Reading Portion: 1 Kings 18:23-39
Though it seems weird in our sight, a zealous man of GOD acts in a way beyond that of normal human understanding. “And the GOD who answers by fire, He is GOD.” Elijah had confidence in his relationship with the LORD and so he declared such a challenge. GOD proves Himself before the one in whom He chooses to delight in. He will not let His chosen one bow down his/her face in shame. Elijah gave all the necessary things and more than enough time, for the priests of Baal for their offering. They tried every way possible to please their God, Baal.
When his turn came, Elijah started from ground zero. He took a few steps before his actual prayer for the offering:
a) Invitation of people to come near him: This shows that GOD wants unity among people to show His wonders among them.
b) Repair of the altar of the LORD that was broken down: GOD finds delight in people who are ready to repair His altar. GOD delights in a place where He is given priority over everything else.
c) Digging of trench near the altar: This shows humility in the place where the altar is built. In the New Testament, we are the temple of the LORD, so we need to be humble, before GOD can delight in us.
d) Placing of wood in order: Every minute thing has to be done in the right order and way. Chaotic conditions never bring glory to the LORD.
e) Bullock was cut into pieces, and laid on the wood: The animal to be sacrificed has to be cut down. The “self” of each worshipper should burn on the altar during worship. For that, we need to have a state of brokenness in our lives.
f) Gave instructions to pour four barrels of water on the burnt sacrifice and on the wood, three times: We need to be cleansed in our soul, body and spirit – blameless before the LORD. We need to be washed by the blood of JESUS and have to be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT for true revival.
g) A period of waiting till the time of the offering and then Elijah prayed: Pray with guidance from GOD.
When things were done in the right order, GOD heard the prayer of Elijah. The fire from heaven burnt the sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. When we are truly dedicated to worship the living GOD, He delights in our worship and accepts all our offerings. GOD delighted in Elijah and in his offering and proved Himself as GOD of all Israel.
GOD delights in a zealous man. Even if we are alone, if we have the fire of GOD within us, He will be by our side, to protect us from the plans of the enemy. Being zealous for Him costs nothing but an attitude of complete surrender and a heart to hear Him amidst all the perils of our daily life.
