We will stop today at Mt. Carmel and visit the spot where Elijah slew the prophets who received their income at the table of Jezebel. Elijah called for the meeting. In 1 Kings 18, verse 19, Elijah tells Ahab, “Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” All the people gathered as the two opposing parties faced off. Verse 21 continues, “And Elijah came near to all the people and said, How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him. But the people did not answer him a word.”

All Israel remained silent! 850 pagan prophets against one lone figure astride Mt. Carmel. I remember the Three Dog Night song from 1968, “One is the loneliest Number.” It’s incredibly difficult to stand alone against the tide of public opinion. In verse 18 of this chapter Ahab greets Elijah by calling him “the one who is troubling all Israel.” According to Ahab, if Elijah would just join the crowd everything would be just fine. But Elijah was a lone voice against the majority. In verse 20 we read, “Then Elijah said to the people, I, even I only, am left a prophet of the LORD, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men.” Elijah said to Ahab, “I am not the one who is troubling Israel—you are!”

In America the liberal church and press are always blaming the evangelical for causing division in the church and in the country. But who is really causing the division? America was soundly founded upon the biblical principles of the Scripture and stood strong on those convictions. Who brought the strife? I have been ridiculed for leaving my former denomination, but I always argue, “No, they left me!” I know many others who face the same criticism. My Independent Bible Church is filled with those who had to stand alone against the tide of sweeping liberalism. The Catholic Church and most mainline denominations have departed from the historic doctrines of the Christian faith, but it’s always been their custom to blame any dissent on those who desire to hold firm to fundamental doctrines.

Elijah’s challenge stands the test of time! Most of the world is still silent!

Chuck
“And Elijah came near to all the people and said, How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him. But the people did not answer him a word.” 1 Kings 18:21