READING: 1 Kings 17:8-20:22
I guess I had quickly read over the text many times before without pausing to consider it. Elijah challenged the people and the prophets of Baal to a contest: “Each of us put a bull on the altar, call on our respective deities, and let the true one make himself known through fire.” The prophets of Baal, who believed Baal was also the god of lightning, apparently believed their god could do that. Thus, they responded to Elijah’s request: “That’s fine” (1 Kgs 18:24). Other versions read, “That’s a good idea,” “it is well spoken,” or “this proposal is good.” And, that’s the verse that caught my attention today.
We know, of course, that the prophets of Baal were wrong. They were following a false god who would be proven inept in this battle. The people, though, had no such inkling. They accepted the fight because they believed in their god.
That text strikes me because that’s what our missionaries around the world face today. They are trying to reach people who follow false gods, but who often truly believe in the power of those gods. This work is not easy, but here’s the good news: the God of Elijah is still the one and only true God—and He’s still making Himself known in powerful ways.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How much do you pray for missionaries tackling these tasks?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, give our missionaries strength and wisdom today. Make Yourself known through their work.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Kings 20:23-22:9, 2 Chronicles 18:1-8