Throughout 1 Kings 17 and 18, God shows acts of power to Elijah and those around him. These acts include sending ravens to feed Elijah while he was in hiding from King Ahab, sustaining the Widow that later cared for him, and bringing the Widow’s son back to life at Elijah’s request. However, one of the most awe-inspiring displays of His power comes when Elijah sets up a contest between himself and the servants of Baal to prove to the people of Israel that the LORD is the One True God.
Baal’s servants are unable to elicit a response from their god, so Elijah decides it’s his turn. He repairs God’s altar, prepares a bull, and thoroughly douses the altar in water. Then he calls upon the LORD.
Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The LORD, he is God; the LORD, he is God.” 1 Kings 18:38-39 ESV
The fire from heaven destroyed the soaked altar and everything around it. All the people around were awed by God’s power and fell on their faces, confessing that the LORD was God.
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! Psalm 119:1-3 ESV
Psalm 119 is a long, carefully constructed, acrostic poem that expresses love for God and His Word. The psalmist praises the LORD for His commandments and statutes, which he delights at all times, good and bad. He also tells others to look to God’s word for guidance and help.
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:9, 98, and 105 ESV
By reading the Word of the LORD, I can be sure of his commandments and not be led astray. His Word provides light in the dark that can save me from stumbling.
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, Through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 25
Dear God, thank You for giving Your Word as guidance for my life. Please help me read and follow it, seeking after You. In Your Holy Name, Amen.
Nathanael (nborger2017)
Sixty-six books in a year 