Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria Grace for Living Devotional Monday October 2, 2023 TOPIC: ELIJAH'S AUDACITY

BIBLE READING:

1 KINGS 18:17-24, 37-40

KEY VERSE:

"And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God” 1 Kings 18:24  

MEDITATION:

In the 17th chapter of 1 Kings, Elijah had pronounced drought on Israel for three and half years because of idolatry – worship of Baal. There was sore famine in the land and Elijah had ‘escaped.’ Ahab sent a search party to go bring Elijah dead or alive. Elijah showed up and in a military commander’s fashion, he rebuked Ahab and his wife Jezebel for leading Israel into wholesome idolatry.   

He ordered Ahab to assemble all the prophets of Baal for the contest to decide the supreme God. The challenge was simple – call down fire from above to consume their sacrifice without putting fuel or fire! What an audacity! The prophets of Baal were soundly disgraced. Elijah called down fire on an altar surrounded by water. God honoured him. In Ahab's presence, he killed all the prophets of Baal. Thereafter, he ordered Ahab to run down to his house so he would not be beaten by rain. This was audacity in its highest expression.   

Little wonder Daniel 11:32 says that those who know their God shall be strong and do exploits. Believers must be bold enough to confront sin and wickedness around them. To say nothing, and to do nothing in the midst of sin and wickedness is a consent and silent agreement with evil and ungodliness.   

When last did you stand against evil in your place of work or community or family? What was the outcome?  

PRAYER:

Oh LORD, help me to boldly confront every evil around me.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

SONGS OF SOLOMON 4-8, GALATIANS 5