Midday passed, and they continued their frantic
prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice.
But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.
I Kings 18:29 (NIV)
You can read the rest of the story here but the gist of it is this: Elijah, a true prophet of God, and the false prophets of Baal have each built an alter and are praying for the TRUE GOD to send fire from heaven. The prophets of Baal have prayed and prayed and done everything else they know to get their god to send fire.
NOTHING HAPPENS.
They do more rituals.
STILL nothing happens.
Even though there is a severe drought in the land (vs. 2) Elijah has the people pour four large jars of water on his alter. He has them do this three times (vs 33-35).
Water is running all over and Elijah begins to pray and God sends FIRE.
Fire came down and burned up the wood, the sacrifice and the water in the ditches (vs 38).
I found myself reading this today and reflecting on this line:
But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.
Why did no one pay attention? Because the people of Baal were praying to a FALSE god.
A god that wasn’t real.
A god that couldn’t do anything.
Elijah’s God…my God answered.
I am so glad that MY god responds.
That MY god answers.
That MY god pays attention.
My god shows up…in spectacular ways. Maybe not always with fire from heaven, but he shows up.
In the sunrise…
In the flowers…
In nature…
In ways I never expect…
Thank you for being patient with me friends during this month of June.
He REALLY is a good God…good in all things, even when I don’t understand.
How has he shown up for you?
fire photo credit
Amen, amen, amen. He is, indeed, a god who shows up!
Natasha, thank you so much for stopping by. I would love to know how you found me.
Wow! In that sunset picture he did show up in "fire from heaven."
This is a magnificent post, Mary.
Oh friend, I am humbled by your words. Thank you.
As for the sunset picture & fire…I thought the same thing!
Hugs~
Mary
This is beautiful Mary.
You are so sweet, Kathleen!
Oh friend. amen. amen.
just what I needed today. thank you!!