Luke 3:15
NCV: Since the people were hoping for the Christ to come, they wondered if John might be the one. John 3:28 You yourselves heard me say, ‘I am not the Christ, but I am the one sent to prepare the way for him.’
What make this people wondered whether or not if John the Baptist was the expectant One that is to come, the Messiah? It starts with John 3:22-26 that Jesus and his followers went into the area of Judea and baptizing the people. John the Baptist was also baptizing people nearby because there was plenty of water. His followers told John the Baptist that everyone was coming to Christ and being water baptized. There were more numbers of people coming to Christ than John. John the Baptist had an answer.
John 3:27-30 NCV: John answered, “A man can get only what God gives him. You yourselves heard me say, ‘I am not the Christ, but I am the one sent to prepare the way for him.’ The bride belongs only to the bridegroom. But the friend who helps the bridegroom stands by and listens to him. He is thrilled that he gets to hear the bridegroom’s voice. In the same way, I am really happy. He must become greater, and I must become less important.
John’s Testimony to Jesus
John 3:31-36 NCV: The One who comes from above is greater than all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and talks about things on the earth. But the One who comes from heaven is greater than all. He tells what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts what he says. Whoever accepts what he says has proven that God is true. The One whom God sent speaks the words of God, because God gives him the Spirit fully. The Father loves the Son and has given him power over everything. Those who believe in the Son have eternal life, but those who do not obey the Son will never have life. God’s anger stays on them.
John the Baptist quoted from John 3:30 KJV: He must increase, but I must decrease. NCV quoted, ‘He must become greater, and I must become less important.’ John the Baptist is a true prophet who would admit that he is not the Christ and a perfect example who would exalt Christ. Why is this important? Because in Luke 21:8 Jesus said, ‘Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ… go ye not therefore after them.’ Let us hear the words of Christ and prepare our hearts to watch out for those who might try to deceive us. Satan is out to destroy us. Prayers will keep us close to God and be filled with Holy Spirit. May God bless you.
[To be continued]
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
John the Baptist’s Insight
Matthew 3:1, 8,9
NCV: v1. About that time John the Baptist began preaching in the desert area of Judea. v8. Do the things that show you really have changed your hearts and lives. v9. And don’t think you can say to yourselves, ‘Abraham is our father.’ I tell you that God could make children for Abraham from these rocks.
Matt. 3:9 AMP: And do not presume to say to yourselves, We have Abraham for our forefather; for I tell you God is able to raise up descendants for Abraham from these stones!
John the Baptist began his ministry as ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness’ and he was bringing attention to the people to get ready for the Messiah to come. He was quoting from Isaiah, the prophet prophesied about him. This brought attention to many of the Pharisees and Sadducees and other religious leaders who came to hear him preach. As they were listening to John the Baptist’s preaching about ‘bring forth fruits meet for repentance,’ they thought to themselves and said, ‘We are descendants of Abraham. We are important people. We do not need to repent and be water baptized. We just came to find out if he is the Messiah and would help Israel to rule the nations and force all people to obey God’s law. We have the law of Moses as well.’
John the Baptist, the prophet had an insight of their thoughts. God opened his spiritual eyes and John the Baptist read their thoughts. He rebuked them for thinking that just because they were from ‘Abraham’s descendants, they did not need to repent or change their lives.’ Do you ever wonder what John the Baptist meant when he quoted, “God is able to raise up descendants for Abraham from these stones?” This was really an insult to the religious leaders. It meant that God can turn the stones which are nothing to become people and to say they were from Abraham. Their being so religious that kept them from repentance do not save them from the ‘wrath of God.’ John the Baptist warned them that if they do not repent and show forth good fruit, they would be cut down and cast into hell. This is an ‘ouch, ouch’!
John the Baptist as a prophet had an insight of their thoughts and nothing was hidden from God. This story reminds us that our hidden thoughts are open to God and let us repent whatever our thoughts may not be pleasing to God. My favorite verse from the Bible: James 4:10 “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He shall lift you up.” Holy Spirit often reminds me of James 4:10 to correct my secret thoughts and keep me from judging others. Keep yourself humble before the Lord even if others have wrong you or hurt you. The Lord will bless you and He will lift you up into His presence of joy.
NCV: v1. About that time John the Baptist began preaching in the desert area of Judea. v8. Do the things that show you really have changed your hearts and lives. v9. And don’t think you can say to yourselves, ‘Abraham is our father.’ I tell you that God could make children for Abraham from these rocks.
Matt. 3:9 AMP: And do not presume to say to yourselves, We have Abraham for our forefather; for I tell you God is able to raise up descendants for Abraham from these stones!
John the Baptist began his ministry as ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness’ and he was bringing attention to the people to get ready for the Messiah to come. He was quoting from Isaiah, the prophet prophesied about him. This brought attention to many of the Pharisees and Sadducees and other religious leaders who came to hear him preach. As they were listening to John the Baptist’s preaching about ‘bring forth fruits meet for repentance,’ they thought to themselves and said, ‘We are descendants of Abraham. We are important people. We do not need to repent and be water baptized. We just came to find out if he is the Messiah and would help Israel to rule the nations and force all people to obey God’s law. We have the law of Moses as well.’
John the Baptist, the prophet had an insight of their thoughts. God opened his spiritual eyes and John the Baptist read their thoughts. He rebuked them for thinking that just because they were from ‘Abraham’s descendants, they did not need to repent or change their lives.’ Do you ever wonder what John the Baptist meant when he quoted, “God is able to raise up descendants for Abraham from these stones?” This was really an insult to the religious leaders. It meant that God can turn the stones which are nothing to become people and to say they were from Abraham. Their being so religious that kept them from repentance do not save them from the ‘wrath of God.’ John the Baptist warned them that if they do not repent and show forth good fruit, they would be cut down and cast into hell. This is an ‘ouch, ouch’!
John the Baptist as a prophet had an insight of their thoughts and nothing was hidden from God. This story reminds us that our hidden thoughts are open to God and let us repent whatever our thoughts may not be pleasing to God. My favorite verse from the Bible: James 4:10 “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He shall lift you up.” Holy Spirit often reminds me of James 4:10 to correct my secret thoughts and keep me from judging others. Keep yourself humble before the Lord even if others have wrong you or hurt you. The Lord will bless you and He will lift you up into His presence of joy.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Faith in the Son of God
I John 5:1-5 NCV
FIVE QUESTION TO ASK YOU.
1. What do you believe?
v1. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is God’s child, and whoever loves the Father also loves the Father’s children.
2. How do you know?
v2. This is how we know we love God’s children: when we love God and obey his commands.
3. What action can you prove?
v3. Loving God means obeying his commands. And God’s commands are not too hard for us,
4. How do you conquer the world?
v4. because everyone who is a child of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world—our faith.
5. How do you win against the world?
v5. So the one who wins against the world is the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
BELIEVE . . . LOVE.
True faith will show our thankfulness to and love for the Father and Jesus Christ His Son. So faith and love comes together, and they cannot be separated. Why? Because when we are born of God, the Holy Spirit pours forth the love of God into our hearts.
BY THIS WE KNOW.
KJV says in verse 2, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments.” Love for others is a true Christian love only if it comes together, love for God and keeps His commandments.
OVERCOME THE WORLD . . . OUR FAITH.
There are lots of problems in this world that could “scare” us what future holds for us. This is where we need our faith to overcome the world’s problem and keep our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ through constant prayers and study His Word and let it dwell in our hearts to have complete trust in Him.
Dorothy:
The purpose of five questions would help us to know what we believe and be able to stand upon the Word of God against false teachings. John talks a lot about false teachers and how to watch out for it. I like this short song that helps us to stand for Him.
Song: CHRIST FOR ME
Christ for me, yes it’s Christ for me,
He’s my Saviour, my Lord and King;
I’m so happy I shout and sing;
Every day as I go my way it is Christ for me.
[Words & Music by Alex Burns]
FIVE QUESTION TO ASK YOU.
1. What do you believe?
v1. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is God’s child, and whoever loves the Father also loves the Father’s children.
2. How do you know?
v2. This is how we know we love God’s children: when we love God and obey his commands.
3. What action can you prove?
v3. Loving God means obeying his commands. And God’s commands are not too hard for us,
4. How do you conquer the world?
v4. because everyone who is a child of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world—our faith.
5. How do you win against the world?
v5. So the one who wins against the world is the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
BELIEVE . . . LOVE.
True faith will show our thankfulness to and love for the Father and Jesus Christ His Son. So faith and love comes together, and they cannot be separated. Why? Because when we are born of God, the Holy Spirit pours forth the love of God into our hearts.
BY THIS WE KNOW.
KJV says in verse 2, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments.” Love for others is a true Christian love only if it comes together, love for God and keeps His commandments.
OVERCOME THE WORLD . . . OUR FAITH.
There are lots of problems in this world that could “scare” us what future holds for us. This is where we need our faith to overcome the world’s problem and keep our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ through constant prayers and study His Word and let it dwell in our hearts to have complete trust in Him.
Dorothy:
The purpose of five questions would help us to know what we believe and be able to stand upon the Word of God against false teachings. John talks a lot about false teachers and how to watch out for it. I like this short song that helps us to stand for Him.
Song: CHRIST FOR ME
Christ for me, yes it’s Christ for me,
He’s my Saviour, my Lord and King;
I’m so happy I shout and sing;
Every day as I go my way it is Christ for me.
[Words & Music by Alex Burns]
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Malachi Prophecy Elijah
Malachi 4:5-6a NCV
But I will send you Elijah the prophet before that great and terrifying day of the Lord’s judging. v6. Elijah will help parents love their children and the children love their parents.
Note: Malachi prophesies that Elijah would come and minister before the coming day of the Lord. The New Testament reveals that this prophecy refers to John the Baptist, who, “in the spirit and power of Elijah,” prepared the way for the Messiah.
Luke 1:16-17 Angel spoke to Zechariah about John being like Elijah.
And he will turn back many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. And it is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the Spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children and the disobedient to the attitudes of the righteous so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. [New American Standard]
Matthew 11:13-14 NCV
All the prophets and the Law of Moses told about what would happen until the time John came. And if you will believe that John is Elijah, whom they said would come.
Dorothy:
I find this interesting because I notice how they fit together about the theme: Elijah, the prophet who refers to John the Baptist. Malachi was the last 39th books of the Bible to talk about the coming of the “Elijah” and he was to prepare the way of the Lord. John the Baptist like Elijah preached to the people to turn their hearts back to the Lord. At those times, John the Baptist focused on the families to get right with God and each other. John encouraged the fathers to love their children by praying for them and teaching them God’s word. Pastors, like John the Baptist is to prepare the people for the Lord’s coming again.
What this means to me?
I was inspired how the Lord arranged things. After the book of Malachi, there was silent for 400 years. In the book of Luke, the angel Gabriel met with Zechariah and he was to name a son, John and he was to introduce Christ to the people. In the book of Matthew, Jesus tells us that now He is the One whom all the prophets prophesied about Him. It is like Jesus is saying, “Hey, this is Me. I am finally here.” Oh, the wonder of it all just to think how God loves you and me.
But I will send you Elijah the prophet before that great and terrifying day of the Lord’s judging. v6. Elijah will help parents love their children and the children love their parents.
Note: Malachi prophesies that Elijah would come and minister before the coming day of the Lord. The New Testament reveals that this prophecy refers to John the Baptist, who, “in the spirit and power of Elijah,” prepared the way for the Messiah.
Luke 1:16-17 Angel spoke to Zechariah about John being like Elijah.
And he will turn back many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. And it is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the Spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children and the disobedient to the attitudes of the righteous so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. [New American Standard]
Matthew 11:13-14 NCV
All the prophets and the Law of Moses told about what would happen until the time John came. And if you will believe that John is Elijah, whom they said would come.
Dorothy:
I find this interesting because I notice how they fit together about the theme: Elijah, the prophet who refers to John the Baptist. Malachi was the last 39th books of the Bible to talk about the coming of the “Elijah” and he was to prepare the way of the Lord. John the Baptist like Elijah preached to the people to turn their hearts back to the Lord. At those times, John the Baptist focused on the families to get right with God and each other. John encouraged the fathers to love their children by praying for them and teaching them God’s word. Pastors, like John the Baptist is to prepare the people for the Lord’s coming again.
What this means to me?
I was inspired how the Lord arranged things. After the book of Malachi, there was silent for 400 years. In the book of Luke, the angel Gabriel met with Zechariah and he was to name a son, John and he was to introduce Christ to the people. In the book of Matthew, Jesus tells us that now He is the One whom all the prophets prophesied about Him. It is like Jesus is saying, “Hey, this is Me. I am finally here.” Oh, the wonder of it all just to think how God loves you and me.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Elijah, the Prophet 3
Theme: A True Prophet's Characters, Elijah.
Story from1 King 19:1-7 and 1 King 19:8-14,18. See part 2 for reading.
King Ahab returned home to tell his wife, Jezebel, the Queen all that Elijah had done. This anger Jezebel which she wanted to kill Elijah because he had all 850 false prophets killed. Elijah escaped from her and went on a long trip to south. This story is interested because there is a difference between the false prophets and the true prophet, Elijah. What kind of a person was the Old Testament prophet like? Since we read the story of Elijah, I would like to share few of the examples, the kind of character the true prophet have.
First, Elijah was a person who had a close relationship with God and Elijah became God’s confident. God could trust Elijah to do the job He asked him to. Secondly, since Elijah was close to God, Elijah was in sympathy with God because God was suffering because of the sins of His people. Elijah not only heard God’s voice but also felt His heart, and experienced His emotional reactions of anger toward sins. Elijah understood God’s purpose, will and desires. Thirdly, Elijah like God, deeply loved the people of Israel. When the people were hurting, the true prophet felt the deep pain. The true prophet wanted God’s best for them and the messages was not only a warnings but also words of hope and comfort. Fourth, Elijah put his complete trust in God and he was loyal to God. A true prophet warned against trusting in other things, such as human wisdom, wealth, power, or other gods. Elijah, like a true prophet continued to encourage the people to live by God’s covenant in order to receive God’s redemptive blessings. Fifth, Elijah, the true prophet had a deep sensitivity to sin and evil. A true prophet shared God’s love of righteousness and His hatred of iniquity or sins. Sixth, Elijah was totally dedicated to God and he hated halfhearted commitment, shunned the middle road, and demanded complete faithfulness to God. Elijah, constantly challenged the people of Israel to worship only God of Israel and not turn to other gods. Seven, Elijah was in conflicts with false prophets who often predict peace, prosperity and security for God’s sinful people. Elijah was often a man of loneliness because he was willing to stand alone for God. Finally, Elijah had succeed changed the hearts of people to choose God only. That is a character of a true prophet of the Old Testament. Since 2000 years ago, it still applies to a “true prophet, true preacher, true teacher and a true Christian who helped others to turn their hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.”
The purpose of these characters of a true prophet helped us to see the difference between the false prophets, and false teachers. Jesus spoke a lot about them. So I pray that the Holy Spirit will open our spiritual eyes to be able to compare our characters with Elijah's characters and be changed through the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus' name. Amen! God loves you and so do I.
Story from1 King 19:1-7 and 1 King 19:8-14,18. See part 2 for reading.
King Ahab returned home to tell his wife, Jezebel, the Queen all that Elijah had done. This anger Jezebel which she wanted to kill Elijah because he had all 850 false prophets killed. Elijah escaped from her and went on a long trip to south. This story is interested because there is a difference between the false prophets and the true prophet, Elijah. What kind of a person was the Old Testament prophet like? Since we read the story of Elijah, I would like to share few of the examples, the kind of character the true prophet have.
First, Elijah was a person who had a close relationship with God and Elijah became God’s confident. God could trust Elijah to do the job He asked him to. Secondly, since Elijah was close to God, Elijah was in sympathy with God because God was suffering because of the sins of His people. Elijah not only heard God’s voice but also felt His heart, and experienced His emotional reactions of anger toward sins. Elijah understood God’s purpose, will and desires. Thirdly, Elijah like God, deeply loved the people of Israel. When the people were hurting, the true prophet felt the deep pain. The true prophet wanted God’s best for them and the messages was not only a warnings but also words of hope and comfort. Fourth, Elijah put his complete trust in God and he was loyal to God. A true prophet warned against trusting in other things, such as human wisdom, wealth, power, or other gods. Elijah, like a true prophet continued to encourage the people to live by God’s covenant in order to receive God’s redemptive blessings. Fifth, Elijah, the true prophet had a deep sensitivity to sin and evil. A true prophet shared God’s love of righteousness and His hatred of iniquity or sins. Sixth, Elijah was totally dedicated to God and he hated halfhearted commitment, shunned the middle road, and demanded complete faithfulness to God. Elijah, constantly challenged the people of Israel to worship only God of Israel and not turn to other gods. Seven, Elijah was in conflicts with false prophets who often predict peace, prosperity and security for God’s sinful people. Elijah was often a man of loneliness because he was willing to stand alone for God. Finally, Elijah had succeed changed the hearts of people to choose God only. That is a character of a true prophet of the Old Testament. Since 2000 years ago, it still applies to a “true prophet, true preacher, true teacher and a true Christian who helped others to turn their hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.”
The purpose of these characters of a true prophet helped us to see the difference between the false prophets, and false teachers. Jesus spoke a lot about them. So I pray that the Holy Spirit will open our spiritual eyes to be able to compare our characters with Elijah's characters and be changed through the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus' name. Amen! God loves you and so do I.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Elijah, the Prophet 2
Theme: I Am the Only Prophet Left.
I King 19:1-7 KJV
And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. v2. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. v3. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. v4. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. v5. And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. v6. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. v7. And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
The Lord Speaks to Elijah.
I King 19:8-14,18 NCV
v8. So Elijah got up and ate and drank. The food made him strong enough to walk for forty days and nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. v9. there Elijah went into a cave and stayed all night. Then the Lord spoke his word to him: “Elijah! Why are you here?” v10. He answered, “Lord God All-Powerful, I have always served you as well as I could. But the people of Israel have broken their agreement with you, destroyed your altars, and killed your prophets with swords. I am the only prophet left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” v11. The Lord said to Elijah, “Go, stand in front of me on the mountain, and I will pass by you.” Then a very strong wind blew until it caused the mountains to fall apart and large rocks to break in front of the Lord. But the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. v12. After the earthquake, there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire, there was a quiet, gentle sound. v13. When Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his coat and went out and stood at the entrance to the cave. Then a voice said to him, “Elijah! Why are you here?” v14. He answered, “Lord God All-Powerful, I have always served you as well as I could. But the people of Israel have broken their agreement with you, destroyed your altars, and killed your prophets with swords. I am the only prophet left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” v18. I have seven thousand people left in Israel who have never bowed down before Baal and whose mouths have not kissed his idol.” [Verse 15-17 God gave Elijah a job to do: to anoint two future kings and Elisha, the new prophet].
Continued to Elijah, the Prophet 3
I King 19:1-7 KJV
And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. v2. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. v3. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. v4. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. v5. And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. v6. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. v7. And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
The Lord Speaks to Elijah.
I King 19:8-14,18 NCV
v8. So Elijah got up and ate and drank. The food made him strong enough to walk for forty days and nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. v9. there Elijah went into a cave and stayed all night. Then the Lord spoke his word to him: “Elijah! Why are you here?” v10. He answered, “Lord God All-Powerful, I have always served you as well as I could. But the people of Israel have broken their agreement with you, destroyed your altars, and killed your prophets with swords. I am the only prophet left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” v11. The Lord said to Elijah, “Go, stand in front of me on the mountain, and I will pass by you.” Then a very strong wind blew until it caused the mountains to fall apart and large rocks to break in front of the Lord. But the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. v12. After the earthquake, there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire, there was a quiet, gentle sound. v13. When Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his coat and went out and stood at the entrance to the cave. Then a voice said to him, “Elijah! Why are you here?” v14. He answered, “Lord God All-Powerful, I have always served you as well as I could. But the people of Israel have broken their agreement with you, destroyed your altars, and killed your prophets with swords. I am the only prophet left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” v18. I have seven thousand people left in Israel who have never bowed down before Baal and whose mouths have not kissed his idol.” [Verse 15-17 God gave Elijah a job to do: to anoint two future kings and Elisha, the new prophet].
Continued to Elijah, the Prophet 3
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Elijah, the Prophet
I King 18:36-40 NCV
At the time for the evening sacrifice, the prophet Elijah went near the altar. “Lord, you are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel,” he prayed. “Prove that you are the God of Israel and that I am your servant. Show these people that you commanded me to do all these things. Lord, answer my prayer so these people will know that you, Lord are God and that you will change their minds.” Then fire from the Lord came down and burned the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the ground around the altar. It also dried up the water in the ditch. When all the people saw this, they fell down to the ground, crying, “The Lord is God! The Lord is God!” Then Elijah said, “Capture the prophets of Baal! Don’t let any of them run away!” The people captured all the prophets. Then Elijah led them down to the Kishon Valley, where he killed them.
Thou Hast Turned Their Heart Back Again
[I Kings 18:37b KJV].
Elijah was a man of God and a prophet. He challenged the people of Israel to make up their mind who to worship: Baal or the God of Israel. The people did not respond. He challenged the King Ahab, all the people of Israel, 450 priests of Baal worshipers and 400 prophets of the groves (worship idols) to go up to Mount Carmel to set up both altars, Baal’s and Elijah’s [I King 18:19-20]. Elijah’s goal was to turn the people of Israel’s hearts back to God again. This was the true character of a prophet: to help the people to worship God only. The false prophets, 850 of them seem like a winner because of the numbers, 850 against one person Elijah. Elijah had the courage to stand alone and he put his faith in God. The false prophets had done their work of praying to the Baal all day and no fire came at all. It was now Elijah’s turn to pray to the only God of Israel. When he prayed the fire came down.
When the people saw the fire from the Lord came down and consumed (burned) the altar, the people of Israel changed their mind to worship the true God and not the Baal. I want you to notice something here. It took a “fire from the Lord” to get people’s attention that God, alone was greater than Baal and to show the people of Israel that 850 false prophets were wrong to worship Baal and other idols. It just took Elijah’s challenge for people to see the power of God and God helped the people of Israel to change their hearts back to God. Soon after, 850 false prophets were killed under the Law of Moses. So God alone is to be worshipped. This story reminds me of a short song: He is Lord.
He is Lord, He is Lord, He has risen from the dead and He is Lord. Every knee shall bow. Every tongue (language) confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. [God loves you and so do I].
At the time for the evening sacrifice, the prophet Elijah went near the altar. “Lord, you are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel,” he prayed. “Prove that you are the God of Israel and that I am your servant. Show these people that you commanded me to do all these things. Lord, answer my prayer so these people will know that you, Lord are God and that you will change their minds.” Then fire from the Lord came down and burned the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the ground around the altar. It also dried up the water in the ditch. When all the people saw this, they fell down to the ground, crying, “The Lord is God! The Lord is God!” Then Elijah said, “Capture the prophets of Baal! Don’t let any of them run away!” The people captured all the prophets. Then Elijah led them down to the Kishon Valley, where he killed them.
Thou Hast Turned Their Heart Back Again
[I Kings 18:37b KJV].
Elijah was a man of God and a prophet. He challenged the people of Israel to make up their mind who to worship: Baal or the God of Israel. The people did not respond. He challenged the King Ahab, all the people of Israel, 450 priests of Baal worshipers and 400 prophets of the groves (worship idols) to go up to Mount Carmel to set up both altars, Baal’s and Elijah’s [I King 18:19-20]. Elijah’s goal was to turn the people of Israel’s hearts back to God again. This was the true character of a prophet: to help the people to worship God only. The false prophets, 850 of them seem like a winner because of the numbers, 850 against one person Elijah. Elijah had the courage to stand alone and he put his faith in God. The false prophets had done their work of praying to the Baal all day and no fire came at all. It was now Elijah’s turn to pray to the only God of Israel. When he prayed the fire came down.
When the people saw the fire from the Lord came down and consumed (burned) the altar, the people of Israel changed their mind to worship the true God and not the Baal. I want you to notice something here. It took a “fire from the Lord” to get people’s attention that God, alone was greater than Baal and to show the people of Israel that 850 false prophets were wrong to worship Baal and other idols. It just took Elijah’s challenge for people to see the power of God and God helped the people of Israel to change their hearts back to God. Soon after, 850 false prophets were killed under the Law of Moses. So God alone is to be worshipped. This story reminds me of a short song: He is Lord.
He is Lord, He is Lord, He has risen from the dead and He is Lord. Every knee shall bow. Every tongue (language) confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. [God loves you and so do I].
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