Day 128 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Kings 16-18 John 1:29-51)
GOD VS. BAAL...NO CONTEST
Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.” (1 Kings 18:36-39 ESV)
“O Baal, answer us,” was the cry of 450 priests of Baal in their challenge match with the prophet Elijah and the Almighty. They limped around their altar, cut themselves and cried out to Baal, but there was no answer and no fire for their offering.
Elijah’s faith in God’s answer to his prayer was so strong that he “put the wood in order and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, “Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.” And he said, “Do it a second time.” And they did it a second time. And he said, “Do it a third time.” And they did it a third time. And the water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with water. (1 Kings 18:33-35 ESV)
None of today’s Baals can compete with the Triune God either,
● Only Jesus can provide us with what we desperately all need.
● Only Jesus forgives sins.
● Only Jesus offers us reconciliation with God the Father.
● Only Jesus has defeated sin, death and the devil on our behalf.
● Only Jesus is in heaven preparing a place for all who believe.
Almighty God, thank You for defeating all of the Baals (false gods) of all time. When my faith wavers, remind of the water-drenched offering aflame by means of Your all-consuming fire. Above all, remind me that because Jesus lives, the victory’s won. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Link to tomorrow’s (May 9) worship service at St. Paul’s:
IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am
both with Holy Communion
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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