The Carlisle independent., 1915-09-02


 the righteous. Prov. 15:29 R. V.
 Following the lesson of last week we have (ch. 1S:1-16) the interesting account of Ahab's search for Elijah and of the prophets meeting with Oba- diah. Verses and suggest the se- verity of the drought in the land Ahab's accusation, Art thou he that troubleth Israel" is replied to by Eli jah's challenge regarding contest be- tween himself, the representative of Jehovah, and the kings prophets rep resenting Baal. (vv. 17-25). In accord ance with the stipulations the prophets of Baal accepted the challenge and most miserably failed (vv 26-29). The place of this dramatic contest was Mt Carmel (see map and the time prob ably B. c. 906
 |. EIijah's Preparation w. 3o-35. On Carmel's crown now swarms a count
 less throng
 With one brave soul to stand for God 'Gainst millions in the wrong.
 George L.. Taylor.
 Elijah gave the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 priests of the groves (v. 19) every advantage possible that he might the more clearly unmask their error and make more signal their de feat. Their frenZied cries and self injury continued fruitlessly until 800 D. m. Then Elijah announces the de- tails which were to remove all possible doubt as to whose champion he was or who is to answer his petition. (a) He calls the people together (y. 30) draw ing them nigh to God and challenging their undivided attention after the con- fusion produced by the priests and their consternation over their defeat. tb) He constructs the altar (vv 30-31). Any true and lasting reforma- tion must begin at the altars of God Restore one in the heart, the home and church and there will return to all unity and strength. Note Elijah's insistence upon an undivided nation, as suggested by the twelve stones." While any lasting reformation must begin in the individual heart, still if it is true and genuine it will work it. self out in the nation. Israel shall be thy name." The prince that prevails with God" who had wrought for their fathers, who answered Jacobs prayer, is now about to answer Elijah. This altar was not constructed as a monu- ment to departed one, nor for the or namentation of the house of God. It in his glory alone. On this altar Elijah placed his sacrifice.
 Again Israel is to prevail over it's enemies, this time those within, not those from without. (c) He covered the altar (vv. 33,34) e. g., poured wa ter upon it to remove all possible ac- cusation of fraud or trickery The trench "as great as would contain two measures of seed" (v. 32) is 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, 36,37. The great prophet even could only secure through prayer his desired blessing though it's 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" (c) It was for one purpose, the honor of that name; (dD It was to ,anction his act in calling forth the drought upon Israel as punishment for the sins of princes, priests and people; (e) It was founded upon the word of Jehovah, to corroborate and to affirm the works done "at thy word;' (f) It was for the conversion of the people, that their hearts might be turned back to Jehovah once more.
 Elijah, the man of faith, staked his all upon the Word of God, he gave himself up wholly to the plans and purposes of God, and relied explicitly upon the covenant-keeping God.
 III. Gods Power, w. 38-40. We are confident Elijah had never seen fire fall and that he must have realized the awful catastrophe involved if it dld not fall. Yet he fearlessly makes his plea and the fire fell. It was not 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 a strange God and father who could not use his own laws and creation to pro- duce moral effect.
 The abundance of proof was that not only the offering. but the water and the very stones of the altar were consumed. Risking all, all is won.
 What we need everywhere is men who will follow in Elijah's steps in order that the fire of God may come upon us. There remained no longer any doubt. God is God, Baal is a sham.
 So they fell on their faces" yet in spite of the victories of God men to- day refuse to render unto him like obedience and worship.
 Compare in this connection the fire of Gods holy spirit which came upon the apostles and believers at Pentecost and the resultant convicting power