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God Vindicated on Mount Carmel
69
Facing King Ahab and the false prophets, and surrounded by the
assembled people of Israel, Elijah stood, the only one who had come
to vindicate the honor of Jehovah. He was apparently defenseless in
the presence of the king, the prophets of Baal, the men of war, and
the surrounding thousands. But around him were angels that excel
[52]
in strength.
Unashamed, unterrified, the prophet was fully aware of his com-
mission to carry out the divine command. In anxious expectancy the
people waited for him to speak. Looking first on the broken-down
altar of Jehovah and then on the crowd, Elijah called out in trumpet
tones, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord
is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.”
No One Has the Courage to Stand With Elijah
The people answered not a word. Not one in that vast assembly
dared to reveal loyalty to Jehovah. Deception and blindness had
overspread Israel, not all at once but gradually. Each departure
from rightdoing, each refusal to repent, had deepened their guilt
and driven them further from Heaven. And now, in this crisis, they
persisted in refusing to take their stand for God.
The Lord hates indifference in a time of crisis. With inexpressible
interest the whole universe is watching the closing scenes of the great
controversy between good and evil. What can be more important to
the people of God than to be loyal to the God of heaven? All through
the ages, God has had moral heroes, and He has them now—those
who, like Joseph, Elijah, and Daniel, are not ashamed to identify
themselves as His distinct people. His special blessing accompanies
men and women of action, those who will not swerve from duty,
but who will inquire, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” (
Exodus 32:26
,
NRSV)—people who will demand that those who choose to identify
with the followers of God step forward and reveal their allegiance to
the King of kings. Such people yield their will to the law of God.
For love of Him they do not count their lives dear to themselves.
Loyalty to God is their motto.
While Israel hesitated on Carmel, the voice of Elijah again broke
the silence: “I alone am left a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s
prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Therefore let them give