“Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that You, O Lord, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back.”” 1 Kings 18:37 (ESV)
Today’s verse comes from the passage in the Old Testament where Elijah puts the prophets of Baal, a false “god”, to the test against God Almighty. They both set up altars with sacrificed bulls for offerings. After waiting all day for Baal to show himself, it was to no avail, even after the prophets begin yelling to him and cutting themselves, as was the custom of Baal worshippers. So here is Elijah now taking up the challenge and calling out to God to show Himself to the prophets of Baal as well as those who would have gathered to watch this showdown. Elijah even makes it more difficult for God by digging a trench around the altar and pouring water over the bull and altar, but this would be no match for the great power of Jehovah, God Almighty! The plea which is presented in today’s verse is that God would show Himself in such a powerful way that those who had once followed after Him would realize their error and return their hearts to Him. This should be the plea of every believer today, that any who have strayed from their walk with God would experience Him in such a powerful way as to bring them back to Him through repentance. Will it take a mighty showing of His power to draw you closer to Him, or will you come humbly before the throne right now?
Jessica Ford
Communications Director
Alive Ministries USA