Choose a Side
Elijah found himself in a complete cultural revolution. The people of God preferred to worship Baal but still hung on to some of the traditions of worshiping Yahweh. Elijah was seen as a troublemaker by the people, even by Ahab, King of Israel. The people ignored Elijah’s calls of repentance and his warnings of judgment. So, Elijah called for a great demonstration of God’s power at Mount Carmel. 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah gathered to take on the lonely troublemaker, Elijah. As they gathered Elijah addressed the great crowd who came to witness this momentous event. He said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” (1 Kings 18:21). Elijah then challenges the Baal religious leaders to call on Baal to consume the altar with fire. They could not. Elijah then had them pour water on the altar and he called to God and fire consumed the altar.
We find ourselves in a similar cultural dilemma. As our culture increasingly becomes secular, many in the church try to hold on to both their Christian traditions and the new secular world-view that has little room for God and no room for God’s Word. When Elijah confronted God’s people all he received was silent stares. In the same way those within the church remain silent to the calls from faithful pastors to return to God’s Word and stand on his truth. What America needs is repentance that begins in the church pews. We must choose which side of the line we will stand. You cannot serve two masters. Who is your Lord? Who do you choose to follow?
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