A Hill on Which to Stand
1 Kings 18:20 – 19:18
Eventually most Christians face situations in which they must decide whether they will take a bold stand for the Lord. Friendships may be at stake. In dire situations, one’s reputation or job may be on the line – and in extreme cases, Christians may even face threats of physical violence. Many receive pressure to “go along to get along.” The prophet Elijah faced “a hill on which to stand” as he confronted the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and subsequently fled for his life. Christians can still take a bold stand for the Lord, even among pressures to conform to the world.
Four principles from Elijah’s stand can guide us today in following his example.
Playing a pivotal role, the Old Testament prophets called for kings as well as the people to be faithful to the Lord. Elijah demanded that the Israelites stop dilly-dallying and decide whether they would serve the Lord or Baal. Elijah’s question stills penetrates today: “How long will you hesitate between two opinions?” His thundering challenge echoes in our minds and hearts: “If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” God’s people take a bold stand when they firmly show they follow the Lord even when their culture is dominated by false worship. The first principle we learn from Elijah is “Choose your camp” (1 Kings 18:20-21).
The false prophets prepared an altar to Baal. They called on their god to consume the offering by fire. Baal was silent. Elijah prepared an altar to his God. At this point, Elijah paused and offered a prayer to God; his prayer is very moving, expressing his trust in the true God. God responded by sending fire to consume the offering. The Israelites affirmed the Lord as God when they saw He had answered Elijah’s prayer. Believers can be emboldened in their stand for the Lord by recognizing and affirming God’s answer to their prayers. The second principle we learn from Elijah is “Trust in God’s help” (1 Kings 18:37-39).
Following Elijah’s stand against the prophets of Baal, he encountered a new enemy, Jezebel. As she threatened his life, Elijah panicked and fled. Believers today still encounter their greatest temptations after mountain-top victories. How should Christians respond to their fellow believers who struggle after a strong stand? God’s people can be ready to help believers who have taken a bold stand for the Lord in the past but need encouragement to act boldly in new and fearful circumstances. The third principle we learn from Elijah is “Watch for slips” (1 Kings 19:1-3a).
How did God respond to Elijah’s struggle? He sent an angel to minister to his physical and spiritual exhaustion. After rest and refreshment from God, the Word of God came to him again. The Lord assured Elijah that he was not alone in faithfulness and then instructed the prophet to return to Israel and to anoint three future leaders. By remembering God is with them, believers can find strength to go boldly about the work God has for them. When we falter, remember the fourth principle from Elijah: “Climb back up” (1 Kings 19:13b-18).
Larry McDonald– Lessons by Larry McDonald, dean of North Greenville University’s Graduate School of Christian Ministry and professor of Christian spirituality. He holds a Ph.D. from Southeastern Seminary and a D.Min. from Reformed Theological Seminary.