The Showdown on Mt. Carmel – pt. 2 (1 Kings 18:34-46)
1 Kings 18:34-46
You are well familiar now that we are in the middle of the focal incident
In the entire book of 1 Kings.
It is this event that the writer of Kings has been driving us to.
He wanted us to see the confrontation of Elijah,
This amazing showdown, and the repentance of the people.
We have used this section to talk about the various attributes of revival.
In Israel, God’s people had gravitated away from God,
And they needed to be revived.
Certainly we are not too arrogant
To assume that we are never in need of such a revival.
And so we are studying the elements of revival.
God first softened Israel up with a 3 ½ year drought
(while Elijah sought refuge with a Sidonian widow)
But after 3 ½ years, God began to move.
He sent Elijah back to Israel,
Elijah sent Obadiah to Ahab.
You may remember that Obadiah was not too keen on the idea.
1 Kings 18:13-14 “Has it not been told to my master what I did when Jezebel killed the prophets of the LORD, that I hid a hundred prophets of the LORD by fifties in a cave, and provided them with bread and water? “And now you are saying, ‘Go, say to your master, “Behold, Elijah is here”‘; he will then kill me.”
Obadiah had been a faithful silent witness, but God wanted more.
And thus we learned our first principle of revival.
REVIVAL REQUIRES NOT ONLY THE WICKED TO REPENT,
BUT THE RIGHTEOUS TO STEP OUT.
God wants us all revived, not just those we label as immoral.
You may not consider yourself immoral, but is it possible,
That you can give more than what you’ve been giving.
Elijah had Ahab gather all Israel to Mt. Carmel, for a SERMON
(Sermon of Elijah)
1 Kings 18:21 “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.” But the people did not answer him a word.”
They were a vacillating people and they needed to get off of the fence.
REVIVAL REQUIRES US TO MAKE A DECISION
ABOUT WHO WE ARE GOING TO SERVE.
Maybe we serve a foreign god…
Maybe we serve a way of life…
Maybe we serve our selves…
But revival will never occur
As long as we are hesitating in our convictions.
With God, you must be all in or all out, there is no “lukewarm” allowed.
After the sermon of Elijah, the showdown began. (Suggestion of Elijah)
The prophets of Baal were to prepare an ox and lay it on the altar,
But put no fire under it, and then call on the name of Baal to light the fire.
But despite their sincere devotion, the ox didn’t even get warm.
Nothing happened, and so Elijah took the opportunity
To publicly humiliate Baal and his prophets.
(Sarcasm of Elijah)
1 Kings 18:27 “It came about at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, “Call out with a loud voice, for he is a god; either he is occupied or gone aside, or is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and needs to be awakened.”
AND YOU WILL REMEMBER THE PURPOSE.
Israel needed to see they were trusting in a false hope.
They were relying upon someone who could not save.
REVIVAL REQUIRES THAT WE REALIZE THE FALSE SECURITIES IN OUR LIVES THAT ARE STEALING GOD’S GLORY.
Before we can fully pledge allegiance to God,
We have to fully reject all other sources of hope and comfort.
Then, after Baal’s prophets finally came to a stopping point,
It was Elijah’s turn to do the same. (Sacrifice of Elijah)
Prepare an ox, lay it on the altar, and call on God to light the fire.
And last week we saw Elijah begin this process.
1 Kings 18:30-31 “Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.”So all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD which had been torn down. Elijah took twelve stones according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come, saying, “Israel shall be your name.”
There had previously been an altar on that mountain,
But it had fallen into disarray. Elijah repaired the altar.
Israel had forgotten who they were.
REVIVAL REQUIRES THAT WE REBUILD GOD’S ALTAR IN OUR LIVES
(That is what revival really is) REBUILD – REMEMBER – RETURN
REVIVAL REQIRES:
• Both the wicked to repent and the righteous to step out…
• That we make a decision as to who we will serve…
• That we abandon all forms of false security in our lives…
• That we rebuild God’s altar in our lives…
That is what Elijah has taught us thus far,
But, Elijah did not stop there.
VERSES 32-35 “So with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD, and he made a trench around the altar, large enough to hold two measures of seed. Then he arranged the wood and cut the ox in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, “Fill four pitchers with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.” And he said, “Do it a second time,” and they did it a second time. And he said, “Do it a third time,” and they did it a third time. The water flowed around the altar and he also filled the trench with water.”
Apparently it was not enough for Elijah to simply
Beat Baal in a heads up competition.
ELIJAH WENT FOR A DRAMATIC VICTORY.
• Not only are we on Baal’s mountain…
• Not only is he outnumbered 450 to 1…
• Not only is he calling for fire, which is supposedly Baal’s specialty…
But here Elijah does the unthinkable.
He actually soaks the sacrifice with water.
Scripture says that the trench would hold “two measures of seed”
Which is about 11 quarts.
So, after the water soaks the ox, and soaks into the wood a little,
The trench is holding a little under 4 gallons.
It reveals that Elijah has no tricks up his sleeve.
He has eliminated every possible advantage
And disproved every potential excuse.
If this sacrifice is burned, then it will have to happen by the hand of God.
And there we pick up with our story.
We have seen: The Suggestion of Elijah, The Sarcasm of Elijah, and The Sacrifice of Elijah
#1 THE SUPPLICATION OF ELIJAH
1 Kings 18:36-37
Here we have that infamous prayer of Elijah
That we actually referenced a couple of weeks ago.
If you had any doubts as to Elijah’s motives, they are satisfied here
• He doesn’t want fame…
• He doesn’t want tolerance…
• He doesn’t even want rain…
ELIJAH WANTS REVIVAL
He is tired of God not getting the glory that God deserves,
And he is tired of God’s people living like Baal is their deliverer.
He simply wants to see God’s people
Give God the glory He deserves.
That certainly is not too much to ask is it?
“O LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, today let it be known…”
And then Elijah lists four things.
1) REVEAL YOUR POWER
“that You are God in Israel”
Elijah wanted God to put Baal to shame.
It seems as though there has been some confusion.
Popular opinion actually believes that there could be 2 gods,
And that they are pretty close to equal.
(TODAY: Allah or Buddha or Jesus)
Elijah wants God to completely squash that notion.
Let it be known “that You are God in Israel”
2) REVEAL YOUR PROPHET
“and that I am Your servant and I have done all these things at Your word.”
Certainly you can guess that Elijah would like a little vindication.
He was after all called the “trouble of Israel” by Ahab.
But vindication is not the main request here.
Elijah wants God to reveal
That nothing that has been done here is a simple coincidence.
• Don’t let them think that drought was just bad luck…
• Don’t let them think that rain was just inevitable…
• Don’t let them think this altar will burn by coincidence…
People continually try and explain away God’s wrath in their lives.
• If we experience drought or economic trials, surely it is not because God is angry, it’s bound to be because of someone else’s greed.
• If we are attacked by terrorists who blow up our buildings, it is not because God has removed His hand of protection, it is because someone made an executive mistake.
• If we suffer natural disasters meant to get our attention, people don’t think it is because God is angry, it is because of global warming.
Elijah wanted to make sure the people of Israel made no such excuse.
He wanted them to know that the drought, the showdown,
And the fire was all the calculated determined plan of God.
“let it be known…that I am Your servant and I have done all these things at Your word.”
Reveal Your Power Reveal Your Prophet
3) REVEAL YOUR PEOPLE
“Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that You, O LORD, are God”
Now Elijah gets specific as to whom he is aiming at.
Israel had forgotten who her God was, Elijah wants them to remember.
REVIVAL IS FOR GOD’S PEOPLE
God doesn’t owe them any more proof, His Law is enough.
But Elijah wants God to answer by fire
To prove to these people that He cares enough to reveal Himself.
Elijah wants God to show up so “that this people may know”
Reveal Your Power Reveal Your Prophet Reveal Your People
4) REVEAL YOUR PURPOSE
“and that You have turned their heart back again.”
Make sure the people know why You are doing this.
• Make sure they don’t leave this place amazed…
• Make sure they don’t leave this place entertained…
• Make sure they don’t leave this place disturbed…
I WANT THEM TO LEAVE THIS PLACE REVIVED
Is that ever a prayer that we could echo.
And from Elijah we learn another real important principle about revival.
REVIVAL REQUIRES EARNEST PRAYER
TO THE GOD WHO CAN ANSWER
Revival is not solely up to you, nor is it up to me.
• I don’t have the ability to force open blind eyes…
• I don’t have the ability to speak into a dead heart…
• I don’t have the ability to make a person love Jesus…
REVIVAL IS THE WORK OF GOD, AND SO IN ORDER TO HAVE IT, WE MUST PRAY FOR IT.
Psalms 85:4-7 “Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your indignation toward us to cease. Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? Will You not Yourself revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your lovingkindness, O LORD, And grant us Your salvation.”
Psalms 80:14-19 “O God of hosts, turn again now, we beseech You; Look down from heaven and see, and take care of this vine, Even the shoot which Your right hand has planted, And on the son whom You have strengthened for Yourself. It is burned with fire, it is cut down; They perish at the rebuke of Your countenance. Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, Upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself. Then we shall not turn back from You; Revive us, and we will call upon Your name. O LORD God of hosts, restore us; Cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.”
If you want revival, then you have to beg God for it,
And Elijah’s prayer is a great place to start.
• Beg God to show up and REVEAL THAT HE ALONE IS GOD.
• Beg God to REMOVE OUR EXCUSES and reveal that the hardships we face are a direct result of our disobedience to Him.
• Beg God to move FOR THE SAKE OF HIS PEOPLE.
• Beg God to move in such a WAY THAT REVIVAL IS THE ONLY POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCE.
If you and I want revival, then we have to pray for it.
Let’s see the answer
The Supplication of Elijah
#2 THE SUCCESS OF ELIJAH
1 Kings 18:38-40
A couple of weeks ago we learned from James:
James 5:16b “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”
Once again we learn that it is true.
It is not just that we pray for revival,
But it matters what state our heart is in when we pray.
We cannot pray for others to be revived
If we have not given our all to God.
Be wholly devoted, be sincere to God, and pray for revival,
BECAUSE PRAYER TO THE ONE TRUE GOD WORKS.
• Baal’s prophets prayed for hours…
• Baal’s prophets jumped on the altar…
• Baal’s prophets cut themselves with lances…
And they got no answer.
This righteous man offers one prayer, and the response is instant.
(38) “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.”
God answered!
And He answered with fire.
Fire hot enough not only to burn flesh and wood,
But fire hot enough to incinerate stones, dirt and vaporize water.
GOD ANSWERED
Isaiah 44:6-9 “Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last, And there is no God besides Me. ‘Who is like Me? Let him proclaim and declare it; Yes, let him recount it to Me in order, From the time that I established the ancient nation. And let them declare to them the things that are coming And the events that are going to take place. ‘Do not tremble and do not be afraid; Have I not long since announced it to you and declared it? And you are My witnesses. Is there any God besides Me, Or is there any other Rock? I know of none.'” Those who fashion a graven image are all of them futile, and their precious things are of no profit; even their own witnesses fail to see or know, so that they will be put to shame.”
Isaiah 46:8-9 “Remember this, and be assured; Recall it to mind, you transgressors. “Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me,”
Psalms 135:5 “For I know that the LORD is great And that our Lord is above all gods.”
Isaiah 45:20-25 “Gather yourselves and come; Draw near together, you fugitives of the nations; They have no knowledge, Who carry about their wooden idol And pray to a god who cannot save. “Declare and set forth your case; Indeed, let them consult together. Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me. “Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other. “I have sworn by Myself, The word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness And will not turn back, That to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. “They will say of Me, ‘Only in the LORD are righteousness and strength.’ Men will come to Him, And all who were angry at Him will be put to shame. “In the LORD all the offspring of Israel Will be justified and will glory.”
And that is precisely what happened for Elijah
(39) “When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The LORD, He is God; the LORD, he is God.”
All of a sudden this vacillating people display a little conviction.
Now they are off the fence.
HOW DO WE KNOW?
(40) “Then Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal; do not let one of them escape.” So they seized them, and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.”
The brook was formerly dry, and now it flowed
With the blood of those who deceived Israel.
Last week we read about idols:
Psalms 115:8 “Those who make them will become like them, Everyone who trusts in them.”
And so it happened to those who prophesied for Baal.
And here we see revival.
REVIVAL HAS OCCURRED WHEN OUR HEARTS ARE WHOLLY DEVOTED TO GOD AS REVEALED BY OUR CONFESSION AND OUR ACTIONS.
When you publicly proclaim Christ…
When you publicly obey Christ…
Then we will know revival has come.
For centuries the church has had those who proclaim Christ but who never obey Him.
Luke 6:46 “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
If you are hiding from the world, afraid to take Jesus to work, or afraid to take Jesus to your friends, you are in desperate need of revival.
On the other hand, we have those who try to obey without publicly confessing.
John 12:42-43 “Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.”
If you are publicly confessing Him, but then living a life inconsistent to your claim, you also are in desperate need of revival.
NEITHER DEMONSTATES THE SPIRIT OF REVIVAL THAT GOD DESIRES.
God desires those who will speak up and step out.
Until that is us, then revival has not occurred.
Elijah wanted these people wholly devoted,
As evidenced by their confession and their actions.
WHERE ARE YOU?
These people experienced revival, you could as well.
Now let me show you the blessing of revival
#3 THE SHOWER OF ELIJAH
1 Kings 18:41-46
As a side note, see that Elijah is a man of great faith.
• He predicts rain
• He prays for rain
• He doesn’t stop even after discouraging results
AND ELIJAH’S PRAYER WAS ANSWERED WITH A FLASH FLOOD
ELIJAH RUNS – to submit to Ahab and to lead the city to revival as well.
BUT THE MAIN PICTURE HERE IS THAT
As soon as God’s people turned their hearts toward Him,
The drought was lifted and the showers came.
It sort of reminds you of that often quoted seldom followed verse.
2 Chronicles 7:13-14 “If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
For some reason people often fear the thought of revival.
They are afraid if they give God full control of their lives
And devote themselves only to Him
That it will immediately result in pain and suffering.
They are afraid to give God control,
For fear of Him saying, “Africa” or some other scary place.
And so, instead of exercising faith,
They remain in fear and keep revival far from themselves.
BUT SHOW ME ONE TIME IN SCRIPTURE
IN WHICH REVIVAL WASN’T WORTH IT FOR THE PEOPLE.
Show me one time in which their lives were not drastically better
After they fled from sin and wholly devoted themselves to God.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”
And such was certainly true here.
Their lives were instantly better after the returned to the LORD.
Many of you could give similar testimonies.
God asked something of you that you dreaded or feared,
But after you obeyed, it was extremely worth it.
THE SAME IS TRUE OF SALVATION.
People fight it, resist it, put it off, and neglect it.
But I have yet to see one person who submitted to it who didn’t immediately say, he wishes he had done it sooner.
But People often resist when God calls for revival.
• They hold on to their false securities…
• They respond like Israel to Elijah’s sermon (they do nothing)
And yet, when they finally give in, they find that they only wish they had done it sooner and saved themselves 3 ½ years of drought.
The same could be true for you today.
• The spiritual drought…
• The bitterness…
• The confusion…
• The doubt…
It could all go right away, and you could rejoice under a heavenly shower, But to do so, you must wholly devote yourselves to God like Israel did.
And I wonder today, if you would be willing
To let God bring revival in your heart.
In a moment we are going to have a time or response,
And if you are willing I just want you to offer up this prayer to God.
“Lord God, I know here today that I am not as close to You as I should be. I want that to change, and I am asking You to do whatever You desire to do in me, that I may experience revival.”
Give God full permission in your life, and see if life doesn’t turn out better.
2 Chronicles 7:14 “and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
