Day 26

I Kings 18-19

CHOOSE YOUR GOD

How long will you falter between two opinions – I Kings 18:21

            Israel was double-minded concerning their God.  Readily impressed by the regal splendor of Ahab and Jezebel’s kingdom, Israel became fascinated with the god that brought them to prominence.  It wasn’t as though they didn’t believe in Jehovah, they just thought they should include Baal in the mix.  One appealing advantage was that Baal allowed his followers to sleep with the male and female priests.  Way back in the wilderness, the Israelite men became enamored with this god when they committed harlotry with the beautiful women of Moab, joining themselves with Baal of Peor.  This fertility god was a nice deity who made no moral demands in his worshippers.

            For years the Northern Kingdom had halted between Jehovah and Baal.  Elijah forced the issue by calling all Israel to Mt. Carmel where he challenged 850 prophets and priests to prove Baal was the true god.  The sole purpose of this challenge was to call the Israelites to make up their minds and choose a God.  If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.  But the people answered him not a word.  No decision was a vote for the ever popular Baal.  Every thing would remain the same.  That’s called compromise.

            I’m not as concerned about the atheists as the person in the pew.  If America survives 1,000 years there will never be enough atheists to defeat Christianity.  Atheists may get political preference from the courts, but they fail to win converts to their no-god.  While Christians are building hospitals, feeding the poor, recovering the addicts, aiding the homeless, and helping the needy, atheists are trumping up charges and filing lawsuits.  Atheists are not a clear and present danger to Christianity.  The halting pew warmer is.  No one can tell whose side he is on.  He is a silent friend to the no god.  He is the biggest danger to Christianity. 

            Before Elijah descended Mt. Carmel he prayed for fire.  The descending flame consumed sacrifice and altar.  When Elijah got through there wasn’t a pagan on the mountain.  They said, The Lord, He is God!  The Lord, He is God!  The indecisive who answered not a word couldn’t stop shouting the praises of Jehovah.

            Jesus said He that is not for me is against me.   Therefore, he who hesitates is against Jesus.  Admit it or not, when you’re against Jesus, you are for the no god.

No other God but Jesus