Then the fire of the LORD fell … — 1 Kings 18:38
There’s so much that I like about this chapter: Elijah standing up to King Ahab, Elijah provoking a contest with Baal and challenging the people to choose the true God, Elijah taunting the false prophets, Elijah soaking his sacrifice with precious water, and Elijah’s brief but powerful prayer. But this is the moment that makes everything else so special: God showed up.
This is the central fact of human history, the main truth of the Bible: At the right time, God shows up.
Notice how God works. He first gets our attention. Though many people probably ignored Elijah’s prediction of no rain, everybody felt the reality of its fulfillment. As human resources drain away, God narrows our options until, in the end, we have only two choices: God or Baal. When we still cannot choose, He makes it abundantly clear: There is no one in heaven or on earth like the LORD.
The fire of God fell. And it falls today, to burn up our doubts and fears, and to make our choices clear.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.