T H E K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S any that regarded.” This is the an swer to every effort of human device. Oh, the helplessness of idolatry! The sacrifice to idols is devilish (1 Cor. 10 : 20 ); “ But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils and not to God, and I w ould not that ye should have fellow ship w ith devils.” Back of evory idol is the devil and back of every false system is the devil. (2) THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ALTAR, vs. 30-35. Elijah called the people near. He repaired the altar. A broken altar is a sign of apostasy (19:14): “ And he said» I have been very jealous fo r the Lord God o f hosts; because the children o f Israel have forsakep. thy cove nant, thrown down th y altars, and slain thy prophets by the sw ord; and I, even I only, am le ft; and they seek m y life to take it away.” The first step in recovery from back sliding is to erect the altar (Gen. 13:3, 4). Elijah took twelve stones for the twelve tribes. Although divided, God looks upon the twelve tribes as one. They shall yet be united (Ezek. 37:21, 22). He took care to avoid any ap pearance of sleight of hand. The test was to be above suspicion. It was to be spectacular. It was to be convinc ing. Alone, solemnly, he prepares the bullock. (3) ELIJAH’S CHALLENGE TO JE HOVAH, vs. 36, 37. At the time of the evening sacrifice (Ex. 29:39-41); at the time when Christ died (Matt. 27:50). His prayer was to the God of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob. He honored th e , Lord above all gods. He confessed his faith in Jehovah. He acknowledged God’s Word. He plead for the return of Israel to the Lord. He gloried in being the servant of the Lord. The altar it self was a confession of the sin of the people. The picture is graphic. (4) THE CONSUMING FIRE,' vs. 38. 39. Then the fire fell and all was con sumed,— the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, the dust and the water that was
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Baal’s power. The king and queen had renounced God, and the people had fol lowed their leaders. Elijah issues his challenge to the people, "If the Lord be God, follow Him; and if Baal, then follow him.” The character of the people is re vealed in the silence with which they received the challenge. Their history was resplendent with victories from God. Every one of them knew the law, “ Thou shalt have no other gods.” Here was the opportunity for witness ing, but Elijah stands alone. How humiliating to God, to. Elijah, to them selves! What must have been their thoughts? Elijah proposes a test: Two altars were to be erected, two sacrifices prepared, and the god that answered by fire was to be acknowl edged as God. It was a fair proposi tion: “ Put yojur god to the test and let the best one win.” Mark the boldness of Elijah’s faith, and of Moses, Samuel, David, Daniel! One man against the king, the queen, the prophets, the people,— but one with God is a majority. Elijah gave the Baalites every ad vantage and made every concession : Everything their own way; the first op portunity; all day. The challenge was accepted by the people, and ' the priests of Baal pre pared their altar and sacrifice. The scene beggars description,— the heathen altar; the bullock; the dancing, pray ing, crying, cutting, bleeding priests,— all day long, without avail. Now is the time, but perhaps Baal tarries. They wait, they cry; they cry and wait. Still no answer. Then be gan a mad and frenzied dance. Elijah cannot resist the impulse to taunt them, — a fine piece of irony from this strange, silent prophet. His words stir them. They cut themselves with lances and spears, but no answer, “ There was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor
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