1 Kings 18:20-45 – A Flash from Heaven

Read 1 Kings 18:20-45

This is one of those Bible passages that really excites me. I love when the power of God is recognized and applauded. Our previous readings have been building up to this moment of triumph! I almost get giddy with joy at how Ahab and the prophets of Baal must be feeling.

I don’t imagine Elijah will gloat because it was not his power at work. He has to be even more in love with the LORD. If I were him, I would be overcome with the honor and privilege of bringing this message to the Israelites.

Nobody could deny it. How could fire have burned up wet logs and everything else! It was surely a miracle. A spectacle of a miracle as God sent a flash of fire from heaven!

I’m sure the people were a bit surprised at the extent to which Elijah set the stage. Elijah was certainly accommodating to let Ahab’s folks go first. Of course, that was part of the set up. The people had to see that their god wasn’t doing anything. Their god didn’t even show up!

What happens when things don’t go as planned? People tend toward making excuses. Do you think Ahab or his false prophets were trying to creatively come up with a justification to calm down the crowds? Do you think they were shaking a bit in their boots feeling a bit exposed?

What are you feeling after reading this passage?

Excited? Proud? Peaceful? Confident?

We can certainly feel a sense of excitement because our God showed up powerfully! That same truth could also elicit a prideful feeling for being part of the “winning team,” so to speak.

Knowing that God takes care of those he uses to do his work might also elicit feelings of peace. If you are in the midst of your own assignment, seeing this flash from heaven may give you that extra bolt of confidence, as well.

After God’s magnificent display in the fire, there was a delay in bringing the rain. Did Elijah ever doubt it would come? If he did, he didn’t let on to his servant. Assuming the servant had seen the fire, I can imagine they, too, were full of anticipation.

It had been years since seeing any rain clouds. That quickly changed. God was finally rewarding the people because they had turned back to him when he displayed his power in the fire. Could this suggest that faith, in general, comes from God’s action and not ours? Maybe that’s the news “flash” of the day!

Let’s pray …
Lord, I am energized by how you showed up in today’s passage. I just want to give you all praise and honor! Thank you for your faithfulness and how you are drawing me closer to you every day. I love you, Lord, and I love being your servant. Fill me up today and lead me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.