The Drought Ends

I Kings 18:30–46
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When it was obvious that the prophets of Baal had failed, Elijah invited all the people to come near and observe what he would do. Elijah gathered the crowd around him as he repaired the altar that had been torn down (v. 30). He used 12 stones to represent the tribes of Israel as he rebuilt the Lord’s altar (vv. 31-32). Then Elijah dug a trench around the altar and poured water on the sacrifice (v. 32). Twelve barrels of water were poured over the sacrifice (vv.33-35). The purpose of this soaking, of course, was to show everyone present that the burning of the sacrifice that was to take place was not a natural phenomenon or a trick but was a miracle.

Then Elijah prayed a very brief prayer (vv. 36-37). Instantly fire … fell from heaven (lightning), consuming the sacrifice, wood, altar, and even the surrounding soil and water. Spontaneously the crowd cried out in amazement (v. 38). When the watching people saw this, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord He is God; the Lord He is God” (v. 39). Elijah commanded that the wicked prophets of Baal be taken down to the Cation Valley where they were put to death (v. 40).

Ahab rode off down the mountain to celebrate the end of the drought by eating and drinking, but Elijah walked back up the mountain to pray for rain. We also read that Elijah prayed and it did not rain for three and one half years. Then he prayed and it rained. As a result many in the nation of Israel served the living God again.

Application

Just like in Elijah’s day there may be times when I must call on the Lord for courage when the enemy moves in like a roaring lion. When it seems like all odds are against me I can know that when I’m following the Lord I’m in the majority.