«In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you» (Proverbs 22:21, NLT). 

The prophet Elijah lived during one of the most dramatic moments for the people of Israel in regard to spiritual matters. Apostasy was expressed in various ways; as if that were not enough, Queen Jezebel openly promoted infidelity to the Lord and financed a good number of sorcerers of Baal, in addition to persecuting the prophets of the God of Israel. One day, God asked Elijah to announce a drought in the territory of Israel. For three and a half years there would be no rain in the region. For this reason, King Ahab blamed Elijah for disturbing the people’s peace.

To defend himself, the prophet challenged the prophets of Baal and their followers so that the true God would be known on Mount Carmel. They accepted and, along with a large crowd, gathered to celebrate a sacrifice to Baal. There were the expectant people, watching how the eight hundred and fifty prophets of Baal jumped, danced, and lacerated their bodies to obtain an answer from their god. Yet it was all in vain.

Then came Elijah’s turn. He didn’t need bizarre demonstrations to communicate with God. He did not wear out his voice with cries or grotesque actions. No, the God of heaven does not require sensationalism to show His power. The only thing the prophet needed to gain access to the storehouses of the blessings of heaven was to prostrate on his knees and invoke the name of the heavenly Father. He knew that this is the position that empowers a human being, no matter how humble; he knew that posture makes the devil tremble and drives the demons away.

This is how he begged the Lord to show His power at that time, before that multitude of apostate Hebrews, and before the false prophets who had come to dominate the consciences of the people. And the Lord answered to show His presence: He brought down fire from heaven, and consumed the sacrifice which the prophet had prepared. Today, I invite you to ask the Lord to show His power wherever you are, whether at home, at school, in your neighborhood, or at your workplace. But also ask God as Elijah did: to help you obey His Word because you are His servant.