On the Fence (1 Kings 18)

May 20, 2021 in Uncategorized

Transcript

Key Verses: 19:17-18; 18:21; 18:39
Important thoughts:
You can’t straddle the fence when you’re standing in awe (18:39 – Our equivalent in falling on our faces is standing in awe).
Introduction – Decision making can be difficult (buying a car/home, college choice, vacation, how to use your time)
Here Comes trouble (Intro of text-1 Kings 18:17-18)
Trouble came when they turned from God, not when God turned from them.
Showdown at Mt. Carmel (v.19-29)
The people of Israel were riding the fence about whom they would serve (v.21).
This is relatable, isn’t it. See, it was easy for Israel to turn to Baal. Baal was an image, something they could see and touch. So they divided their time between it and God. They still devoted time and energy to God, but they did the same for Baal. We may not devote time and energy to Baal, but we do to other things. Our hobbies, our jobs, our relationships. And all these things are fine…needed even. But if we aren’t careful, these…things begin receiving just as much if not MORE energy, more praise perhaps, than God.
Getting off the Fence (Wrap up message (v.39)
The people are in awe. How could they not be after witnessing such an incredible sight. So they fall on their faces and cry out “The Lord is God! The Lord is God! They aren’t on the fence anymore.
Here Comes Trouble
Israel is enticed further away from God (16:29-17:1)
Ahab allowed evil to dominate Israel; introducing Baal (16:29-33)
This caused Israel to worship not only Yahweh, but something else
Application: After all, wouldn’t it be enticing to turn to something you can hold? Don’t we often do that?
In response, God allows a famine (17:1)
The Lord is ready to show Israel (as well as Ahab) who truly is God (18:1)
Where did trouble really come from? (18:17-18)
Showdown at Mt. Carmel
The people of Israel were on the fence (v.21).
The prophets of Baal are shamed (v.23-29)
If you call on other “gods” to provide what you need, expect no answer (v.29).
False Gods cannot provide what we need (Examples: Our job doesn’t sustain the universe, golf and other hobbies don’t hear our prayers when we are hurting, sports cannot provide for our every need, our politics cannot provide salvation, our relationships cannot wash away our sins.
The power and provision of God is displayed (v.30-40).
Getting off the fence (application)
The Lord is God! (Nothing and no one else can provide what we need)
False Gods cannot provide what we need, but the Lord does. He created and sustains the universe. He hears our prayers when we are hurting. He provides for our every need. He provides salvation through his son. He washes away our sins.
Stop and see what the Lord has done
No, we won’t see a moment like the one we just read, but there are plenty of moments in our lives, plenty of signs around us, that are worthy of the same response that the Israelites had on Mt. Carmel. They fell on their faces. We don’t typically fall on our faces in amazement; we stand in awe. And it is impossible to straddle the fence if we are standing in awe.
This must be proclaimed in our lives (in word and deed).
When we’re straddling the fence, it’s hard to proclaim anything. Recall the response of Israel in verse 21: “They did not answer him a word.”) We have to choose. And when we do, we need to proclaim him in every aspect of our lives.
We say it all the time: We’re blessed to live in a country that has religious freedom. And that’s certainly true, but if we aren’t careful, we can allow religious freedom to suppress boldness. We can’t let that happen! Our conviction that Jesus is Lord, that God is the one true God, must be proclaimed! People need to know it because the hear it from our mouths. People need to know that God is Lord of our life because they see it in every facet of our lives.
Since it is inevitable that we devote our time and energy to other things, let God shine through during those times. Let God be seen in our jobs (our words being seasoned with salt, showing patience towards others, treating our coworkers with respect). Let God be proclaimed on the soccer field and the baseball diamond, both in our praise and in our posture. Let God be honored when we are enjoying a day on the golf course or a walk in the park, being thankful. Let God be honored in how we honor or parents. Let God be honored in how we love our spouses. Let God be honored in how we raise our children to honor Him with their lives.
Paul writes in Rom. 11:36, “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” If that is the case of all things (and it is), then let us proclaim God in ALL THINGS.
Conclusion:
Don’t limp between two things. Let the main thing be the main thing. Don’t straddle the fence…stand in awe. Proclaim, in word and deed, as the Israelites did, “The Lord is God! The Lord is God!”