Any thinking believer who is an observer of culture will have to admit that the nation is going in the wrong direction. In 1 Kings 18:36, 37 we find one of the greatest prayers in the history of faith. It is here that Elijah is taking on the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah. They had been shouting and praying and cutting themselves for almost an entire day. Likely they were exhausted. When it came near the time for Evening Sacrifice Elijah called the people of Israel to come near to him. It is important that he did this at this precise time. The reason is that he was fulfilling the laws concerning sacrifices so that even the non-believing Jews would not ignore or ridicule him over violation of the laws.
A Thought: Do things properly so that the message is not distorted by sloppy methods.
Here is the prayer:
“O Lord…” Elijah recognizes that God is the master and that he is the servant who is owned by the master – Yahweh.
“… the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel (Jacob had his name changed by this time). This is a reminder of all that the Lord had done in the lives of the greats of their faith. He was reminding them if God can be actively involved in the lives of the greats than He can be actively involved in our lives.
“… today let it be known that You are God in Israel…” Here is the big idea in his prayer. He wanted God again to be the spiritual leader of Israel. He wanted Jehovah to show Himself in such a way that the people would repent. He wanted national repentance because that was the heart beat of God.
A thought: It is still God’s heart beat for national repentance.
“… and that I am Your servant…” This means that He wanted what God wanted. He was not in charge but was the “servant – one who acts on behalf of another”. He was saying that I am at His beck and call.
“… and I have done all these things at Your word…” The prophet is saying that he is not acting in his own power or desire but in the power and desire of Almighty God.
”Answer me, O Lord…” This is the second request in the prayer. He wants God to honor His Words that the servant had stated for Him. It is not so much that Elijah wanted to be rescued but that the Father would show His power to the disobedient people so that He would be honored and praised again.
“… answer me, that this people may know that You, O Lord are God…” Here is the main request again. Simply stated it is: O Lord you are our Savior, show Yourself in a way that the people may know that you are God and repent.
“… and that You have turned their heart back again…” Did you notice that he has not asked for himself to be saved? He never asks for the fire to fall and burn the sacrifice. He only asks that God reveal Himself in such a way that it will lead to a national repentance.
You know the results: Fire fell and consumed the bull, water, wood and altar.
The people shouted and repented that the Lord is God.
The nation was restored.
We as a nation have been warned that the Lord is not pleased with us. Now it is time for a prophet led by God Almighty to rise up from the dust heap that we have become and say to country that it needs to repent.
Prayer: Lord, would you rise up this person and show them what You plan to do. Would you plan “the” event that will lead to national repentance to that person? Even so Father would you make it quickly, the mess is getting greater in scope. In Your Name, i pray.
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