YAHWEH V. BAAL, ROUND 2 (1 Kings 18)

In round 2 of the battle between Yahweh and Baal, God proved his existence and power (and Baal's non-existence). The demonstration ground continued to be rain and storm, since Baal was billed as the storm god. First Elijah said rain would fall again. Then God sent fire from heaven to consume the offering. Baal did nothing. And then the rain came, as God's prophet said it would.

God showed his existence and power. He also showed his mercy. Rather than judge his people, he took the initiative to show himself to them. 1 Kings 18:38 says God turned their hearts back. God is the one who initiates relationship between himself and man.

God, in mercy, sent his son to earth to turn our hearts to him forever. (John 3:16) He draws us to himself (John 6:44) as he brought Israel to himself at Sinai (Exodus 19:4).

I thank God today that he drew me to himself through Christ and keeps me forever.