The One True God
And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; The LORD, he is the God. 1 Kings 18:39
Read 1 Kings 18:39-42
Baal was not able to do anything. His followers had done what they could to please him, to implore him to reveal his power. They had cut themselves, shedding their own blood, but Baal did not answer them. However, in answer to Elijah’s prayer to Jehovah, fire came down from the unclouded heavens. This fire made a momentary, deep impression upon the nation. The people cried out; The LORD, he is the God, the LORD, he is the God. Everyone fell down to the ground and cried loudly that the Lord was truly God.
However, the history of Israel reveals that the nation did not truly turn to the Lord. Perhaps you too have been under deep impressions at one time or another. It may have been due to a sudden death in the family. You then made the decision to turn your back on the idols in your life and to serve the Lord alone. But what was the result of those good intentions? After some time did you again fall back into old routines? Or, maybe you became very ill and you promised the Lord that you would truly serve Him if you recovered. Did you keep that promise?
A great miracle must take place if we are to serve the Lord. Then you will also be made willing to stand up for His service and His cause. This requires much prayer, so you may be salt that is savoury and a light that shines in a dark place. You will also lovingly warn others that serving idols leads to eternal destruction, while the service of the Lord is a most blessed one that leads to eternal life. Will you encourage others to forsake the service of idols and to serve the Lord?
Thought: Serving idols is foolishness, while serving the Lord is true wisdom.
Psalter 206:2,5 (based on Psalm 75) Thy righteous judgment, Thou hast said, Shall in due time appear, And Thou Who didst establish it Wilt fill the earth with fear. The God of Israel I will praise And all His glory show; The righteous He will high exalt And bring the wicked low.