TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come here to me.” They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the Lord, which had been torn down. 1 Kings 18:30
Read: 1 Kings 18:30-38
Listen: 1 Kings 18
TODAY’S MESSAGE
As Baal’s prophets lay exhausted and bleeding around their untouched sacrifice, Elijah stepped forward. In the heat of the mid-afternoon sun, he stepped toward a ruined and abandoned altar and began to work. Gathering twelve stones, each one representing one of the tribes of Israel, Elijah repaired the altar of Yahweh. Stone upon stone, he reminded them of some essential truths.
He reminded them of who God is and who God had called them to be—a chosen people in a special place. He also reminded them of how far they had fallen. From the triumph of the Exodus to the idolatry of Baal, the fall had been significant. We can imagine that Elijah said nothing as he worked. His work said it all. God wanted his rebel kids back.
What would it look like for you to repair an altar that’s fallen into disrepair? A time when God was near and met you powerfully, but now you’ve fizzled, faded and drifted. Maybe it was a summer camp in middle school. A marriage God restored. Or just spending time alone with God in his creation.
No matter what it was for you, God wants you back. This past weekend, Pastor Jeff Manion talked about a painting that depicts the prodigal son story. Watch the video clip below as he describes our loving father that wants us home.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Turn back the clock by remembering a time when God was near, you invited him in and you were consumed with his presence. That is the altar to repair. Talk with a trusted friend or your small group leader about some steps you can take to begin that repair. If you’d like to talk, we have many trained, experienced leaders who would love to spend time with you talking about your repair. Email us at btw@adabible.org.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
