1 Kings 18 (#2): 850 vs. 1

Verses 20-21:

So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." But the people said nothing.

◇ This is the famous spiritual showdown on Mount Carmel between Elijah and the 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah. It's a confrontation of 1 vs. 850.

King Ahab and Queen Jezebel had been cutting off the prophets of God. Elijah claimed that he was the only remaining prophet who served the Lord. In that situation, Elijah cried out loudly to the king and the people.

"If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him! How long will you waver between the two?"

The people did not answer him. They were like bats, watching to see who would win. If the prophets of Baal won, they would serve Baal; if Elijah won, they would wait to serve the Lord. The people could not decide for the one in the face of the 850.

Who was it that led them out of Egypt, protected them in the wilderness, and guided them to settle in Canaan? Who is their God? Who has been with them as their leader, refuge, and fortress? How good it would have been if they had heeded Elijah's appeal, repented, and turned back without waiting for the outcome of the battle. How good it would have been if they had confessed the Lord as God and turned back.

After witnessing Elijah's victory in the spiritual battle, the people finally fell prostrate and exclaimed, "The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!"

♧ Lord, grant us the faith to choose the one over the 850 in the face of confrontation! Help us not to forget the God who has been with us and to boldly believe that you are still with us today! Holy Spirit, lead us on the path of truth! Amen!