1 00:00:00,800 --> 00:00:04,360 Speaker 1: Let us pray. And when all the people saw it, 2 00:00:04,800 --> 00:00:07,680 Speaker 1: they fell on their faces, and they said, the Lord, 3 00:00:08,280 --> 00:00:12,200 Speaker 1: he is the God. The Lord, he is the God. 4 00:00:13,280 --> 00:00:18,079 Speaker 1: First Kings, eighteen thirty nine. Lord, I want you to 5 00:00:18,120 --> 00:00:22,240 Speaker 1: know that you can trust me with challenging and difficult assignments. 6 00:00:23,680 --> 00:00:25,799 Speaker 1: When I am faced with having to stand strong in 7 00:00:25,840 --> 00:00:29,160 Speaker 1: my faith and to stand on the side of godliness, 8 00:00:29,560 --> 00:00:32,720 Speaker 1: I will not waver to gain the acceptance of the masses, 9 00:00:33,200 --> 00:00:38,239 Speaker 1: like the King and prophets in First Kings eighteen Instead, 10 00:00:38,280 --> 00:00:42,040 Speaker 1: I will stand side by side with you, Lord, awaiting 11 00:00:42,080 --> 00:00:46,239 Speaker 1: your directions and guidance. I confess to day that I 12 00:00:46,280 --> 00:00:48,839 Speaker 1: am not afraid to be the only one. I am 13 00:00:48,880 --> 00:00:51,600 Speaker 1: not afraid to be the only one to operate with integrity. 14 00:00:52,280 --> 00:00:54,000 Speaker 1: I am not afraid to be the only one who 15 00:00:54,080 --> 00:00:58,440 Speaker 1: follows your word when others choose compromise. I am not 16 00:00:58,560 --> 00:01:01,920 Speaker 1: afraid to declare your mighty works in a world who 17 00:01:01,960 --> 00:01:06,039 Speaker 1: wants me to take credit for what I have. When 18 00:01:06,040 --> 00:01:09,280 Speaker 1: there's doubt in the lives of your children, I will 19 00:01:09,319 --> 00:01:12,560 Speaker 1: rest in your power to speak boldly and to point 20 00:01:12,600 --> 00:01:16,399 Speaker 1: them back to you so that they can flourish once again. 21 00:01:17,840 --> 00:01:21,319 Speaker 1: I hear the sound of rain in the distance, and 22 00:01:21,360 --> 00:01:25,759 Speaker 1: I thank you in advance for refreshing the dry areas 23 00:01:25,800 --> 00:01:34,080 Speaker 1: in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen, thanks for making 24 00:01:34,160 --> 00:01:37,440 Speaker 1: prayer a priority in your life. To hear the Bible 25 00:01:37,560 --> 00:01:40,240 Speaker 1: come to life. Stay tuned for the Bible in a 26 00:01:40,319 --> 00:01:53,840 Speaker 1: Year brought to you by Bible in a Year dot Com. 27 00:01:53,880 --> 00:01:59,360 Speaker 2: Elijah on Mount Carmel. In our last story, we learned 28 00:01:59,400 --> 00:02:03,680 Speaker 2: about the faith provision of God in Elijah's life. A 29 00:02:03,720 --> 00:02:08,079 Speaker 2: great drought filled the land of Israel, yet God continued 30 00:02:08,120 --> 00:02:11,680 Speaker 2: to meet Elijah's needs. The drought was a symbol of 31 00:02:11,800 --> 00:02:16,040 Speaker 2: Israel's spiritual state. They had strayed away from the Lord 32 00:02:16,120 --> 00:02:20,840 Speaker 2: and worshiped other gods. As a result, they were destitute. 33 00:02:20,880 --> 00:02:25,160 Speaker 2: In this story, Elijah showcases the mightiness of God against 34 00:02:25,240 --> 00:02:29,840 Speaker 2: the false gods of Israel. Elijah stands in direct opposition 35 00:02:30,000 --> 00:02:33,360 Speaker 2: to the prophets of bel in a cosmic battle of 36 00:02:33,440 --> 00:02:37,520 Speaker 2: nature inspired by the Book of First Kings. 37 00:02:40,240 --> 00:02:43,160 Speaker 3: Hello, I'm pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the 38 00:02:43,160 --> 00:02:47,120 Speaker 3: Bible in a Year podcast. In our previous time together, 39 00:02:47,240 --> 00:02:50,960 Speaker 3: we saw God provide miraculously for Elijah in the midst 40 00:02:51,000 --> 00:02:54,919 Speaker 3: of a drought that was devastating Israel. God's people were 41 00:02:54,960 --> 00:02:58,040 Speaker 3: experiencing the judgment of a righteous and holy God from 42 00:02:58,040 --> 00:03:01,640 Speaker 3: whom their hearts had turned as they worshiped Bail, the 43 00:03:01,680 --> 00:03:05,240 Speaker 3: false gods of the Pagans. The Lord had used this 44 00:03:05,320 --> 00:03:09,359 Speaker 3: period of need and provision in Elijah's life to strengthen 45 00:03:09,400 --> 00:03:12,960 Speaker 3: and deepen his faith as he prepared for many battles ahead. 46 00:03:13,720 --> 00:03:16,679 Speaker 3: And today we'll hear how the clash between God and 47 00:03:16,720 --> 00:03:19,679 Speaker 3: the prophets of Bail and Asherah leads to an amazing 48 00:03:19,760 --> 00:03:23,840 Speaker 3: display of God's power at a place called Mount Carmel. 49 00:03:25,160 --> 00:03:30,160 Speaker 2: The country of Israel was scorched and forsaken. For three years, 50 00:03:30,200 --> 00:03:34,320 Speaker 2: the soil received no reign, the land was parched, and 51 00:03:34,360 --> 00:03:37,000 Speaker 2: the people of Israel were lost in a daze of 52 00:03:37,120 --> 00:03:42,080 Speaker 2: thirst and misery. King Ahab was forced to govern Israel 53 00:03:42,200 --> 00:03:46,320 Speaker 2: in dire circumstances. Deep down, though he would not admit it, 54 00:03:46,720 --> 00:03:48,960 Speaker 2: he knew that it was the Lord who kept the 55 00:03:49,040 --> 00:03:53,160 Speaker 2: rain from falling. One morning, the Lord spoke to Eliza. 56 00:03:53,920 --> 00:03:57,240 Speaker 2: The Lord spoke as if giving a commission and a warning. 57 00:03:58,000 --> 00:04:01,760 Speaker 2: Go to King Ahab. He said, tell him that rain 58 00:04:02,160 --> 00:04:06,880 Speaker 2: is coming. So Elijah took off. Ahab had been seeking 59 00:04:06,920 --> 00:04:10,040 Speaker 2: out Elijah for quite some time, for he knew that 60 00:04:10,120 --> 00:04:12,960 Speaker 2: Elijah was someone who could entreat of the Lord to 61 00:04:13,040 --> 00:04:17,080 Speaker 2: send rain. Elijah knew he would not receive a warm 62 00:04:17,120 --> 00:04:21,760 Speaker 2: welcome from the king. Meanwhile, back in Samaria, a deathly 63 00:04:21,920 --> 00:04:25,839 Speaker 2: famine was spreading throughout the land. King Ahab sent his 64 00:04:25,960 --> 00:04:30,599 Speaker 2: most faithful servant, Obadiah, to search for sources of water. 65 00:04:31,400 --> 00:04:34,760 Speaker 2: Obadiah was a faithful follower of the Lord and had 66 00:04:34,760 --> 00:04:38,240 Speaker 2: a proven past of bravery in the midst of great distress. 67 00:04:39,000 --> 00:04:41,840 Speaker 2: One time, when the wicked Jezebel tried to kill one 68 00:04:41,960 --> 00:04:45,680 Speaker 2: hundred of the Lord's prophets, Obadiah hid them safely in 69 00:04:45,839 --> 00:04:49,320 Speaker 2: caves night and day. He tended to their needs and 70 00:04:49,440 --> 00:04:53,719 Speaker 2: kept them safe. Obadiah was well known for his compassion 71 00:04:53,800 --> 00:04:58,599 Speaker 2: and bravery. Ahab commissioned Obadiah to find springs of water. 72 00:04:59,279 --> 00:05:03,160 Speaker 2: Obadiah in one way, and Ahab went the other. As 73 00:05:03,200 --> 00:05:07,039 Speaker 2: Obadiah was on his search, he saw Elijah walking towards 74 00:05:07,080 --> 00:05:11,760 Speaker 2: the palace. Obadiah stopped dead in his tracks, quivering with 75 00:05:11,839 --> 00:05:15,679 Speaker 2: excitement and fear. He fell at Elijah's feet and said, 76 00:05:16,080 --> 00:05:20,640 Speaker 2: is that really you Elijah. Elijah smiled. He was happy 77 00:05:20,680 --> 00:05:23,839 Speaker 2: to see a friendly face. He helped Obadiah to his 78 00:05:23,920 --> 00:05:27,159 Speaker 2: feet and said, yes, my friend, I have come to 79 00:05:27,200 --> 00:05:29,920 Speaker 2: see the king. Go and tell him I am here. 80 00:05:30,800 --> 00:05:34,640 Speaker 2: Obadiah shook his head and grabbed Elijah by the shoulders. No, 81 00:05:35,120 --> 00:05:37,960 Speaker 2: he shouted, If I go and tell Ahab you are here, 82 00:05:38,200 --> 00:05:40,919 Speaker 2: he will harm me for letting you get away. He 83 00:05:41,000 --> 00:05:44,240 Speaker 2: has been searching for you for months. He blames you 84 00:05:44,440 --> 00:05:48,400 Speaker 2: for the drought. Obadiah composed himself and forced a smile. 85 00:05:49,160 --> 00:05:50,960 Speaker 2: If I go and tell the king you are here 86 00:05:51,240 --> 00:05:54,240 Speaker 2: and you do not show up, he will surely kill me. 87 00:05:54,920 --> 00:05:58,400 Speaker 2: Elijah tried to reassure Obadiah that all was well, but 88 00:05:58,440 --> 00:06:02,359 Speaker 2: Obadiah shook his head again and said, Ahab's wife, Jezebel, 89 00:06:02,560 --> 00:06:05,680 Speaker 2: began an inquisition of God's prophets. I had to hide 90 00:06:05,720 --> 00:06:10,680 Speaker 2: them in caves. You are not safe here, Elijah. Elijah 91 00:06:10,720 --> 00:06:13,920 Speaker 2: planted his feet firmly in the ground and took Obadiah's hand. 92 00:06:14,640 --> 00:06:17,320 Speaker 2: He looked him in the eye and said, I swear 93 00:06:17,440 --> 00:06:21,440 Speaker 2: by the Almighty I will be there shortly. Take courage. 94 00:06:22,000 --> 00:06:25,719 Speaker 2: Obadiah clenched Elijah's hand and let out a sigh. A 95 00:06:25,720 --> 00:06:28,840 Speaker 2: slight grin came upon his face, a grin that could 96 00:06:28,839 --> 00:06:31,440 Speaker 2: only come from a man with true faith in God. 97 00:06:32,080 --> 00:06:34,479 Speaker 2: He nodded his head and left to go tell King 98 00:06:34,520 --> 00:06:39,240 Speaker 2: Ahab of Elijah's return. Elijah did not get far before 99 00:06:39,279 --> 00:06:41,880 Speaker 2: Ahab and his men came out to meet him. The 100 00:06:42,000 --> 00:06:45,479 Speaker 2: king came with a large crowd behind him. Rumors of 101 00:06:45,520 --> 00:06:48,880 Speaker 2: Elijah being the cause of the drought had spread throughout Israel. 102 00:06:49,520 --> 00:06:54,000 Speaker 2: Elijah could feel their glares burning through his skin. Ahabs 103 00:06:54,040 --> 00:06:58,160 Speaker 2: sat upon his camel. He was a taller man, muscular 104 00:06:58,240 --> 00:07:02,039 Speaker 2: and handsome, yet three years of drought and conflict had 105 00:07:02,080 --> 00:07:06,440 Speaker 2: aged him rapidly. Weariness could be seen from under his eyes. 106 00:07:07,160 --> 00:07:11,040 Speaker 2: Ahab glared down at Elijah. Ah it is the trouble 107 00:07:11,120 --> 00:07:17,960 Speaker 2: maker Elijah, Ahab said with a slight slur. Ahab was unsteady, involatile. 108 00:07:18,520 --> 00:07:21,480 Speaker 2: He and his wife Jezebel already proved they were capable 109 00:07:21,520 --> 00:07:25,480 Speaker 2: of intense violence. Yet something in Elijah gave him boldness 110 00:07:25,480 --> 00:07:30,240 Speaker 2: to speak truthfully. I have made no trouble, Elijah exclaimed. 111 00:07:30,840 --> 00:07:34,160 Speaker 2: He projected his voice so everyone present could hear. He 112 00:07:34,280 --> 00:07:37,520 Speaker 2: pointed to Ahab and said, you and your family have 113 00:07:37,600 --> 00:07:42,200 Speaker 2: brought this on yourself. You worship the God's bail and Asherah. 114 00:07:42,760 --> 00:07:46,440 Speaker 2: They have brought you only pain. Elijah held his arms 115 00:07:46,440 --> 00:07:49,360 Speaker 2: open wide. Some in all of Israel to join me 116 00:07:49,400 --> 00:07:52,760 Speaker 2: at Mount Carmelle. Bring with you the four hundred fifty 117 00:07:52,800 --> 00:07:56,040 Speaker 2: prophets of bail and the four hundred prophets of Asherah. 118 00:07:56,400 --> 00:07:59,360 Speaker 2: We shall see whose God is worthy to be praised. 119 00:08:00,680 --> 00:08:04,160 Speaker 2: The next morning, Ahabs summoned thousands of people to watch 120 00:08:04,200 --> 00:08:08,160 Speaker 2: Elijah stand against the eight hundred fifty prophets of Bail 121 00:08:08,320 --> 00:08:11,880 Speaker 2: an Asherah. Elijah looked at the sea of people. He 122 00:08:12,080 --> 00:08:14,560 Speaker 2: loathed that there had to be a spectacle to show 123 00:08:14,640 --> 00:08:18,040 Speaker 2: them the error of their ways. Elijah found a large 124 00:08:18,080 --> 00:08:20,400 Speaker 2: stone to stand on so he could be seen by 125 00:08:20,440 --> 00:08:23,880 Speaker 2: every man and woman present. He raised his hand into 126 00:08:23,880 --> 00:08:28,000 Speaker 2: the air and shouted, you waver and hobble between two masters. 127 00:08:28,520 --> 00:08:31,280 Speaker 2: First you serve God, and then you serve Bel and 128 00:08:31,440 --> 00:08:36,760 Speaker 2: Asherah no longer. If the Lord is worthy, follow him. However, 129 00:08:36,800 --> 00:08:40,360 Speaker 2: if bel shows himself to be God, then follow him. 130 00:08:40,880 --> 00:08:45,000 Speaker 2: The people were silent at Elijah's words. They waited. They 131 00:08:45,080 --> 00:08:50,360 Speaker 2: needed proof, they needed a show. It was truly ironic. 132 00:08:50,880 --> 00:08:53,640 Speaker 2: Beil was supposed to be the god of fertility and weather, 133 00:08:53,880 --> 00:08:57,040 Speaker 2: Yet the heavens closed and gave no rein all the 134 00:08:57,080 --> 00:09:00,960 Speaker 2: people's prayers to bail were never answered. Elijah stood among 135 00:09:01,000 --> 00:09:05,280 Speaker 2: the people and said, here Bell has four hundred fifty prophets. 136 00:09:05,800 --> 00:09:10,240 Speaker 2: The Lord has only me. Bring two bulls forth. The 137 00:09:10,280 --> 00:09:13,839 Speaker 2: people brought two bulls and killed them for a sacrifice. 138 00:09:13,880 --> 00:09:17,800 Speaker 2: Elijah continued saying, the prophets of Bell may choose whichever 139 00:09:17,880 --> 00:09:20,920 Speaker 2: bull they think is best. We will lay our bulls 140 00:09:20,920 --> 00:09:24,520 Speaker 2: on the wood for sacrifice. Elijah lifted his staff in 141 00:09:24,559 --> 00:09:27,640 Speaker 2: the air and yelled, call upon the name of your God, 142 00:09:27,679 --> 00:09:31,640 Speaker 2: and I shall call on mine. Whoever answers with fire 143 00:09:31,800 --> 00:09:36,400 Speaker 2: upon the altar shall be the true God. Elijah's words 144 00:09:36,480 --> 00:09:40,320 Speaker 2: rolled like thunder. He stepped down, His eyes did not 145 00:09:40,520 --> 00:09:45,479 Speaker 2: leave the false prophets. His righteous anger burned deep. Elijah 146 00:09:45,480 --> 00:09:49,240 Speaker 2: allowed the prophets of Bell to go first. They prayed 147 00:09:49,320 --> 00:09:53,480 Speaker 2: from morning until noon. They shouted, sang, and danced around 148 00:09:53,520 --> 00:09:57,440 Speaker 2: the altar. Elijah watched them as they hobbled on one leg, 149 00:09:57,760 --> 00:10:02,520 Speaker 2: fell on their faces towards the ground, enchanted in ancient dialects. 150 00:10:03,120 --> 00:10:08,520 Speaker 2: For hours, he suffered the incoherent babbles of these false prophets. Finally, 151 00:10:09,040 --> 00:10:11,160 Speaker 2: as the sun was at its highest in the sky, 152 00:10:11,640 --> 00:10:15,920 Speaker 2: Elijah began to mock them. He yawned and folded his arms. 153 00:10:16,679 --> 00:10:20,160 Speaker 2: You may have to shout louder, Elijah scoffed. Perhaps he 154 00:10:20,280 --> 00:10:23,960 Speaker 2: is lost somewhere day dreaming, or perhaps he is relieving 155 00:10:24,040 --> 00:10:26,920 Speaker 2: himself out back. It could also be that he is 156 00:10:26,960 --> 00:10:30,160 Speaker 2: away on a journey or a sleep. Maybe if you 157 00:10:30,200 --> 00:10:34,000 Speaker 2: shout louder, you could wake him up. The prophets continued 158 00:10:34,000 --> 00:10:37,120 Speaker 2: their shouts, as was the custom. The prophets took out 159 00:10:37,160 --> 00:10:39,880 Speaker 2: their blades and swords and began to cut themselves on 160 00:10:39,920 --> 00:10:43,959 Speaker 2: the altar. Blood gushed from their arms and legs, spilling 161 00:10:44,000 --> 00:10:47,720 Speaker 2: out onto the floor. They writhed in pain, rolling around 162 00:10:47,760 --> 00:10:50,840 Speaker 2: in their own gore. The sun was beginning to set, 163 00:10:51,280 --> 00:10:54,680 Speaker 2: and Elijah could take no more of their nonsensical idol 164 00:10:54,720 --> 00:10:59,200 Speaker 2: worshiping clouds slowly crept into the sky, making their way 165 00:10:59,240 --> 00:11:03,320 Speaker 2: over the people below. Elijah drew people towards the altar. 166 00:11:03,679 --> 00:11:06,840 Speaker 2: He set up twelve stones to represent the twelve tribes 167 00:11:06,880 --> 00:11:09,960 Speaker 2: of Israel, and dug a large trench around the altar. 168 00:11:10,559 --> 00:11:13,480 Speaker 2: The people filled the trench with three gallons of water. 169 00:11:14,200 --> 00:11:18,680 Speaker 2: They poured more water over the wood. Again, Elijah said, so. 170 00:11:18,760 --> 00:11:23,480 Speaker 2: They drenched the wood again with water. Again Elijah repeated, 171 00:11:24,080 --> 00:11:27,000 Speaker 2: so Again they dumped more water over the wood and offering. 172 00:11:27,720 --> 00:11:31,440 Speaker 2: Elijah knelt before the sopping, wet altar. The whole area 173 00:11:31,600 --> 00:11:36,040 Speaker 2: was silent, listening in on Elijah's prayers to God, Lord, 174 00:11:36,760 --> 00:11:41,920 Speaker 2: God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, prove yourself today. Answer 175 00:11:42,000 --> 00:11:46,000 Speaker 2: me and answer these people. Make them understand your deliverance. 176 00:11:47,000 --> 00:11:50,360 Speaker 2: As Elijah was speaking, a great flash of lightning fell 177 00:11:50,520 --> 00:11:54,760 Speaker 2: down from heaven. The altar erupted into flames, sending ash 178 00:11:54,840 --> 00:11:58,559 Speaker 2: and debris flying into the air. The offering, the wood, 179 00:11:58,640 --> 00:12:01,240 Speaker 2: and the stones were grounded to a powder, and the 180 00:12:01,280 --> 00:12:05,720 Speaker 2: water evaporated into the intense heat of the flames. The 181 00:12:05,800 --> 00:12:09,679 Speaker 2: might of God had descended upon the altar. The same 182 00:12:09,760 --> 00:12:13,240 Speaker 2: God that sent fire spilling from heaven against the Egyptians 183 00:12:13,600 --> 00:12:16,640 Speaker 2: had proved himself to be just as present as before. 184 00:12:17,440 --> 00:12:19,679 Speaker 2: The people of Israel fell on to their faces and 185 00:12:19,720 --> 00:12:24,600 Speaker 2: began to repent before the Lord, the Lord. He is God, 186 00:12:24,800 --> 00:12:28,840 Speaker 2: The Lord is God, they shouted. Elijah looked at the 187 00:12:28,840 --> 00:12:32,680 Speaker 2: bleeding and babbling prophets and pointed to them, take these 188 00:12:32,720 --> 00:12:35,720 Speaker 2: prophets away. Do not let a single one of them escape. 189 00:12:36,320 --> 00:12:39,240 Speaker 2: So the mob of people took them. The false prophets 190 00:12:39,280 --> 00:12:42,840 Speaker 2: were dragged into the Kishan valley and slaughtered for their wickedness. 191 00:12:43,640 --> 00:12:48,080 Speaker 2: Their blood painted the valley red. That day, Bell did 192 00:12:48,120 --> 00:12:52,559 Speaker 2: not answer them. Thunder began to roll in through the clouds. 193 00:12:53,080 --> 00:12:56,319 Speaker 2: Elijah looked up to Heaven and then looked down again 194 00:12:56,400 --> 00:13:00,520 Speaker 2: to King Ahab. Elijah smiled and said, you better go 195 00:13:00,640 --> 00:13:04,720 Speaker 2: home and eat. Seems to be a rainstorm coming. So 196 00:13:04,840 --> 00:13:08,280 Speaker 2: Ahab and the people of Israel retreated back into their homes, 197 00:13:08,559 --> 00:13:12,199 Speaker 2: but Elijah climbed to the top of Mount carmel Ahab 198 00:13:12,280 --> 00:13:16,600 Speaker 2: stayed awhile and watched as Elijah climbed there, high above 199 00:13:16,640 --> 00:13:20,800 Speaker 2: the city. Elijah bowed among the clouds. Thunder surrounded him 200 00:13:20,800 --> 00:13:25,960 Speaker 2: in every direction. Thick black clouds covered the skies. Elijah 201 00:13:26,000 --> 00:13:28,800 Speaker 2: preyed on his knees to God, with his face held 202 00:13:28,920 --> 00:13:32,800 Speaker 2: high to Heaven. Elijah turned back to a servant and said, 203 00:13:33,120 --> 00:13:36,199 Speaker 2: go and tell Ahab to retreat on his chariot before 204 00:13:36,200 --> 00:13:40,120 Speaker 2: the rain catches him. The winds became violent, and soon 205 00:13:40,200 --> 00:13:43,800 Speaker 2: it was difficult to stand upright. Elijah tucked his cloak 206 00:13:43,840 --> 00:13:46,800 Speaker 2: into his belt and began running. The Lord gave him 207 00:13:46,840 --> 00:13:50,640 Speaker 2: special strength to run faster than the rain, and Ahab's 208 00:13:50,720 --> 00:13:54,880 Speaker 2: chariot behind him. The rain began to consume the dry 209 00:13:55,400 --> 00:13:58,880 Speaker 2: and thirsty valley. 210 00:14:00,679 --> 00:14:04,559 Speaker 3: As we open today's scripture, Israel is still plagued with drought. 211 00:14:05,520 --> 00:14:09,000 Speaker 3: Rain had not fallen for three years. King Ahab, a 212 00:14:09,040 --> 00:14:12,600 Speaker 3: wicked king, ruled the land in this challenging time, and 213 00:14:12,720 --> 00:14:16,199 Speaker 3: rather than turned to God, AaB continued in his wickedness, 214 00:14:16,280 --> 00:14:20,240 Speaker 3: letting the worship of false gods destroy the land. The 215 00:14:20,280 --> 00:14:24,200 Speaker 3: people had suffered greatly for their unfaithfulness, just as God 216 00:14:24,280 --> 00:14:27,640 Speaker 3: through Elijah had told King Ahab it would. But now 217 00:14:27,680 --> 00:14:31,720 Speaker 3: it was time for the rains to return. Now is 218 00:14:31,760 --> 00:14:35,760 Speaker 3: a time for revival. So the Lord spoke to Elijah 219 00:14:35,800 --> 00:14:38,040 Speaker 3: and told him to go to Ahab, saying God would 220 00:14:38,080 --> 00:14:43,120 Speaker 3: send rain. So Elijah went off to see the king. Meanwhile, 221 00:14:43,520 --> 00:14:47,240 Speaker 3: Ahab was desperately looking for solutions to his big problem. 222 00:14:47,880 --> 00:14:50,480 Speaker 3: He sent his servant Obadiah to look for grass and 223 00:14:50,560 --> 00:14:53,480 Speaker 3: water for the animals. The king took a search party 224 00:14:53,480 --> 00:14:56,840 Speaker 3: in one direction, and Obadiah went the other way. Now, 225 00:14:56,920 --> 00:15:01,680 Speaker 3: unlike the king, Obadiah feared God had protected God's prophets. 226 00:15:01,760 --> 00:15:05,240 Speaker 3: When Ahab's wife, Jezebel, a very wicked woman, was hunting 227 00:15:05,320 --> 00:15:09,560 Speaker 3: them down to kill them. When Obadiah encountered Elijah. He 228 00:15:09,720 --> 00:15:12,600 Speaker 3: was thrilled to see him, but when Elijah told him 229 00:15:12,600 --> 00:15:15,640 Speaker 3: to go tell the king he was coming, Obadiah was 230 00:15:15,720 --> 00:15:19,520 Speaker 3: terrified because Ahab was evil and violent, and if he 231 00:15:19,600 --> 00:15:22,680 Speaker 3: returned without Elijah, he was sure to have his head. 232 00:15:23,480 --> 00:15:28,880 Speaker 3: In other words, Obadiah compromised. But Elijah reassured Obadiah that 233 00:15:28,920 --> 00:15:32,120 Speaker 3: the Lord would protect him, so he did finally go 234 00:15:32,240 --> 00:15:36,080 Speaker 3: away to tell the king. When Ahab and Elijah finally 235 00:15:36,120 --> 00:15:39,440 Speaker 3: met up, rather than acknowledge his fault in the drought, 236 00:15:39,520 --> 00:15:45,160 Speaker 3: Ahab deflected the blame. He called Elijah a troublemaker. But 237 00:15:45,280 --> 00:15:48,520 Speaker 3: Elijah told Ahab that he was the troublemaker, that he 238 00:15:48,560 --> 00:15:52,480 Speaker 3: had brought judgment upon Israel. The worship of all the 239 00:15:52,560 --> 00:15:57,760 Speaker 3: false gods would certainly bring ruin upon God's people. Elijah 240 00:15:57,840 --> 00:16:00,080 Speaker 3: told Ahab to summon the four hundred and fifty the 241 00:16:00,120 --> 00:16:03,720 Speaker 3: prophets of Bail and four hundred prophets of Asherah to 242 00:16:03,840 --> 00:16:07,960 Speaker 3: Mount Carmel. It was time for a showdown. It would 243 00:16:08,000 --> 00:16:10,880 Speaker 3: be a battle of the gods. Now I want you 244 00:16:10,960 --> 00:16:14,360 Speaker 3: to picture this scene. Thousands of people gathered on a 245 00:16:14,400 --> 00:16:16,960 Speaker 3: mountain for a battle of belief, a battle of faith 246 00:16:17,040 --> 00:16:22,440 Speaker 3: between eight hundred and fifty false prophets against one lone 247 00:16:22,760 --> 00:16:28,120 Speaker 3: man standing for God, the man Elijah. Elijah was full 248 00:16:28,160 --> 00:16:31,480 Speaker 3: of faith. He was confident. He knew God would come 249 00:16:31,520 --> 00:16:33,880 Speaker 3: through just as he promised, and he knew the people 250 00:16:33,960 --> 00:16:37,480 Speaker 3: had a choice to make. So in One Kings eighteen 251 00:16:37,600 --> 00:16:41,000 Speaker 3: twenty one, this is what Elijah says to the people, 252 00:16:41,840 --> 00:16:45,640 Speaker 3: how long will you go limping between two different opinions? 253 00:16:46,160 --> 00:16:49,720 Speaker 3: If the Lord is God, follow him? But if bail, 254 00:16:50,200 --> 00:16:53,720 Speaker 3: then follow him. And the people did not answer him 255 00:16:53,880 --> 00:16:59,240 Speaker 3: a word. In other words, they refused to make a decision. 256 00:17:00,320 --> 00:17:02,640 Speaker 3: He then had two bulls brought, one for God and 257 00:17:02,680 --> 00:17:05,640 Speaker 3: one for the false idols. The prophets of Bail could 258 00:17:05,680 --> 00:17:08,760 Speaker 3: choose the bull they saw fit. Then each bull would 259 00:17:08,760 --> 00:17:11,760 Speaker 3: be killed and laid on the wood and be sacrificed. 260 00:17:12,440 --> 00:17:15,280 Speaker 3: The challenge was a simple one. Each party would call 261 00:17:15,359 --> 00:17:17,760 Speaker 3: them their deity to bring fire upon the altar and 262 00:17:17,840 --> 00:17:21,200 Speaker 3: consume the animal, and they would see which God answered, 263 00:17:21,560 --> 00:17:24,800 Speaker 3: because the God who is God, would answer with fire. 264 00:17:26,040 --> 00:17:29,359 Speaker 3: The prophets of Bail, of course, failed because their God 265 00:17:29,560 --> 00:17:34,360 Speaker 3: was a nonexistent god. He was indifferent because he did 266 00:17:34,400 --> 00:17:38,840 Speaker 3: not exist. They began to cut themselves and bleed on 267 00:17:38,920 --> 00:17:40,960 Speaker 3: the altar and to cry out and to shout, but 268 00:17:41,119 --> 00:17:44,400 Speaker 3: to no avail. The gods that Israel had given their 269 00:17:44,440 --> 00:17:47,960 Speaker 3: lives to, turning from the Lord to follow after these 270 00:17:48,320 --> 00:17:53,480 Speaker 3: bales were powerless and silent. Just a word of application here. 271 00:17:54,200 --> 00:17:57,000 Speaker 3: The false gods of our own age are powerless to 272 00:17:57,080 --> 00:18:00,640 Speaker 3: meet the deepest needs of the human hearts. Never give 273 00:18:00,720 --> 00:18:03,520 Speaker 3: your energy, or your devotion, or your faith to what 274 00:18:03,680 --> 00:18:08,159 Speaker 3: does not really exist. In the end, as is always 275 00:18:08,200 --> 00:18:12,919 Speaker 3: the case, the false gods would never come through. And 276 00:18:12,960 --> 00:18:17,040 Speaker 3: then it was Elijah's turn. A mere fire wouldn't do. 277 00:18:17,640 --> 00:18:20,800 Speaker 3: The people needed a sign that they could not reject 278 00:18:20,920 --> 00:18:24,320 Speaker 3: or ignore, so he had gallons of water dumped on 279 00:18:24,400 --> 00:18:28,840 Speaker 3: the altar, drenching the bull and the wood. Why did 280 00:18:28,840 --> 00:18:32,520 Speaker 3: he do this? I like what someone said. A god 281 00:18:32,760 --> 00:18:36,280 Speaker 3: who cannot burn wet wood is not a god at all. 282 00:18:37,680 --> 00:18:41,600 Speaker 3: So the wood is wet. But Elijah pray to prayer 283 00:18:41,640 --> 00:18:45,920 Speaker 3: to remind everyone that God is God, the God of 284 00:18:45,960 --> 00:18:50,040 Speaker 3: their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And when he called 285 00:18:50,119 --> 00:18:53,119 Speaker 3: upon the Lord in prayer to show his power, a 286 00:18:53,119 --> 00:18:57,159 Speaker 3: great explosion took place. A great fire, like a nuclear attack, 287 00:18:57,280 --> 00:19:02,159 Speaker 3: fell from heaven and consumed everything east woods, stone, and water. 288 00:19:03,280 --> 00:19:07,359 Speaker 3: The people then fell on their faces praising God. Elijah 289 00:19:07,400 --> 00:19:10,200 Speaker 3: then had every last prophet of Baal put to death. 290 00:19:10,960 --> 00:19:14,040 Speaker 3: He knew that their evil deception could not remain in 291 00:19:14,160 --> 00:19:18,480 Speaker 3: the land. The cancer had to be cut out. Our 292 00:19:18,560 --> 00:19:22,920 Speaker 3: passage closes with rain gathering in the skies. Elijah tells 293 00:19:23,000 --> 00:19:25,960 Speaker 3: King Aheb to run back to Jezreel before the rain came, 294 00:19:26,320 --> 00:19:29,960 Speaker 3: and Ahab takes his chariot and rode away. God then 295 00:19:30,000 --> 00:19:33,879 Speaker 3: strengthened Elijah with supernatural strength, and he sped to outrun 296 00:19:33,920 --> 00:19:37,040 Speaker 3: Aheb's chariot and arrive in Jezreel ahead of the king, 297 00:19:37,480 --> 00:19:40,480 Speaker 3: ready to serve as God's counsel to a king who 298 00:19:40,560 --> 00:19:44,919 Speaker 3: needed to turn the nation back to God. Would Ahab 299 00:19:45,080 --> 00:19:48,240 Speaker 3: change his ways? And what would happen to Elijah, who 300 00:19:48,240 --> 00:19:52,920 Speaker 3: had killed Jezebel the Terrible Queen's prophets we'll find out 301 00:19:53,359 --> 00:19:57,520 Speaker 3: in our next reading. Dear Lord, we are reminded from 302 00:19:57,560 --> 00:20:01,199 Speaker 3: this powerful story just how much we need revival in 303 00:20:01,280 --> 00:20:04,479 Speaker 3: our world today. We ask that you would send the 304 00:20:04,480 --> 00:20:07,399 Speaker 3: fire to your people and your churches, the fire of 305 00:20:07,440 --> 00:20:11,120 Speaker 3: your spirit, that it would ignite us in true devotion 306 00:20:11,359 --> 00:20:14,639 Speaker 3: to you. May we tear down the false idols of 307 00:20:14,680 --> 00:20:18,520 Speaker 3: this world, and may we worship you and You only 308 00:20:18,720 --> 00:20:22,000 Speaker 3: with our whole hearts. Lord, help us not to limp 309 00:20:22,040 --> 00:20:25,760 Speaker 3: between two opinions, believing one thing one day and another 310 00:20:25,800 --> 00:20:29,040 Speaker 3: thing the other. But may our strength and our convictions 311 00:20:29,080 --> 00:20:33,879 Speaker 3: be strong as we walk with you in Jesus' name. Amen. 312 00:20:35,320 --> 00:20:38,320 Speaker 3: Thank you for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast. 313 00:20:38,440 --> 00:20:42,359 Speaker 3: I'm Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. Download Theprey dot com 314 00:20:42,400 --> 00:20:45,840 Speaker 3: app and make prayer and Bible study a priority in 315 00:20:45,920 --> 00:20:50,040 Speaker 3: your life. If you enjoyed this podcast, share it with 316 00:20:50,160 --> 00:20:53,000 Speaker 3: someone you love, share it with a friend, pass it 317 00:20:53,080 --> 00:20:56,040 Speaker 3: on because this podcast can make a huge difference in 318 00:20:56,080 --> 00:20:59,760 Speaker 3: people's lives. I'm hearing wonderful stories of the impact of 319 00:20:59,800 --> 00:21:03,600 Speaker 3: God God's Word as a result of listening to Bible 320 00:21:03,640 --> 00:21:07,120 Speaker 3: in a Year. And if you want more biblical resources 321 00:21:07,720 --> 00:21:10,800 Speaker 3: resources from God's Word that will enable you and assist 322 00:21:10,840 --> 00:21:13,240 Speaker 3: you in your walk with God, then be sure to 323 00:21:13,400 --> 00:21:18,120 Speaker 3: visit Jack Graham dot org. That's Jack Graham dot org. 324 00:21:18,480 --> 00:21:19,200 Speaker 3: God bless you.