19-Aug-2024 – Zealous Prayer does mighty works
Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. -1 Kings 18:38
Elijah’s prayer is one of the most powerful prayers in the Bible, and the manifestation of its answer is beyond our imagination. Today, let us remember and meditate on this prayer to apply it in our daily lives.
If we understand the background and context of this prayer, there had been no rain in the land of Israel. This was because the prophet Elijah declared, in the name of the LORD God, that there would be no rain until he intervened. The reason for this declaration was the wickedness of Ahab’s reign, which was greater than that of all the previous Israelite kings. As Elijah had said, there was no rain.
During this time, the land of Israel was struck with a severe famine. Ahab believed that because Elijah had prophesied, he was to blame for the famine. However, the truth was that Ahab himself was the cause of the famine. He and his wife perverted the Israelites, turning them away from the LORD God and towards Baal.
Elijah stood alone for the LORD God, while there were 400 prophets of Baal on Ahab’s side. From a human perspective, it seemed that one person standing for God’s truth was up against four hundred people opposed to it. In any argument or debate, these four hundred people could easily overpower him with their numbers, power, and authority.
“Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto Mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel’s table.” -1 Kings 18:19
The LORD God gave Elijah the wisdom to speak to Ahab and gather the children of Israel and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. The children of Israel are the inheritance and property of the LORD God. Ahab was supposed to lead and protect them according to the Law of God given by Moses, but instead, he conspired with his wife and her prophets, participating in the greatest sin against God. The 400 prophets of Baal were leading the children of Israel astray, turning them away from the LORD. Elijah was raising his voice against these wicked actions, standing firm by the power and grace of God.
“And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.” -1 Kings 18:24
This was a wonderful way to prove a point. It was fair play and also proved that God is one. If Baal were truly a god, he would have responded accordingly. However, we know that the prophets of Baal tried in vain, but their offering was not consumed by fire. All this occurred before the eyes of the children of Israel.
“Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.” -1 Kings 18:38
When Elijah’s turn came, he followed the will of God. God had chosen the 12 children of Jacob and made them the 12 tribes of Israel, forming the nation He created. There was an altar on Mount Carmel, but it was in disrepair. Elijah repaired the altar using 12 stones to remember the covenant of the LORD God with Jacob. He then prepared the sacrifice and prayed to the LORD. Our living, zealous, and mighty God sent fire from heaven and consumed the sacrifice before the eyes of the Israelites and the prophets of Baal.
What can we learn from this incident?
When we stand for the word and truth of God, we may face opposition. Ahab was a king with authority, so when we stand for the LORD, the government, leaders, or other authorities might come against us to create obstacles. Elijah was a prophet who received the word of God to prepare the children of Israel according to His will. In our lives, it could be related to our career, family matters, business, or even ministry where we receive direction from God. When we act according to His word, Satan might raise people against us to thwart our plans, even involving the legal system or the government.
But like Elijah, when we remain steadfast in the LORD God, victory will be ours. Elijah did not fight or argue; he stood firm in his faith in the LORD and prayed. Our role is also to stand on God’s promises, without the need to fight against anyone. Our God fights for us. Not only Elijah, but also Daniel and his friends, Samson, David, Paul, Peter, and many others stood by their faith in the LORD, even against authorities. They did not fight but remained strong in their faith and in prayer.
May God help us to stand firm in difficult and adverse situations, proclaiming the glory and might of our LORD God among many people.
Prayer
Dear loving Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You for reminding us today about the zealous prayer of Elijah. You are truly the living God and a prayer-answering God. You are mighty and strong, and You never put those who trust in You to shame. Thank You for being with us. Help us to trust You with all our hearts, to stand on Your promises, and to proclaim Your glory among the people. I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen!
0 Comments