It had not rained for 3½ years, “…Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed with his face between his knees. (then the rains came) The LORD gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and RAN AHEAD OF AHAB’S CHARIOT all the way to the entrance of Jezreel.” (1 Kings 18:42, 46) The Lord strengthened Elijah to outrun Ahab’s chariot (a running horse could sustain about 18 miles per hour), for 16 MILES from Mount Carmel to Jezreel! That’s just one of many miracles God performed through Elijah. You see, Elijah prayed 3½ years ago that it would not rain. (1 Kings 17:1).
Elijah summons all Israel to join him at, “Mount Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah who are supported by Jezebel. Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? IF THE LORD IS GOD, FOLLOW HIM; but if Baal, follow him.” (1 Kings 18:19-20) Jezebel’s 850 prophets vs God’s one prophet each group took a bullock. Cut it up and put it on their altars, the God who would answer by sending fire to consume the offering was the TRUE GOD. So, Baal’s prophets, “…cried with a loud voice and cut themselves with swords and lances until the blood gushed out on them. When midday was past, they raved until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice; but there was no voice, NO ONE ANSWERED…” (1 Kings 18:28-29)
Now it was Elijah’s time, he soaked his offering and altar with water and prayed, “Answer me, O LORD, that this people MAY KNOW THAT YOU, O LORD, ARE GOD.” 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. When all the people saw it, they FELL ON THEIR FACES; and they said, “THE LORD, HE IS GOD.” (1 Kings 18:37-39) Elijah killed all 850 evil prophets and went up to the top of Mount Carmel and prayed for the rain to come and that is our opening verse. Remember, “…the people (that’s us as Christians) that do KNOW (yâda‛: to know by intimate experience) their God SHALL BE STRONG AND DO EXPLOITS.” (Dan. 11:32) “Exploits” means an act of notable skill, strength, or cleverness.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham