Fallen Away

Part of my Bible reading this past week was reading through 1 Kings when Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal, a pagan god (1 Kings 18:21-24). He wanted the children of Israel to turn back to God wholeheartedly.

Much like people do today, the Israelites had not completely rejected God, but they had made Him a very small part of their lives (1 Kings 18:21). Our Baal may be our careers, children, hobbies, spouses, popularity…whatever takes first place in our day-to-day.

While reading this chapter, it was so sad to me to read about the prophets of Baal cutting themselves “till the blood gushed out upon them” (1 Kings 18:28). They were so authentic and sincere in their efforts, but the object of their worship was grievously wrong. (By the way, God expressly prohibited His worshipers from cutting themselves (Deuteronomy 14:1).

The Israelites had fallen far away from their Holy God, Yahweh. You and I may fall far from our Holy God too.

The comforting thing to know and to understand is when we fall so far that we reach bottom, as Christians, The Foundation is still there! That Foundation is solid and sure.

When the Israelites put their faith in Baal, they found he wasn’t there when they really needed him. Their faith in a pagan god was meaningless. Worthless.

If what you are putting your faith in cannot bring you hope and help, then you need to reevaluate your life, your priorities. There is only One who offers complete hope and help, Jesus Christ. Once you put your complete faith in God, then you can start rising up from the bottom. He will be there to lift you.

Toward the end of the story, Elijah offers a prayer to God (I Kings 18:36-37) in which He immediately answers by consuming the burnt offering, altar, water, and everything surrounding it. He showed His power. The people immediately knew God was the God in which to put their faith and worship.

Which side are you on? Are you giving more time to a “Baal” in your life or are you giving God your all?

I find myself getting caught up in the day-to-day errands, chores, responsibilities, etc. and becoming too focused on other things. I fall away. That is why this passage convicted me, and I pray you will search your heart to see on which side you reside.

Live for what has eternal hope. Put God first in your life, and you will learn like the Israelites that day: “The LORD, He is the God” (1 Kings 18:39). 💕