The Brinkley argus. (Brinkley, Ark.) 1883-current, 1915-09-03
INTERNATIONAL.
.SllNDGSC|lON
LESSON
LESSON FOR SEPTEMBER 5
ELIJAH AND THE PROPHETS OF
eAAL.
By o. p. SELLERS. Acting Urec MS o.
Bible instituted


eAAL.
LESSON TEXT Kings 1s:so-ss
GOLDEN TExT-Jehovah is far from
the wicked; but he heareth the prayer VI
the righteous. Prov o'S H. "
Following the lesson OF last week
We have (ch. 1910 the interesting
account Of Ahab's search for Eli1an
and of the prophets meeting with ODa-
dsah. Verses and suggest the Sc
verify Of the drought In the lana.
Ahab's accusation, Art thou he that
troubleth Israel" is replied to by Eli
jah's challenge regarding contest be-
twsen himself. the representative OF
Jehovah. and the kings prophets rep
resenting Baal, wv. 1925. In accord
ance with the stipulations the prophets
Of Baai accepted the challenge and
most miserably failed wv. 26-2g. The
place Of this dramatic contest was Mt.
Carmel (see map) and the time prob
ably B. C. 90S.
|. EiiJah's Preparation w. 1896.
On Carmel's crown now swarms count
with one brave soul to stand for God
'0alnst millions in tho wrong.
George l.. Taylor.
Elijah gave the $50 prophets Of Baal
and the 400 priests Of the groves ".
1917 every advantage possible that he
might the more clearly unmask their
error and make moro signal their de-
feat. Their frenzied cries and self
injury continued fruitlessly until 500
p. M. Then Elijah announces the de-
tails which were to remove all possible
doubt ~ to whose champion he was or
who IL to answer his petition. ca He
calls the people together ". 30) draw
ing them nigh to God and challenging
their undivided attention after the con-
fusion produced by the priests and
their CONSERVATION over their defeat.
(b) He constructs the altar wv.
3O-3l). Any true and lasting reforma-
ton must begin at the affairs Of God.
Restore one in the heart, the home
and church and there will return to
all unity and strength. Note Elijah's
insigtence upon an undivided nation,
as suggested by the twelve stones"
While any lasting reformation must
begin In the individual heart, still II
1t IL true and genuine It will work It.
self out in the nation. Israel shall be
thy name" The prince that prevails
with Cod" who had wrought for their
fathers, who answered Jacobs prayer.
is now about to answer Elijah. This
altar was not constructed as monu-
ment to departed one, nor for the or.
namentation Of the house Of God. 1t
was in Gods first cathedral and for
his glory alone. On this altar Elijah
placed his sacrifice.
Again Israel Is to prevail over its
enemies, this time those within, not
those from without. (c) He covered
the altar wv. 83,3D Q. g., poured wa.
ter upon 1t to remove all possible &C
cusation of fraud or trickery. The
trench "as great - would contain two
measures of seed" ". 82) ID equivalent
to six gallons. Three times water was
taken from the spring, still flowing
at this place. and poured upon the
altar. twelve Jars In all again symbol
izing the twelve tribes.
II. EIIjah's Prayer, w, 1857. The
great prophet even could only secure
through prayer his desired blessing
though its purpose was that this peo
pie may know that thou Lord art God.
His prayer was: "a Addressed to
God; (b) Grounded upon experience
that of Abraham. Isaac and Jacob;
Co 1t was for one purpose, the honol
of that name: (d) It was to sanction
his act In calling forth the drought
upon Israel a. punishment for the
sins of princes. priests and people;
(e) 1t was founded upon the word oil
Jehovah, to corroborate and to alIirm
the works done at thy word ~ II
was for the conversion Of the people
that their hearts might be turned bach
to Jehovah once more.
Elijah. the man Of faith. staked hii
all upon the Word Of God. he gave
himself up wholly to the plans and
purposes Of God. and relied explicitly
upon the covenantskeeping God.
III. Gods Power, w. $40. We an
confident Elijah had never seen fra
| fall and that he must have realised
the awful catastrophe involved II II
did not fall. Yet he fsarlessly makes
his plea and the fre fell. 1t was moi
an accidental stroke of lightning God
the creator, worked upon the laws Of
nature. his servant, and wrought con
fusion to his enemies. It would be Z
strange God and father who could moi
use his own laws and creation to PRO
duce moral effect.
The abundance Of proof was tha'
not only the offering. but the watel
and the very stones Of the altar wert
consumed. Risking AL, all IL won.
What we need everywhere ID mel
who will follow in Ehjah's steps IL
order that the IRE Of God may come
upon us. There remained no Longer
any doubt. God ID God. Baal Is sham
So they fell on their faces" yet II
spite Of the victories Of God men to
day refuse to render unto him Liz,
obedience and worship.
| Compare In this connection tho fir,
Of Gods holy spirit which came upor
the apostles and believers at Pentecos
and the resultant convicting powe
convincing the people Of Jerusalem
that the crucaAed Christ was the col
| OF God. ->z=<-=>