Raining Fire

1 Kings 18:19–40

Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest. “Meet me on Mount Carmel and we’ll see whose god is the real God!” he said.

The 450 prophets of Baal were sure they would win, but they did what Elijah told them to do: they built an altar and put a bull on it. Then they danced around and called to Baal, “Send fire down and burn up our offering.” Elijah sat and watched. Nothing happened.

Finally Elijah said, “Baal isn’t going to answer. It’s my turn.”

He built an altar, just like theirs. He put a bull on it, just like theirs. But he also dug a trench around his altar and poured four big jars of water over the whole thing. Then four more jars, and four more. The wood, the bull, and the ground were soaked.

Elijah stepped back and said, “God, show these people that you are the true and powerful God.” Instantly flames of fire rained down from heaven and burned up the bull, the altar, and even the water.

All the prophets of Baal stared at the altar for a long time. They couldn’t believe what they had seen. They were frightened and started to run away.

The people who had come to watch dropped to their knees in worship. “The Lord is God,” they said.

Becoming a Man of God

A man of God stands up for God.

Elijah knew it was time to take a stand and let God show his power. He also knew that Baal was no match for the true God. Elijah wanted the people to see who the true God was. The prophets of Baal could have tried to hurt Elijah, but he wasn’t afraid. He knew that God would take care of him.

A Verse to Remember

I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13