The other day in my morning Bible reading I started reading in I Kings with the story of Elijah and the prophets of baal. I came to a part of the story that I had never really focused on before. I always remember the mighty prophet of God challenging the doomed prophets of baal. I never forget the altar and the sacrifice and the wood drenched with water. Elijah taunting those misguided fools while the screamed, danced and cut themselves into a frenzy never fails to make me laugh. And of course the FIRE, the fire that fell everybody loves that part!! That's the best part. You know you've pictured yourself in Elijah's place calling down supernatural power of God in the face of darkness in this world. I know I have! I'm doing it right now as a matter of fact.
But when I read the familiar story this time there was a different part that just jump out and gripped me. I Kings 18:30 says that Elijah "...repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down." I believe that Elijah calling down fire was a consequence of him first have repaired the altar of the Lord.
I believe that my inability to call down fire from God(take that figuratively or literally) is a direct result of my own failure in my prayer life. In my life the altar of the Lord has been in ruins. All to often I dream of "calling down fire" when have spent the time in prayer to God. I am making a committment to repair the altar of the Lord in my life so that if and when the time come that I like Elijah need to say to the people "Come over here", that I will be able to show them something so that the will see Jesus.
On a bigger scale we as christians must come together to rebuild the altar of the Lord and turn our nation back to the one true GOD.
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As I read this post and remembered Elijah repairing the alter, My heart sank as I thought again of the alters in our Nation, states, counties, cities, churches, HOMES, lives, that are in disarray. I think the sad part of the story is that In All of Israel, No one else had their heart broken over this. They just kept walking by, day after day, until they didn't even see it any more..... Sounds all to familiar.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true. Curtis, you and Dewey have really pin pointed the problem with America and the world in general. Too many people have their focus everywhere except on God and His promises that they can't see beyond the hand in front of their face. I know there's a lot I can do to rebuild my alter. If we all rebuild our own alters, then just imagine the work God can do through us. Keep me in your prayers.
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