Daily Reading
Daily Thought
The prophet Elijah chides the people of Israel, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him” (1Kings 18:21). The people had no answer. Many simply saw no difference. Why could not the Lord be God, and Baal, also? Two paths up the same mountain. Why must I choose? After all, Ahab and Jezebel preferred Baal and they were king and queen of Israel. It might be a sin to worship Baal, but life seemed easier if you go along with the people in charge. Sin always comes with benefits, but it ultimately destroys.
One foggy night at sea the captain of a ship saw what looked like the lights of another ship heading toward him. He signaled the ship, “Change your course ten degrees to the south.” The reply, “No. You change your course ten degrees north.” “I am a captain in this navy,” he insisted, “so you change course ten degrees south.” Answered the light, “I am a seaman first class. Change your course north.” Infuriated, the captain blustered, “I am a battleship. Change your course immediately!” The final response came, “I am a lighthouse. Your call, captain.”
It was time to decide so Elijah clarified the choices. Two altars, two choices, one altar to Baal, the other to God. Each altar would be prepared for sacrifice with wood but God or Baal must ignite his own altar. 450 prophets placed a bull on the Baal altar and cried out for a flame. From morning until noon they pleaded, but they knew inside they were calling to nobody. For three minutes or three hours or three days they could beg, but nothing comes from nothing and there is no god in Baal.
Elijah, then, prepared his bull, adding dramatic touches, such as drenching the altar and the wood with water. He spoke to God, but only once, because his God was there. 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 (1Kings 18:38).
Your call, Israel.
Daily Prayer
My God, I am glad to boast in You. The Truth You declare, I will speak with confidence. When You say something will happen, I know it is as true as if it had already occurred. What you say will happen, happens. I trust in You and You alone.
I stand by this, that I know the God of Creation, who exercises justice and kindness and righteousness on this earth. That I know Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. That I know the Truth and the Truth has set me free to live a life of wonder and worship.
Amen
Daily Question
Can people tell who is in charge of your life? How?