Almighty God Sent Fire

Almighty God Sent Fire

 

1 Kings 18:30-46

In contrast to the prophets of Baal, Elijah called the people to near to him, gathered twelve stones, and rebuilt an altar. Then he poured twelve jars of water onto the altar so that it was completely soaked. He prayed that God would make the people know that Jehovah is God. Then fire falls from the Heavens and completely burns not only the offering but also the area around the altar. The entire people confess that Jehovah is God and follow Elijah's orders to kill all the prophets of Baal. And Elijah gets down on his knees and prays earnestly for rain. As Elijah prayed seven times, a small cloud the size of the palm of hand appeared and heavy rain fell.

 

God answered Elijah's prayer and sent down fire from heaven, consuming the sacrifice, wood, stones, and dirt, and drying up all the water in the trench. Seeing this, all the people confess that Jehovah is God and follow Elijah's orders to kill all the prophets of Baal (37-40). Let us also trust in Almighty God, who answered Elijah's prayer and sent down fire from heaven, and let us make our earnest wishes known to God. Let us not rely on vain idols or finite humans, but only on Almighty God. Let us pray together, trusting only in Almighty God, to completely heal our weaknesses and meet our needs, so that we can work together for the glory of God and carry out the mission given by the Lord.

 

Elijah has complete trust in God's power. So, Elijah tells the sacrifice to be burned to fill four buckets with water and pour it three times on the sacrifice and the wooden altar (31-34). We too must trust God completely and boldly pursue what seems impossible. When I visited Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan in 2019, there were many difficult problems such as the Pakistan earthquake and dengue fever, but just as I went there relying only on God, I need to push forward with my visit to Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Nepal once again, trusting only in God. I will do it.

 

Almighty God, please completely heal our weaknesses and meet our needs so that we can work together for the glory of God and fulfill the mission you have given us! And once again, please help me to visit Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Nepal, trusting only in God!