Beyond the Weekend

March 12 | Decision Time

March 12, 2019

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him.” 1 Kings 18:21

Read: 1 Kings 18:16-24

Listen: 1 Kings 18

TODAY’S MESSAGE

It was the one thing they didn’t want to do—make a decision. On one side were the 450 prophets of Baal, the god who many in Israel believed was responsible for the rain. On the other was Elijah, the lone prophet of the Lord, the Creator God of Israel who had faithfully delivered them throughout their history. As the challenge on Mt. Carmel begins, Elijah clearly spells out the choice in front of them. “If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him. But the people said nothing” (1 Kings 18:21).

It was a silence that screamed spiritual confusion. For too long the nation wanted it both ways. They wanted to serve Yahweh because he was the God of their ancestors, the God of the Exodus. But they also wanted to appease Baal, the regional god of rain and prosperity. Alone before the king and crowd, Elijah tells them to go one way or the other. It was a choice the nation had made before. Shortly before his death, the great leader Joshua presented the same choice. “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15).

Israel wanted it both ways—and so do we. While we worship the Creator God, we can also be serving the god of accomplishments, acquisition or acceptance. Jesus may get a part of our lives, but he isn’t our boss or Lord. Elijah tells us, “It’s time to make a decision.”

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Recognize that it’s time to decide. God isn’t asking for a part of your life—he’s asking for it all. Memorize this part of 1 Kings 18:21, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him.” Write in on a card or in your mobile and place it where you’ll quickly see it when you find yourself wavering.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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