There are only two choices. God or a false God. Part 1 1 Kings 18:20-22
When Elijah went to mount Carmel to address the sons of Israel, Ahab and the prophets of Baal, he stood alone as a prophet of God. King Ahab had gathered everyone together in a form of challenge to show the people who was the true God of the land. The prophets who supported Baal, a false god at that time, were 450 standing against the lone prophet of God, Elijah.
Elijah announced to everyone gathered if the Lord is God then follow him and if Baal is god then follow him. He asked them how long will you waver between two opinions. I want to point out some very important things in just these two verses.
The first thing to notice it that Elijah stood alone as prophet vs. the 450 prophets that believed in Baal. He was outnumbered. But there he stood. He was addressing King Ahab, the prophets of Baal and all the Israelites that were there- alone. Elijah may have been the only prophet left to challenge the views of the rest of the people. The only one willing to speak up and call them out on their sin and the way in which they were insulting the living God by turning to idols. The only one courageous enough to step out and ask how long will you live this way?
Do you ever feel this way? We are called to speak out about sin. We are called to address others when they have turned to false gods and false beliefs. This first starts within the body of Christ but it also needs to be applied to the world around us. If we are not willing to take a stand and call sin-sin then who is going to? If we always leave it up to someone else then pretty soon we are going to notice the ever growing amount of false prophets and teaching around us.
I understand it is difficult to speak up in this society. People are told they are hateful, bigoted, and racist for even sharing basic truth found in scripture. For example, God created us male and female – Genesis 1:27. Who knew this verse would be so controversial one day? It does start controversy, but it is still truth and we are called to speak the truth in love and not just the truth that is easy to say. Society is only going to get worse if we do not draw a line in the sand and say that no matter what the cost, we need to make sure the word of the Lord is continually on our lips.
Not everyone is going to be called to speak out on social media or public forums but perhaps the opportunity is among family members, friends, and in person conversations. We can always find ways to share what God says in a loving way. Remember it is the truth that will set someone free from sin, bondage and death. So it is the truth we need to share.
Elijah stood alone. Or did he? Elijah knew that God was with him. God was the one giving Him the courage and ability to be bold. God was the one who would prove himself faithful and true. Many people may look to Elijah and think he was brave and put emphasis on him, but the emphasis is not on Elijah it is on God. The same is true for us. We have courage because God gives us courage, we have power because the Holy Spirit gives us power, We have strength because Christ gives us strength. The emphasis is never on the person speaking, but on God who is behind the person speaking and supporting the person.
I think we tend to look at those who are famous preachers, teachers or social media influencers and put a lot of emphasis on their boldness, their intelligence, their wisdom. But in and of themselves they are only people saved by grace and working as servants of the kingdom of God, sharing only what God has taught them and shown them. Do not idolize the person, but look past them to God who has blessed their lives in order that they can bless ours.
There are only two options. God or a false god. And perhaps you are thinking well thankfully I don’t have any false gods in my life. I pray that remains true and that you always rejoice in the confidence of Jesus Christ and His being King of our lives and hearts.
As we look out at the world we see many false gods and they present themselves in subtle ways. False gods can be money, success, technology, yourself, health, beauty, fame, friends, family, relationships-if it takes the place of God in your heart and life then it is a false god. If you notice this is true in your life, I encourage you to seek God’s Truth and not waver between two opinions any longer. Turn back to your Creator, repent of sin and trust God’s plan for your life.
There are two choices for our worship and allegiance because where our heart is there our treasure will be, and even if you are outnumbered, or standing Alone, God is always with you.
The Lord bless you and keep you
Kara
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