JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on Elijah’s challenge on Mount Carmel.

It happened in First Kings 18. He challenged the people of Israel to stop wavering between two opinions. He said, “If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” Mount Carmel was the place where the people were challenged to get off the fence of indecision.  

The people said nothing at first, until Elijah offered a sacrifice to his God and 450 prophets of Baal offered a sacrifice to their god. Whoever answered by fire would be recognized as God.

The prophets of Baal went first and prayed to their god, but no one answered. When it was Elijah’s turn, the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice in answer to his prayer. When the people saw this, they fell and cried, “The LORD-he is God! The LORD-he is God!”

Focusing on God’s worthiness to be followed gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life. 

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com