“And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, ‘O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word.’” (1 Kings 18:36)
The Bible books of 1 and 2 Kings record the history of the people of Israel and their kings. These books not only describe political and economic issues. They also describe the spiritual situation under the rule of Israel’s kings.
1 Kings 16 records how Ahab inherits the throne. The Bible writer has nothing positive to say about him, but summarizes: “Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were before him” (1 Kings 16:30).
Several bad deeds of this king are mentioned, the most important being that he introduced the idols of Baal and Asherah. He served them instead of the true God of Israel. This provoked the Lord to anger.
In the midst of this spiritual darkness, we read about Elijah the prophet. He is a faithful servant of God who does not hesitate to confront king Ahab or the people about their idolatry, and who calls them to repentance.
He risks his life to defend God’s honor and to prove that the Lord is the only real God.
Over the next few days, do read with us to learn from this “man of God”!