Five Stories From Elijah’s Life
Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, "Is that you, O troubler of Israel?" And he answered, "I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father's house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals. Now therefore, send and gather all Israel to me on Mount Carmel, the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of Asherah." 1 Kings 18:17-19
Fear, love, and trust in God above all things—that is the first and greatest commandment. King Ahab throws it away, replacing the Almighty Creator and Savior with blobs of wood and stone named “Baal” and “Asherah.” This unholy practice could not stand, so Elijah confronts Ahab about this sin, to call forth repentance, to turn away from sin to God and His mercy. As Ahab and Elijah exchange words in their intense confrontation, the conversation builds up to an epic showdown—who’s real? The LORD vs. Baal, nine hundred and fifty false prophets vs. one true prophet, the lifeless lump of Baal vs. the living, gracious God.
It was time for Israel to relearn who the real God was. Nine hundred fifty prophets, screaming, shouting, waiting for their offering pyre to start on fire . . . nothing happened. Elijah laughs, “Maybe he’s sleeping?” All the intensity of the Baal worshippers continues, and still nothing happens. Now it was Elijah’s turn. As he prepares the altar, Elijah has it doused with gallons of water, making it extremely difficult to set it ablaze. Elijah then prays to the LORD that He may show to Israel that He, the LORD God, is the one true God. Then, BAM!!! Fire was sent from Heaven from above, consuming the altar with efficiency.
There’s no Baal, there’s no Asherah, there is nothing in this world that you should put your trust in above Jesus Christ, your Savior. He is God, His ways are flawless, He is real, and He has saved you from your damning unbelief, bringing you to faith in Him—Your crucified and risen Savior.
See earth in darkness lying,
The heathen nations dying
In hopeless gloom and night.
To thee the Lord of heaven—
Thy Life, thy Hope—hath given
Great glory, honor, and delight
The Lutheran Hymnal 126:2