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” (1 King 18:21)
The challenge was put forth to see which God would light their altar with fire. The prophets of Baal made an altar, prayed, and cut themselves until their blood flowed. But Baal could not respond. Elijah also built an altar, set out twelve stones to represent Israel, and had water poured on the wooden altar. Elijah then prayed,” Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me Lord, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” (1 Kings 18:36-37)
The fire came and consumed the altar even the water in the trench. The Glory of God was seen by all of the people. They fell on their faces and began to praise, “The Lord-He is God! The Lord-He is God! (1 Kings 18:39) When God’s Glory is manifested something inside of you responds with praise. You can try to ignore God’s Glory, but your eyes cannot “un see” it; and your heart cannot “un feel” it. It is a glimpse of all that God-is, and it moves us to praise. It draws us to God Himself. For the people of Israel on that day, it was an all consuming fire that drew them back to God.
God shows His Glory in many ways. When Elijah became fearful after all that God had done, he was instructed to go stand on the mountain. We learned that while he was standing on the mountain a strong destructive wind blew, but God was not in the wind! An earthquake and a fire came but the Lord was not in the earthquake or the fire. Then, he heard a gentle whisper and stepped out of the cave. Elijah heard the voice of the Lord and responded. Yes, God could come in the earthquake and fire, but most often he comes in that small gentle voice that is calling your name.
How glorious is it that God speaks to our humanity, and calms our fearful souls. Elijah proceeded to give the Lord all of his service. He continued to show God’s Glory until he was caught up in the whirlwind, and taken to be with God. At times we are blinded to the fact that God’s Glory is all around us. We become fearful, and the enemy uses it to tear us down. Remember what the prophet Elisha said to his servant when they were surrounded by the enemy, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”(2 Kings 6:16)
Then he prayed a simple but remarkable prayer, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” (2 Kings 6:17) That is a powerful prayer. Elisha was not afraid because he could see God’s army all around him. His victory was already complete. The enemy was outnumbered and didn’t know it. Now his servant could also see the hand of God. Oh Hallelujah! Let us pray, “Open our eyes, Lord, so that we may see.” Let us stand victorious in God’s Glory.
We Love you
Pastors Willie and Rochelle McIntosh
