Fully Devoted: Israel, Act 2Sample

Elijah and Ahab

Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the LORD than any of those before him. He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him. He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he built in Samaria. Ahab also made an Asherah pole and did more to arouse the anger of the LORD, the God of Israel, than did all the kings of Israel before him. 1 Kings 16:30-33 NIV

This is the introduction we’re given to the seventh king of Israel, Ahab. Idolatry is running rampant in Israel. Instead of leading his nation to return to obedience and serving God as their only god, he gives them more options for how to cheat on God. 

He introduces Baal for the people to worship. Baal was an ancient god of the Middle East and one of his titles was the lord of rain and dew. Keep this in mind, because in a similar fashion as during the plagues of Egypt, God is about to do battle with Baal for the hearts of His people.

Here we’re introduced to the prophet Elijah. Much like John the Baptist in the New Testament, Elijah had a unique ministry that was marked by depending on God for everything. They both had their moments of doubt, both were encouraged by God, and both were agents of repentance. 

And the first recorded thing out of Elijah’s mouth? 

... “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.” 1 Kings 17:1 NIV 

Did you catch that? No rain or dew.

And there was drought in the land for the next three years. For three years, no matter how much Ahab and the people prayed and sacrificed to Baal, there was no answer, no reply, and no rain. 

But there was also no repentance. This face-off between God (represented by Elijah), and Baal (represented by 450 prophets), came to a head at Mount Carmel. 

A little challenge ensues. They bring two bulls, build two altars, and take turns praying to their respective deities. After hours of ritualistic worship, the 450 prophets of Baal are unable to conjure a response from their god. 

Elijah steps up, and in stark contrast, prays a simple prayer for God to show Himself to His people. In miraculous fashion, the one true God consumes the offering, the water, and even the stones of the altar with a fire from heaven. Elijah had obediently set the stage and God delivered.

When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The LORD—he is God! The LORD—he is God!” 1 Kings 18:39 NIV

Once again, God revealed Himself in a miraculous way, reminding His people who He is and demonstrating the kind of relationship He wants to have with them. The prophets of Baal had shouted for hours—they’d prayed, performed rituals, and even harmed themselves in an attempt to please their god. But the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob inclined His ear to the one-line prayer of a wildly out-numbered prophet who trusted God so much that he water-logged the offering. 

See, with God, it’s never been about religious rituals. It’s always been about a trusting relationship based on His continual faithfulness. 

In the Old Testament, God continued to reveal Himself to Israel and the surrounding nations through these miraculous signs, but a day was coming when another prophet would share the announcement that God had come to reveal Himself in person. This moment foreshadows the transfiguration of Jesus. 

Instead of fire coming from heaven, the voice of God comes from heaven proclaiming over Jesus: 

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" Matthew 17:5 NIV

On this mountain, God was declaring His acceptance of the perfect offering—Jesus. His life as God in the flesh, His death on the cross, and His resurrection would be both the ultimate revelation of the nature of God and the most decisive victory in all of history.   

Journaling Questions  

• Write down a verse (or verses) from today’s reading. What stands out to you about that verse?   
• In your own words, describe God’s pursuit of His people. Explain the type of relationship that God wants to have with us.  
• Are there any idols in your life that you’ve seen God come against for a place in your heart? What things compete for your attention and affection most often?

Memory Verse

Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Romans 6:16 NLT