(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Kings 18:1-46)
After three years of famine, Elijah was commanded by the Lord to show himself to Ahab, king of the northern kingdom of Israel. Ahab was greatly influenced by his wife Jezebel, a Sidonian, a worshiper of Baal. She led Ahab and all of Israel to turn to Baal instead of worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
In today’s Scripture, we see Elijah challenge the prophets of Baal. As a prophet of the Lord during this time of rebellion against God, we can feel the burden, weight, and responsibility heavily on Elijah’s shoulders. Yet, rather than shrink in the midst of immense pressure and overwhelming odds (450 prophets to one), the Lord was victorious that day in revealing Himself to be the true God.
When Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal, he said to Israel,
“How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him a word.
Do we often find ourselves hesitating as well in our faith? We hesitate to truly give our lives, physically, emotionally, and spiritually to the Lord. We like to hold off a portion to protect ourselves, just in case, unable to give our complete devotion and worship to God.
The Lord is also asking us today, “How long will you hesitate?” Brothers and sisters, this isn’t just a question of salvation, baptism, or proclaiming Jesus Christ are our Lord and Savior. This is a question for us that are already believers. How long will you hesitate to give your life completely over to the Lord for Him to use?
What part of our life have we yet to submit to the Lord? What part do we keep to ourselves, that we trust in ourselves, that we protect for ourselves? The Lord is telling us not to hesitate any longer, like Israel not answering Elijah a word, but to give the remaining portion of ourselves over to Him.
When we do that, we will increasingly experience the fullness of life, purpose, peace, and love that is available to us from God through Jesus Christ, by the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: 1 Kings 18
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