Introduction
Good morning. Today, we're not going to explore Bible stories but also deeply examine the choices we make daily. The scripture takes us back to a challenging moment for the people of Israel. Back then, they were facing a significant drought, not just missing rain but also moving away from God and starting to follow Baal, all because of King Ahab's and Queen Jezebel's influence.
In the middle of all this, there's Elijah, a man who believed in God, standing firm against Baal's prophets. His story is a lot like ours. We might not be praying to Baal, but we've got our things pulling us away from God, whether chasing after money, wanting to be famous, or spending too much time on our phones.
Joshua 24:15 throws down a challenge, just like the one the Israelites faced, making us ask ourselves: "Who am I going to serve today?" It's a wake-up call to consider whether we're getting too caught up in what the world wants from us or sticking with the truths God has shown us.
Imagine you're standing where two roads split. One is busy and exciting but might not take you where you want to end up. The other is more peaceful and might take a bit more work to walk, but it leads to a place of absolute peace and truth. That's the decision in front of us: Do we follow the crowded path of distractions around us, or do we choose the quiet road that leads to a life with God?
This story is telling us here and now. Where do we find ourselves? Are we getting swept up in what everyone else thinks is important, or are we staying focused on the real truths that God has laid out for us?
Point 1: Making the Choice - Elijah's Lesson for Us
In a critical moment from 1 Kings 18:21, Elijah asks a question that still rings true today: "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." This moment wasn't just about picking a side back then; it's a profound reminder to be true to our beliefs.
Picture everyone watching Elijah, holding their breath to see what would happen. This isn't just an old story; it's like looking at today's challenges in a mirror. We might not be dealing with Baal, but we've got our issues—chasing after money, wanting to be noticed, or spending too much time glued to our screens. These things might make us happy, but they often make us feel empty inside at the end.
Solomon once said in Ecclesiastes 1:14, "I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind." It's a reminder that running after these things doesn't get us anywhere.
Psalm 16:11 tells us that real happiness isn't about the quick fixes but about living a life connected with God: "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." The difference between the short-term happiness the world offers and the deep, lasting joy we find with God is enormous.
Even though our gadgets are super useful, they can distract us from connecting with others and having meaningful experiences. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to build a community and support each other, something we might forget if we're too caught up online.
Jeremiah 6:16 gives us a straightforward but powerful choice: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." Walking with God is the path to true peace and happiness.
Here are some simple ways to keep on God's path:
- Start each day with God by reading His Word, setting a positive tone for what's ahead.
- Make time to step away from tech and reconnect with God and the people around us.
- Show kindness and Christ's love to others, which brings real joy.
- Count on our church family for support, especially when things get tough, helping us stay focused on what's important.
Like Elijah, we're at a crossroads in life. The choice is ours: get lost in what the world throws at us or choose God and His promise of a life filled with meaning and happiness. Let's put God first and find our true purpose and joy with Him.
### Point 2: The Empty Promises of Idols Versus the True Power of God
While we dive deeper into Elijah's story in 1 Kings 18:25-29, we come across a moment that's not just about an old-time religious showdown. It's a lesson for all times about how empty worshipping false gods is compared to the true power of God.
Imagine this: 450 prophets of Baal, really into their worship, constantly calling out for their God to show just a bit of power. They're trying so hard, even to the point of hurting themselves, all for some sign. And what do they get back? Nothing but silence—a loud silence that shows how pointless their efforts are.
In the middle of all this chaos, Elijah stands calm and sure. He does something that seems crazy—he pours water all over his altar, making it super hard to light on fire. But Elijah's not just putting on a show. He's showing deep trust in God. He prays for everyone to see who the real God is. Then, boom—fire from the sky burns up his offering, leaving no doubts about who's in charge.
This story is more than just something that happened long ago; it mirrors our spiritual struggles. Today, we have our versions of Baal—chasing after money, wanting to be important, getting too caught up in the online world—all promise us happiness but leave us feeling empty. We can search for satisfaction in places that don't give us anything real.
But there's hope in this story. Like Elijah, we're encouraged to put our trust in the LORD, to reach out to Him in prayer, to build genuine relationships beyond just the online stuff, to find joy in helping others, and to be thankful. It's about standing firm in our faith, knowing God controls our lives and everything around us.
Let's avoid getting caught up in the modern-day idols. Instead, let's fully commit to God, who's always been there for us first. Our lives should show how powerful and faithful God is, making it clear how peaceful it is to trust Him. As we walk this path of faith, let's say loud and proud, "The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!"
This face-off between Elijah and Baal's prophets isn't just about showing off God's power; it's a moment for us to look at ourselves. It asks us to think about where we're putting our trust and to look for true happiness, not in what's temporary in this world but in the lasting presence of God. This part of Elijah's story pushes us to think about where we're placing our trust, showing us the clear difference between the emptiness of chasing false gods and the solid strength of a life built on faith in God.
### Point 3: God Shows Us He's the Real Deal
Now, let's look at one of the most amazing moments in the Bible, happening in 1 Kings 18:36-38 on Mount Carmel. This part of Elijah's adventure shows us how powerful and real God is.
Picture this: Elijah is standing by himself, surrounded by people who are all wondering who the real God is. Elijah asks God to prove He's the real deal in this big moment. What comes next is incredible. God sends fire down from the sky that burns up Elijah's offering, completely soaked with water. This wasn't just a little flame but a huge fire that made it crystal clear that God is in charge.
This story is like a real-life version of Psalm 46:10, where God says, "Be still, and know that I am God." It's a reminder that God's truth is always solid and reliable, no matter what happens.
Today, we might not be asked to pick between God and idols like Baal, but we've got plenty of distractions trying to grab our attention—like wanting to be famous, always needing the newest tech, or just wanting more and more stuff. These things might seem nice for a while, but they don't make our hearts full the way God can.
Elijah's story makes us stop and think about where we're putting our trust and what we're looking for to make us happy. It encourages us to stick with God, staying true through the good times and the bad, and to share how His love has made a difference in our lives. Just like Elijah showed everyone God's power, we can share our stories about how awesome God has been to us.
So, let's live our lives in a way that shows everyone "The LORD, He is God!" not just by what we say but by how we act and treat others. In a world always looking for something new, let's be a bright light pointing the way to the real truth—God, who's always been the king of everything.
Conclusion:
As we wrap up our look at Elijah's brave stand on Mount Carmel, it's a great time to think about what this story means for us now. Elijah's strong faith makes us think about what's important in our lives, even when things are tough. What are we spending our time on? Are we chasing after money, worrying about what others think of us, or getting too caught up in the online world?
It may be challenging, but let's pull away from these distractions. We can strengthen our faith by praying more, reading the Bible, and spending time with other believers. This kind of commitment gives us the strength to face hard times, just like Elijah did.
Remember, we're not on this journey alone. We're part of a big group of people who believe in God, all ready to help and encourage each other. We can make a difference by sticking to our beliefs and sharing God's love.
Living a life of faith means more than just growing ourselves; it's about helping others, too. Let's not keep our faith quiet. Instead, let's shine a light for everyone, showing them how God's love can change lives.
As we move forward, let's do it confidently, knowing God is always with us, helping and loving us every step of the way. Let's say loud and proud, "The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!" Let this truth guide us every day.
