Elijah sets the terms for a contest with the false prophets. Both sides will prepare a sacrifice, but neither will set fire to it, allowing the true God to show Himself by answering the prayer. Elijah allows the false prophets to go first. Although they spend all morning crying upon Baal according to their pagan rites, nothing happens, a reality mocked by Elijah and the author of Kings. When Elijah takes his turn, he prepares his sacrifices so it will be obvious that the answer has come from the LORD and no one else. The LORD’s answer is swift, as not only the bull, but the entire altar is burned. Judgment is executed upon the false prophets of Baal by the people, who have returned to the LORD as the true God. Mercifully, the LORD sends rain upon His people after the three-and-a-half-year drought.

Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 18:20-46.

To learn more about Bethany Lutheran, visit www.bethanylcms.org.

"A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]