If the LORD Is God, Follow Him
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If the LORD Is God, Follow Him
Our desire to have our own way — in spite of God’s clear directions — ruins us. Knowing the right way, and refusing to do it, hardens our hearts and puts us on the path to eternal destruction.
That is what was happening in the account found in 1 Kings 18. Ahab was king. Israel was stubbornly worshiping idols and committing all sorts of sins. The prophet Elijah had been in hiding because they were trying to kill him. But, upon God’s command, Elijah presented himself to King Ahab and told him to gather the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of the Asherah, and to meet him at Mount Carmel. Ahab did so.
Then, in 1 Kings 18:21, Elijah said,
How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.”
Everyone was quiet. Then Elijah proposed a test between the idolatrous prophets and himself to determine the true God. Each side was to prepare an oxen for a sacrifice and pray to their god/God to send fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice. The God who answers by fire would be the true God.
Fair enough. The people liked the idea — prepared their sacrifice, and prayed hard all day, even cutting themselves to show their devotion to Baal and the Asherah. No fire came down to burn their sacrifice.
Then Elijah rebuilt the altar for the LORD — made a ditch all around it — and soaked everything with water. At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah prayed. The fire of the LORD immediately consumed the sacrifice, wood, stones, water, and dust. In 1 Kings 18:39, the people fell on their faces and declared,
The LORD, He is God; the LORD, He is God.
God had never stopped being God. The people had just willfully wanted to follow their own lusts. In that moment Elijah had them all seized and killed.
But, what about today? So many are waffling between faith in the LORD and their desires for the world. It shouldn’t be a hard decision — If the LORD is God, follow Him. All creation and the fulfilled prophecies for a Savior prove the LORD is God.
In glad praise, we say, “Hallelujah! LORD, thank You for showing us Your truths.”
Love,
Margaret
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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and GOD of gods.
Pray for our country.
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… Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus …
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The LORD made this day, let us rejoice and be glad in Him.
Psalm 118:24
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The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30
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Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming to the upright.
Psalm 33:1
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How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4
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Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13
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O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1
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Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3
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Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12
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