HE MOCKED THE ENEMY The prophet Elijah is one of the premier men of all time. He is mentioned sixty-nine times in the Old Testament Scriptures, and thirty in the New. He was a prolific miracle worker, raising the dead (1 Kgs 17:17-24), bringing rain upon the earth after a three and a half year drought (1 Kgs 18:41-45), and calling down fire upon his enemies (2 Kgs 1:10-12). But he was never more impressive for God than when he faced the idol worshipers of his day.
" And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked." (1 Kgs 18:27)
After being charged by Ahab with being the one who troubled Israel, Elijah spoke with a boldness and firmness that must have shaken the wicked king. "I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim." He then hurled a challenge at king Ahab that has earthly equal. "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" (vs 17-19).
What an aggregation of people on Mount Carmel! All of Israel and eight hundred and fifty false prophets: 450 prophets of Baal, and 400 prophets of the grove that were pampered by wicked Jezebel herself. The assembly was called, and the people gathered by Ahab, according to the word of Elijah. This bold step of faith was intended to confirm not only the greatness of God, but that He was the ONLY God!
Elijah stepped forward and challenged the people of Israel, who were waffling between serving God and serving Baal. "How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him." An eery silence hovered over the people, as they "answered him not a word" (v 21).
Standing alone before God, His people, and the premier enemies of the land, Elijah confessed, "I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men" (v 22). Unintimidated by the circumstance, the mighty prophet called for two bullocks, or young oxen, to be selected: one by the prophets of Baal, and one by himself. The prophets were to cut up their bullock, while he prepared the other one. Each was then to be laid upon wood, and separate altars. No fire was to be kindled for the sacrifice. This would be a test of who was really God. The rules were then given. "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" (v 24).
The prophets of Baal did as told, and cried unto their God for six hours, from morning until noon. "But there was no voice, nor any that answered" (v 26). Then they even got up on the altar and leaped about in idolatrous frenzy. At noon, Elijah taunted them. "Shout louder! . . . Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened" (v 27, NIV). They shouted louder, and cut themselves with swords and spears until "the blood gushed out upon them" (v 28). After midday had passed, they prophesied until the evening, but "there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded" (v 29).
Elijah then told the people to come close. He personally repaired the altar of God that had been broken down. Taking twelve stones, one for each of the twelve tribes, "he built an altar in the name of the LORD" (v 32). A trench was built around the altar, and twelve barrels of water poured upon the sacrifice. The water "ran down around the altar and even filled the trench." Elijah then called upon the name of the Lord, confessing He was God, Elijah was His servant, and that he wanted the people to know God and turn back to Him (vs 36-37).
It is written, "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." The people responded by falling on their faces and saying, "The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God." Elijah then took the prophets of Baal "down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there" (38-40).
God Himself laughs at His enemies, holding them in derision (Psa 2:4; 37:13). It is even said of the godly, "The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him" (Psa 52:6). It takes a bold faith to challenge, and even mock, the enemy. It is certainly not an activity for timorous disciples. This is not something that can be worked up in then flesh. It is a boldness that comes from faith, and walking in the Spirit.
I suggest there is a great need for this type of faith in our day – a faith that does not shrink back, but boldly faces and challenges the enemies of God. God is able to do great things, and blessed are those who know it.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, send bold ministers who will press the battle, challenging the enemy, and showing that You alone are God.
-- Monday: