1 Kings 18:20-21
So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel. And Elijah came to all the people, and said, ‘How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.’ But the people answered him not a word.
Are you fish or fowl? What do I mean by that question? I am really interested in knowing whether you have repented of your sins, trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ with all of your heart and had your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
There are many who know about Jesus and His saving work . . . even had faith that He is the Savior of the World . . . but have you been born again? To be born again is much more than believing about Jesus—it is inviting Him to be the Lord (the Boss) of your life.
Elijah was a faithful prophet of the Lord. He had the gumption to stand up against the wicked King Ahab and the 450 prophets of Baal. He challenged the people before he challenged the prophets of Baal. He wanted to know whether they stood for God or against Him.
In Matthew 12:30 and Luke 11:23, we read the words of Jesus as He challenged the people of His day: “He that is not with Me is against Me.” That leaves no middle ground for a namby-pamby relationship. If Jesus required a committed relationship then, He still requires it today!
In response to Elijah’s challenge, the people remained silent. Their silence answered the question. In the same way, our silence to the call to come to Jesus and be born again signifies our refusal to follow. If we desire to be counted as one of His own and have our lives transformed, we must stand up and be counted.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil