The Seed of Greatness

                                                                                                                       

 

Aloha Dearest Family,

                The seed is one of the greatest miracles God ever invented. Even today’s scientists cannot explain how a seed works. The seed has only one purpose - to grow. All the potential of the plant is in that one seed.

                The people of the Bible were very familiar with the way seeds worked and there are many, many examples of seeds and the growing of plants and trees in the Bible. Here are a few examples.

   -The prosperous tree (Jeremiah 17:7 and 8)

-The tree whose leaf does not wither (Psalm 1:1-3)

-The teaching of the good and evil trees (Matthew 7:17-20)

-The parable of the sower of seeds (Luke 8:5-8 - for the explanation of this parable see Luke 8:11-15)

-The parable of the tares in the field (Matthew 13:24-30)

-The teaching of Christ being the branch (John 15 15:1-8)

-Paul planting, Apollos watering (I Corinthians 3:6)

           …..There are many more. These are just a few examples.

 The point of seeds is that they don’t remain seeds. When planted in good soil, with the right amount of water and sunlight, this seed will grow. It can’t help it. This is what it was designed to do. The seed can be the smallest of all seeds but it can produce the greatest result.

         “Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.” (Matthew 13:31 and 32)

         You may ask, “What do learning about seeds in the Bible have to do with me?” I’m glad you asked.

        If you have confessed Jesus as your savior and believed in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, (Romans 10:9) then the Bible says you are saved. At this time God placed within you His incorruptible seed.

         “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” (I Peter 1:23)

  This seed in you makes you a child of God.

         “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (I John 3:1 NIV)

Being God’s children is not something that we aspire to be - it’s who we are right now!

God has placed His seed within us. And what have we learned about seeds? They grow. We all have within us the seed of greatness! God has destined greatness for our lives; in health, in wealth, in knowledge, in EVERYTHING! This is what God’s seed was designed to do in us. A seed never stays the same. If given the right conditions, it can produce incredible fruit in our lives.

But what can hinder a seeds growth? Not using the right soil, not enough water or sunlight or letting weeds grow around our seedling. In order to let our seed grow to its fullest potential within us, we have to be diligent. A farmer doesn’t just plant his seed in the ground and then comes back in a few months when the crop starts to come up. He is vigilant and tends to his crop. Remember a seed wants to grow so let’s provide the right conditions.

                When we renew our mind to God’s Word, obey the command to love God and love people, then the seed will grow and mature. We cannot allow weeds to grow around our seedling. Weeds are the thoughts and ways of this world that are contrary to God’s ways. They only hinder our growth. (Praying and conversing with your Heavenly Father is a great way to put life into the soil where your seed is planted).

                

Another aspect of a seed is that it grows up to be exactly like the original. When we are born again, God places within us holy spirit, His spiritual seed. This seed is also called the spirit of Christ ((I Peter 1:11) and Christ in you (Colossians 1:27). When we do God’s Will, love people and serve in God’s household, the seed within us can become fully mature and produce fruit.

                “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22 and 23a)  

This is the same type of fruit displayed by Jesus Christ himself. When we allow the seed within us to grow and mature, we become just like Christ. This is what this seed was designed to do. And when we produce this fruit we bring glory to God just like our Savior did and still does.

                “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (John 15:8)

                         Love Always, Ray

Yoked to the Master

                                                                                                                 

     

Aloha Dearest Family,

               “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 1:28-30)

                This scripture passage has been a source of comfort and encouragement to countless believers for more than 2,000 years. And they are no less a source of strength to us today since the day they were first spoken by Jesus himself. We will examine this passage in today’s sharing.     

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

 We might ask ourselves, why were these people who he was addressing, laboring and heavy laden? First, we must remember that at this time in history, Israel was under Roman rule, and the empire invaded every aspect of their lives. They were not free to conduct day to day business except by permission from Rome. Even their Sabbaths and required feasts could be stopped or even cancelled at the whim of the emperor. Secondly, and more insidious, the people of Israel were oppressed by their own religious leaders. During this time several groups held rule over the faith practices of the people. Among these were the Pharisees and Sadducees. These two groups burdened the people with man-made laws, many of their laws were against God’s law. Scholars believed that they had added over 600 new laws that were virtually impossible to follow, leaving the people in a continual feeling of sin because they could never meet these standards. Jesus summed up the damage they were doing.

            “Woe unto you, lawyers (teachers of the law)! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.” (Luke 11:52)

These leaders were more concerned with political power and control than helping people. They were supposed to be the shepherds of the people, but instead they were fleecing the flock.

Most people wanted to live a life that was pleasing to God, but they were constantly burdened by the doctrines and commandments of men. Jesus’ words must have been like a breath of fresh air to the listeners. Jesus promised rest from the labor of walking by the rules and regulations that could never bring them closer to God. Jesus says I will give you rest from your labor.

            The start of the next verse may seem to us like a contradiction to what Jesus had just said.

            “Take my yoke upon you…,” First he said, I will give you rest, now he is saying take my yoke upon you.  Seems like labor to me. What am I missing?

            The people of the ancient East knew what a yoke was. A yoke was a sturdy wooden harness that would be used to attach two animals together (preferably oxen for plowing). Farmers knew that they had to choose these two oxen very carefully before yoking these animals together. He couldn’t choose animals that would oppose one another. The farmer would choose an experienced, well-seasoned ox and yoke him with an inexperienced one. In this way the inexperienced ox would learn from the experienced one. In this verse we are like the inexperienced ox and Jesus would be the well-seasoned ox. If we are not sure what to do, we rely upon him to show us the way. He will teach us how to be successful. But first we must be unburdened by the cares of this world, then we can partake in the work of the kingdom.

             “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (verse 29) By following his example, we learn how to be meek and lowly in heart (humble). When we do this, we will find rest to our souls.

             “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Verse 30)

 Jesus said that his yoke was easy and his burden light. This is an astounding statement to make, considering that his primary mission in life was to die for the sins of the world. How could he say that my burden is light? He could say this because he was yoked to his Father. Jesus was not alone in his mission. The Father was with him at all times. It was his Father that he leaned upon and learned from. They were partners in the work; an unbeatable team. God is love. All that He ever designed or brought to pass was because He so loved us. His Son did and accomplished no less and for the same reasons – Love.

            We should never feel alone in our walk of faith. And we never have to feel that we are left on our own to figure out how to fulfill our function in the church. For we are yoked to the master, and he shows us and teaches us what needs to be done.

                                                             Love Always, Ray   

The Joy of the Lord

                                                                                                                  

Aloha Dearest Family,

                In the past couple of weeks I’ve had the privilege of studying the topic of Joy in the Bible. Most people cannot define joy but they know when they have it, and they know when they don’t have it. Almost all of us have experienced joy at one time or another. Perhaps it was upon the birth of a child or when they got married. Joy can be defined as “a settled state of contentment, confidence and hope”. Joy is more than happiness because happiness depends upon what happens to you. It is based on your circumstances. But Joy is an internal bubbling up on the inside and is based upon something more permanent.  

                Jesus Christ wanted his followers to have joy. In John 15 he told his disciples, 

“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”  (John 15:11) 

      There are two points to learn from this scripture. First, Jesus always had joy. Because of the relationship he had developed with his heavenly Father, he walked in constant joy. One of his favorite times was when he spent time in prayer and fellowship with His Father. It didn’t matter the circumstance or situation he found himself in, he could always experience joy because he knew who he was and he knew that he was fulfilling God’s work. Secondly, he wanted us to have HIS Joy. And he wanted our joy to be full. So to live in continual joy should be normal for us. 

                We know that Jesus had joy and he wanted his followers to have joy, but what about God? What gives God joy? To find out, let us look at a verse from Nehemiah.

            “…the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10b) 

I have read this verse many times and frankly, I didn’t quite grasp the meaning. How could joy be strength? Maybe I wasn’t seeing the whole picture. To understand this section of scripture, we must first find the context of this verse. Why was it said and what were the circumstances surrounding it?

To give a brief overview, the children of Israel had just been held in captivity in Babylon for seventy years. Now they were finally able to go back to the land, rebuild the Temple of the Lord and rebuild the wall surrounding the city. After all this, God’s priest Ezra, and the Levites, read the entire law in the ears of all the people of Israel. Not only did they hear God’s words, but Ezra and the Levites gave the meaning of the words being spoken. This caused the people to weep for sorrow, because they saw how they had disobeyed God’s commands. But Ezra the priest encouraged the people.

“Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law. Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:9 and 10) 

The people were encouraged and told to stop weeping and grieving but rejoice because this day is a holy day to God, for the joy of the Lord would be their strength. But what does this mean? First, this joy is the Lord’s joy. Why would He have joy? Remember that Israel was finally able to return to the promised land, rebuild the temple and city walls and they were able to hear God’s Word again. And their response-they wept. Think of how joyful God must have been at this time. God loves to fellowship with His people. This is what gives Him Joy. 

But how can God’s joy be our strength? The Hebrew word for strength is also translated 1) a place or means of safety, 2) protection, 3) refuge, 4) stronghold, 5) a harbor or safe haven. What this verse is saying is that God would be their safe haven, their protection and their stronghold because He has joy in His people. How these words must have thrilled the hearts of the people. To let them know that He is no longer angry with them, but finds joy in them. A similar verse is found in Zephaniah. 

            “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17) God finds joy in His people.

                When the angels first declared the birth of God’s son, they said, “.. Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:10) This announcement must have given great joy to the shepherds who found the babe in the manger. But think how God felt! After all this time, He was finally able to fulfill a promise He had made 4,000 years earlier. God would be able to enjoy sweet, intimate fellowship with His son each day and the time was drawing near to the time when mankind would be brought back together with Himself. This was the purpose of the ages. Even though He had to experience the death of His own son, God must have been bursting with pride at the resurrection. Now each of us can enjoy sweet fellowship with our heavenly Father. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice gave us a seat near God as well. When we spend time in God’s presence we too can experience fullness of joy, just like Jesus did.

                “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:11)  

                Likewise, our Father enjoys spending time with us and He loves for us to talk to Him. Sometimes we must unburden our hearts before Him and put our trust in Him. And sometimes we just want to say, “Thank you.” God loves being a Father to us.

                “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (III John 4)

God has great joy because we choose to obey His Word. We do this because we love Him so.

                                         Love Always, Ray 

Mary's Treasure

                                                                                                                                                

Aloha Dearest Family,

                Today we will examine how God worked with Mary to build up and encourage her for the mission given to her by Him. She would not only give birth to the Messiah, but raise him as well. The meaning of this one child would be more important than any other who came before. How do you prepare for such an assignment? Let’s look at what God revealed to her at the start.

                “..God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”  (Luke 1:26-35) 

This is quite a proclamation. This promise was 4,000 years in the making (since Adam). But God is always true to His promises. She would need God’s help and encouragement to fulfill this assignment.

                Shortly after Mary agreed to this monumental task, she goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who herself is also pregnant. While she is there both Elizabeth and her husband Zachariah encourage her with prophetic words from God.

                Six months later she is in Bethlehem with her husband Joseph where she finally gives birth to Jesus-the long awaited promised seed (see Genesis 3:15). Now around the same time as  this joyous event, shepherds were in the field around Bethlehem tending their sheep.

                “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (Luke 2:8-15)

These shepherds could not wait to go and see this child for themselves. “

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” (verses 16-18) 

These shepherds were not silent about what they had just experienced. They told everybody they met and all that heard them were amazed. Guess who else heard their words? Mary. Think how these words must have thrilled her. This is something she would always remember.

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (verse 19) 

What she heard would be her own personal treasure and she pondered them in her heart. To ponder means “to meditate upon, to go over and over in your mind, to contemplate deeply about.” These words of the shepherds must have thrilled her heart and greatly encouraged her. She was once again reminded that God was faithful to His promises.

  

In the Temple

Eight days later Mary and Joseph were in the temple at Jerusalem where the baby was circumcised and named. When they were there, they met a man named Simeon, who prophesied about this child.

“Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 3:28-32) 

Both Joseph and Mary were astounded at these words, encouraging them further. But Simeon also told of heartbreak to come to Mary. 

“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

 About this time a prophetess came in and also spoke encouraging words regarding the little boy, Jesus. I’m sure Mary made all these words her secret treasure. She must have pondered upon and meditated on these words and happenings for many years to come.

 

The Magi 

 

About a year and a half later, a caravan of Magi from the East showed up at their front door step. (This must have been quite a sight since Bethlehem was a small town). After the Magi presented their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (gifts given to kings), Mary and Joseph must have listened intently to their incredible story of how they saw his particular star in the East (in the rising) and what it meant. This was also further encouragement God gave this young couple that God was taking care of them. They would need this final encouragement for they would soon flee to Egypt, for King Herod would seek out the boy’s life. But throughout all their trials in life, God was faithful in all that He promised.

All these words that were spoken about her son were electrifying and she must have treasured every memory of his young life. Even the memory of when Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem at the age of 12. She still kept these memories as her own personal treasure.

“Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.” 

                          Love Always, Ray            

 

Not Condemned

                                                           

                                                                                                                    
Aloha Dearest Family,

                In the past couple of days I have been studying about Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France during the French Revolution. I have studied why she was sentenced to death by guillotine and her actions leading up to her sentencing. After a 2 day trial (the verdict was predetermined from the start), Marie Antoinette was sentenced to death for treason. And on 16 Oct 1793 at 12:15, she was beheaded.

                I’m sure the days and months leading up to her execution were the most harrowing of her life. Her husband met the same fate 9 months earlier as did many of her friends. She continually worried about what would become of her children and her hair turned white-and she was only 37. This is what it is like to be condemned to death. The sentenced has already been passed and the prisoner is now waiting to meet their fate.

                I think about Barabbas, a criminal who was condemned to death for sedition and murder, who now waited his fate; death by crucifixion. Crucifixion meant an excruciating death, dying in agony. This is what awaited him because of his crimes. But by circumstance and grace, an innocent man named Jesus was chosen to die in his place. Barabbas was released a free man. We don’t know what happened to Barabbas after his release, but in a way, we are all Barabbas. We received the sentence of death because our sins. Because we are all from the line of Adam, we are all guilty. But Jesus died in our place. He received the punishment that we deserved. He went to the cross and we were made free.

                How did this happen? We simply believed on Jesus. We made him our Lord and believed that God raised him from the dead (see Romans 10:9). The sentence of death that we would have received has been already paid for by him. We are no longer condemned. Amazing! 

                “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.” (John 3:18)

                If we believe on Jesus Christ, then we are not condemned. But if we don’t believe on him, it says we are condemned already. Why? Because he is the only escape. Without him we would all pay the penalty for our own sins. In truth we have exchanged our sinfulness with his righteousness. We now have been made the righteousness of God (II Corinthians 5:21). What a deal!

                This brings up a great word; Justified. Justified is a legal term that means to be found not guilty in a court of law and declared innocent of all charges.

“Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” (Romans 5:9) 

Our slate has been wiped clean. It’s as if we had never sinned. You can see why this is a great word. This is all made possible because of Jesus Christ. Because of what he accomplished on the cross, my sins, past, present and future, are forgiven. His sacrifice took care of it all.

                Paul reminds us in Romans: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) I used to think that this verse was saying that we didn’t have to condemn ourselves any longer. This is true, but there is a larger truth. The Amplified Bible has a great translation of this verse;

“Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. 

At one time we were prisoners in this world. We were without God, without Christ and without hope. We had no hope from being rescued from our fate. Our fate was eternal death. But because one man was willing to die in our place, we have been acquitted. We have been found innocent. It’s time to step out of our prison doors and take a deep breath of freedom. Because Jesus holds the keys.

                                                 Love Always, Ray  

            “We have been set free because of what Christ has done. Through his blood our sins have been forgiven. We have been set free because God’s grace is so rich.” (Ephesians 1:7 NIRV)

A Good Read

                                                                                                                                       

Aloha Dearest Family,

I didn’t grow up reading books. I was too much into TV. Even though my mother was a reader, I can’t say she encouraged us to read. Maybe she thought it a waste of time knowing that we wouldn’t listen anyway.

         It wasn’t until I got married that I discovered the joy of reading. My wife was addicted to reading and introduced me to the classics. This opened up a whole new world for me.

        Throughout the years I have read some great books (and also some not so good books). But what I enjoy about reading is the ability for books to transport you to new and exciting worlds with fascinating characters. And sometimes change your outlook to one more knowledgeable based on the truth of what you are reading.

Nowhere is this more true than when we talk about the Bible, the greatest book ever written. It is because it was written by the Creator of the heavens and the earth. The Bible is more than just a book, but contains God’s Will. God Almighty thought it so important to dictate to holy men His views on what is important to Him. This gives us incredible insight to who He is and also our purpose on this earth. This is why I have always said that if you want to know God’s Will, you have to know His Word.

God considers His own Word above even His own name.

             Psalms 138:2  I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

When I first came to understand that God’s Word was also His Will, I couldn’t get enough. I devoured it. I had to know “God’s story”. I was hooked. No other book has made more of an impact on my life and changed my views on everything I once thought than the Bible. Now I see the world through God’s eyes.

The Bible as a book, surpasses any book authored by man. How does it compare?

1.   It is a great story. It centers around God and His desire for a family, and the savior that He sent to save mankind.

2.    It has great characters. The Bible tells us about the lives of some of the greatest men and women who have ever lived. These were real people who had access to an extraordinary God.

3.    A great hero. Jesus Christ is the main character in this epic adventure. A hero whose coming was foretold for thousands of years. He gives over his will to the will of his Father and gives his life as a ransom for all.

4.     A great plot twist. What seemed absolutely impossible, God raises Jesus from the dead and sets him over the church to be its head. Now all who confess him as Lord are transferred to God’s kingdom.

5.     A great ending. The final book tells of a time when God will pour out His wrath upon all the earth and bring judgment upon all evil. After an epic war, the devil (the villain) is destroyed with all who follow him. At the conclusion, God’s people live in an incredible place of indescribable beauty and joy. Forever.

           God didn't have holy men write the Bible for Him. He knows His own Word and Will for Heaven's sake. He wanted those that love Him to have a reference they can go to where they can search out Who this magnificent Creator is and what He's done for them. He told these holy men to write what He told them and now we have an entrance to Eternity. He loves us. Who wouldn’t want to read such a thrilling book as this? It’s a book that can be read and studied numerous times and learn something new each time. In short, it’s a great read.

                                    Love Always, Ray

            “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.

 The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.

 The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”

                        (Psalm 19:7 and 8)

The Contest

                                                                                                                                       

Aloha Dearest Family,

                Today we will examine one of my favorite records in the Bible. It is the story of one of the greatest contests of all time. The record involves the prophet Elijah, 450 prophets of Baal and of course God.

                Let me take you back to ancient Israel, at the time of the Kings. The King of Israel, Ahab, married one of the most wicked women in the Bible – Jezebel. Because of this union, all of Israel was lead to worship other Gods. One of the main gods that Israel was led to worship was Baal. If you were a prophet of the true God, Jezebel (who was a priestess of Baal) would have you killed. Because of this sin God proclaimed judgment on the land in the form of a famine. This famine was pronounced by God’s prophet, Elijah.

“Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “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.” (I Kings 17:1) Unless Elijah gave the word, it would not rain. This famine would last 3 ½ years and would devastate the land. God then tells Elijah to leave the area. After all, if it did not rain for a couple of years, the King would certainly be looking for him.

After 3 ½ years God sends Elijah back to King Ahab.

“When he saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, you troubler of Israel?” “I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “But you and your father’s family have. You have abandoned the Lord’s commands and have followed the Baals. Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him. But the people said nothing.” (I Kings 18:17-20)

Here Elijah challenges the people to choose who is the true God, but the people were afraid to answer. In Elijah’s absence, Jezebel had killed a great number of God’s prophets, so if you didn’t declare Baal as the true God, your life would be in jeopardy. Elijah then calls out the 450 prophets of Baal and declares a challenge to them. Two bulls would be chosen as an offering. Each side (Elijah on one side and the prophets of Baal on the other) would cut up their own bull and place it on the altar. But they couldn’t light a fire. Each side would pray to their god and whichever god answers by fire, that one would be declared the true God. All the people agreed to these terms. (verses 23 and 24) (It is interesting to note that Baal was known as the fertility god and was called the “lord of rain and dew”, yet in 3 ½ years the prophets of Baal could not get their god to make it rain. Also Baal was symbolized by the image of the bull).

The prophets of Baal went first. They prepared their bull and cried unto Baal from morning until noon. But there was no answer. At noon Elijah started to mock and ridicule these men.

“At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.” (I Kings 18:27-29)

Can you imagine 450 men shouting, jumping around and cutting themselves? What a scene. After doing this until evening, the altar is now broken down and bloody. Yet there was no answer from Baal. 

                It is now Elijah’s turn. He first repairs the altar that the prophets had demolished with all their useless gestures to Baal and then digs a large trench around the altar. What Elijah does next goes against all common sense. He saturates the altar with water.

“He arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces and laid it on the wood. Then he said to them, “Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood.” “Do it again,” he said, and they did it again. “Do it a third time,” he ordered, and they did it the third time. The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench.” (I Kings 18:33-35) Every camper knows that if you want to start a fire, you need dry wood. At this point Elijah is going to prove, once and for all, who is the true God.

“At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” 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. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God! “ No kidding! (verses 36-39) 

I’m sure that a lot of people had to change their drawers after this. But the contest was over- and God proved to the people that He was the true God-not Baal. If you keep reading you find that the 450 prophets of Baal all lost their lives because of this great sin. Soon after this Elijah told King Ahab to prepare for much rain for the people were about to experience a welcome sight - a downpour. The famine was over.

So what are we to take away from this record other than being a great story? First and foremost, God’s majesty and power is above all and He deserves to be praised and worshipped above all else. He is greater than anything that we can imagine. He also blesses those that put their trust in Him, and He destroys the plans of the evil. This record is a great example. In the next chapter the evil Queen Jezebel puts out a contract on Elijah’s life. But God saves Elijah’s life and Jezebel ends up dying a horrible death. Furthermore, because of his many sins, King Ahab’s bloodline is cut off; such as the just reward upon all that work evil against God and his people. This is because our God is a just God, rewarding the righteous with good things and rendering judgment to the ungodly.

                “For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed; the offspring of the wicked will perish.” (Psalm 37:28)

                                         Love Always, Ray