Elijah's Confrontation

Title: Elijah’s Prayer Script: I Ki. 18:36-46

Type: Series on Prayer Where: GNBC 9-12-21

Intro: “Two Christians die on the same day and go to heaven. When they arrive in heaven they meet Peter, who is handing out the rewards (here, of course is a theological error). One of the men is a minister, and the other fellow who is standing just ahead of him is dressed in sunglasses, a loud shirt, a leather jacket, and jeans. While they are standing in line, he informs the minister that he was a cab driver in New York City. The cab driver receives a crown with many stars. The minister has high hopes for an even bigger crown. But his crown is smaller, with fewer stars. He can’t understand why he should be rewarded in this way, especially when the cab driver did so well. The minister protests, “I’m Joseph Snow, and I’ve served as pastor of The 1st Church for the last 25 years. How come my reward is less than this cab driver from New York City?” Peter responds, “Well, your reward is based upon the results of your ministry. While you preached, people slept; while he drove, people prayed.” If God did reward the saints according to the results of their ministry (which he does not!), then Elijah should have received a substantial bonus in his paycheck after the contest on Mount Carmel.” (Bob Deffinbaugh sermon). This story was a showdown that became the turning point in Israel’s history.

Prop: Today we’ll examine Elijah’s Prayer in his Showdown with the Prophets of Baal.

BG: 1. I Ki.18 is one of the best-known stories of a prophet in the Bible. Elijah, the prince of the prophets, takes a stand against the pagan priest of 450 Baal and 400 Asherah.

2. Elijah’s first major task was to announce the drought due to the nation’s religious apostasy. His second major task is seen here in announcing the contest on Mt. Carmel between Jehovah and Baal to see who can end the drought and bring rain.

3. The most important question in the entire story is found in v.21 (Read). The question was essential to answer in Elijah’s time. It is no less essential today.

Prop: Let’s Examine 4 Important Aspects of Elijah’s Confrontation on Mt. Carmel.

I. The Challenge is Dropped – I Ki. 18:20-24,36-37

A. Elijah Confronts the National Apostasy of Israel.

1. Let’s take a moment to examine the background of this incredible event.

a. In chaps 17&18 we see what precipitates the spiritual showdown of Mt. Carmel. A severe drought, that God had Elijah proclaim so as to chastise Israel’s disobedience is now well into it’s third year (Ja. 5:17). The land is burned, barren and brown like West Texas in July. Livestock are dying. Famine in the land. Ahab the king is at wit’s end. Blames God’s prophet, not his and his people’s disobedience for the problems they are facing. Ahab despises the prophet who’s words and actions on more fully convict him of his own sin and rebellion. He refers to Elijah as “The troubler of Israel” (I Ki. 18:17) while never seeing it is his own lack of religious constancy which has brought the trouble! Ahab has tried to purge the land of the influence of Godly prophets, leading his nation further down the path of apostasy and depravity. The drought, which was supposed to lead Ahab to his spiritual sense has only pushed him further towards Baal. (Same true today. God brings pressure when we are in rebellion. Can either allow HS to work in heart or like Pharaoh of old, harden heart and further rebel.)

b. The people of the land were caught in this spiritual crossfire. When it suited they worshipped Yahweh, when it was more convenient, they worshipped Baal. Practicing religious pragmatism. We might call it syncretism. They didn’t really care if it was Yahweh or Baal, they just wanted rain for their crops and grass for their livestock. Whichever would bring rain they would worship. (Catholic Missions)

2. Notice what Precipitated the Encounter.

a. V.21 – We see the result of this syncretism. Elijah confronts the duplicity of the nation. “How long will you hesitate between two opinions?” The prophet pinpoints the problem: Israel was willing to dance with the devil (Baal) or walk with the Lord when it suited then and when it was convenient. Probably like not just a few of us here today! Want to walk with Jesus when it is convenient but ok with a dance or two with the devil as well. Elijah’s words at Mt. Carmel convict you and me today: “How long will you hesitate between 2 opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” Illust: I know this confrontation from personal experience. It was the Fall of 1986, I was attending an IV weekend retreat at Rose Hulman Un. The Lord said: “When do I get your whole life?” Illust: friend you can’t straddle a fence for long. You’re gonna tear your pants and your going to fall onto one side or the other.