Victory At Mt Carmel

Victory At Mt. Carmel 

I Kings 18:19, 21 NKJV

[19] 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, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” 

[21] And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word. 

The encounter between Elijah and Ahab reveals the real leader between the two. What strikes me is the audacity of Elijah to pick the place, the nature of the contest and  who  has to be present. These instructions were not given to a surbodinate but to a political ruler of the land. The famine must have had its effect on the man. It is not until you hear Elijah pray in v.36 that you understand that this was not just a blustering bravado. This is Poole's clarification, “Gather to me all Israel, by their deputies, or heads, or representatives, that they may be witnesses of all our transactions.” (Poole). The man heard God! If he didn't, he should have been meat by now. Today, you may not have a performance at Carmel, but the reality of the contest is deeply spiritual.

 It takes a real leader to denounce the consequences and speak directly to the people before the king. " How long will you falter between two opinions?" That is the existential question. That is the reason for the drama. The enemy is seeking to have an opinion in your existence. That is not acceptable to Elijah or any child of God. 

Have you had a struggle to go or not to go for fellowship? Two opinion. This excerpt is not just what happened in Israel. Its now our reality. Its not just a contest, or just an existential  drama. Its warfare. Someone must win. And it's you. The provision has been made for you to win. That's why Christ rose again from the dead. You have to win. Every day is a Mt Carmel experience. The great witnesses are applauding your season. You have to win in all spheres. Its the only language the enemy understands. And you're dressed for it. Good morning.