I am captivated by Mount Carmel. On open display before the nation, a solitary Elijah faces down 450 false prophets of Baal.

The prophets of Baal spend hours in dance and display. Elijah speaks only 23 words. The Baalites put on quite a show, but Elijah’s altar is empty.

Like all perversions of religion, Baalism is focused on the experience and satisfaction of the worshipper. Elijah’s words center the people on God and their response to Him.

Our choice is no different today. Will we cultivate an approach to God that makes sense to us or an approach that makes sense to God? In this, Mount Carmel is instructive. When the noise and dancing had ended in sheer exhaustion and futility, Elijah quietly prayed to the true God, and the fire fell.

The crying need of our times is fire from heaven. We don’t need more “worship experiences”; we need to encounter God. It is God who will motivate us to serve, love, and obey. We need to decide who is God.

May this issue of Heartcry Journal help you attend to God’s revelation of Himself. And may each of us respond in heartfelt obedience.

 

                                                                              Byron Paulus

                                                                              Executive Director