Ye Idolatrous Generation: Part II

Ye Idolatrous Generation

Understanding Luke 4:16-30 In The Context of Elijah and Elisha

Part II: Drought, Fire From Heaven, and the Coming of Rain (1 Kings 18)

The Angry Mob in Luke 4: What Drove Them to Such Rage?

--Though the specific account of Mt. Carmel is not mentioned in Luke 4, the drought era in which it referred clearly compared the angry mob to the apostate Israelites that lived during Elijah’s era.

--They detested Jesus’ proclamation of Messiahship, and they despised Christ for comparing them to an era that was judged harshly because of idolatry, an era of evil magnified at Mt. Carmel.

--Instead of repenting, they expressed hostility, yet God uses their hardness to reach Gentiles.

--Likewise, we can receive the admonition and repent or seek to drive Christ off of the cliff in rage.

--As we study Fire From Heaven, might we repent when our sin is exposed and not rebel, lest we come under judgment, for this ancient Biblical admonition against idolatry is just as relevant today.

May The True God Come Forth!

The Drought Is Severe: 1 Kings 18:1-20

--Elijah has now been commanded by God to confront King Ahab and tell him that rain was coming.

--The drought is strong and Elijah has a strong confrontation with Ahab exposing his sin.

--Elijah then charges Ahab to send all Israel and the false prophets to Mt. Carmel.

The Confrontation: 1 Kings 18:20-40

--Elijah condemns their wicked attempt to worship the LORD and Baal, and commands them to choose.

--They remain silent and have no idea what is about to take place.

--Elijah admits that he is outnumbered by an incredible margin, yet he is unmoved in his faith.

--Two bulls are prepared, one by the false prophets unto Baal and one by Elijah to the LORD.

--The hand of man shall set no fire; a plea to the divine is the only acceptable means for ignition.

--They are given the choice of which bull to prepare but are commanded again not to light it.

--They called out to this vain idol from morning until noon but to no avail.

--Elijah mocks them with several sharp remarks thereby magnifying their ludicrous efforts.

--Their efforts become desperate as they lacerate themselves in futile attempts to light the sacrifice.

--Man in his depravity would rather mutilate himself rather than bow to God Almighty.

--There was still no response from Baal; now it was Elijah’s turn.

--Elijah calls the people in. He rebuilds the altar, digs a trench around it, and places the sacrifice on it.

--Three times he commands them to pour water on the sacrifice and the wood; Elijah is determined to make a point about who the real God is.

--Giving all worship to God, Elijah now beseeches the LORD to make it known that He is God in Israel.

--With ferocity, the Fire of the LORD falls from Heaven, and even the water in the trench is licked up!

--The people fall on their faces declaring twice that the LORD is God, and the prophets of Baal are killed.

The Coming of Rain: 1 Kings 18:41-46

--The LORD in His mercy brings forth rain as he promised.

--God is a Just Judge, yet his mercy and grace are abundant all the more.

Application

--God always meets idolatry with severe judgment, so do not presume upon the grace of God, O sinner.

--No generation is without blemish, so do not turn from the conviction of the LORD.

--There is no salvation in idolatry, only judgment and despair.

--Ask God to expose the idols of your heart, and repent from them; put off sin and put on Christ.

--Meditate upon the justice and holiness of God that you might be ever thankful of His Sovereign Grace.