Mount Carmel is part of a mountain range in northwestern Israel. Its elevation is 1,791 feet (546 meters). It is made mostly of limestone and flint. The range also features many caves. The mountain appears a few times in the Bible. Its most famous appearance is with Elijah and the prophets of Baal. The full story can be in 1 Kings 18.
The cliff notes version of the event is fairly straight forward. Elijah came to Ahab and challenged his prophets to a context to see who served the real God. The challenge was to take place atop mount Carmel. Elijah instructed King Ahab to call all of the children of Israel to witness the contest. Once there, the contest would begin.
Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”
As the contest was about to begin Elijah turned to the children of Israel and asked them a pointed question – how long will you waver between two opinions. Choose plainly – God and Baal. Yet, when he asked his question the assembly remained quiet and Elijah stood alone for God on the top of the mountain.
The prophets of Baal tried all day for Baal to answer their pleas to light their altar on fire but he never responded. As the sun set Elijah called to the children of Israel, “Come near to me!” He then repaired an old broken down altar to Jehovah, offered his sacrifice, drenched in water, and prayed to God for fire. Immediately fire rained down for heaven burning not only the sacrifice but also the altar and everything around it.
Mt. Carmel represents a mountain of action. Elijah took action for the Lord when no one else would. He stood for the Lord alone. We must be willing to take a stand for the Lord even when we are alone and or surrounded by the enemies of God. Like Elijah, we must be willing to do the right thing even if no one else stands with us. And if we stand like Elijah stood, make no mistake God is with us. While His fire may not rain down from heaven, His power is still present. You are never alone when you make your stand for the Lord.
Summit Mt. Carmet with Elijah – take action for the Lord even when no one else stands with you. #TheMountaintsofGod #MountaineeringForGod
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