MY GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOUR GOD

Imagine with me two boys talking – “my dad is really smart” – “but my dad is smarter” says the other.  “My dad is really strong” – “Bet my dad could beat your dad up” says the other. “My dad is stronger than your dad”.. 

We were singing a song at church that had the phrase “our God is stronger – our God is greater” – and it reminded me of two kids arguing about their dad.  Then I was reminded of a story in the Bible where there was a “showdown” between two gods – the god Baal (who supposedly had power over rain,wind, and clouds) and Yahweh (the one true God).  

It seems that king Ahab had disobeyed God and began embracing and worshiping the god his wife Jezebel believed in – Baal.  Because of this disobedience – God (through the prophet Elijah) proclaimed a drought on the land of Israel.  After some time, Elijah decided enough was enough and there was a showdown between the prophets of Baal and himself.  

1Kings 18:21 – then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If Yahweh is God, follow Him.  But if Baal, follow him”. 

So the contest began.  Two oxen were brought out and two alters set up.  The prophets of Baal leaped about and called on their god – even cutting themselves with swords – for a whole day – and NOTHING HAPPENED.  Then Elijah prepared the alter by cutting the oxen – laying wood there and he even put a trench around it and filled the trench with water. He also had water poured on the sacrifice as well as all of the wood.  He had this done three times – so all was soaked with water.  Then Elijah called upon God to show the people that He was God – in order that the people would turn back to Him.

And God showed up!  Fire came down and consumed the sacrifice, the wood and even the stones and all of the water was licked up that was in the trench!  The people’s response was “Yahweh, He is God”.

This story reminds me that God is all powerful – and that HE is the one in charge of things.  And He can stand up to ANY situation and let His power be known. 

It also reminds me that He shows His power – so that others will believe in Him.