Many say that they would believe in God if only he would reveal himself to us in a more dramatic fashion. But would they really?
Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.
1 Kings 18:38-39 NIV
When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”
I Kings 18:20-46 is one of my favorite stories in the Old Testament. Leading up to this story, it had not rained in Israel for three years because the people had turned away from God to worship Baal, Asherah, and other local deities. In this passage, the prophet Elijah had challenged the 450 prophets of Baal, as well as the people, to a contest to demonstrate who is really God: either Yahweh or Baal. And the challenge was accepted.
The Big Test
The test was simple but dramatic. Prophets from both sides will offer a sacrifice on an altar, but not light it on fire. The God who sends down fire from above to burn up the sacrifice will be considered the God of Israel. The prophets of Baal went first. And nothing happened. For hours, they entreated Baal. But no fire.
Then Elijah set up an altar, doused the sacrifice and wood with water, and prayed to God. And fire fell from heaven, burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the altar stones, the dirt, and the water. The people called out that Yahweh is God. And the prophets of Baal were killed. Revival broke out.
But it seems to be a pretty short-lived revival. The next day, Elijah was running for his life, and there was no noticeable change in Israel’s spiritual life.
If Only . . .
I think of this story when I hear people say that they would believe in God if he were only more visible. If he would show himself to us in a more dramatic fashion. But I wonder how many of them would respond any differently than Israel did here. Maybe a momentary sense of awe, and then back to business as usual. Maybe that is why God has generally chosen not to reveal himself to us in such a dramatic fashion. Instead, he reveals himself in the quiet of our hearts and rewards those who respond to him in faith.
There has been many times I’ve tried following Christ, only to find myself failing once again. Asking once again for forgiveness and mercy. It last for a few day maybe a few weeks and then once again I fall back to the same sin. ( Lust)
I feel like a repeat offender. But Jesus shows mercy and the Holy Ghost convicts me. My prayers are always the same to break the chains of this addiction.
Your environment can either help or hinder a walk with Christ. Are you a part of a fellowship of believers who can help you and hold you accountable? Or do you spend a lot of time with people who are drawing you back into a sinful lifestyle? Are you filling your mind with the Bible? Or with the garbage our world calls entertainment? Following Christ is not an easy life. It requires commitment to follow where he leads.