The Big Time Prophet

To King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, the prophet Elijah was a nuisance, a constant reminder that their power had limits. Ahab even called him “the troubler of Israel.” But Elijah was not a troublemaker—he was a truth-teller. And truth has a way of disturbing those who would rather live comfortably in rebellion.

In a land soaked with idolatry, Elijah stood nearly alone. Jezebel had promoted the worship of Baal, and hundreds of prophets claimed spiritual authority over Israel. Yet God was preparing a showdown that would expose the emptiness of false power and reveal His unmatched might.

On Mount Carmel, Elijah faced 450 prophets of Baal in a dramatic contest. An alter was setup and soaked with water. Elijah declared that the God who could set that alter ablaze would be God over the land. The Baal prophets shouted, danced, and cut themselves, crying out for their god to answer with fire. Hour after hour passed, and nothing happened. Silence exposed their lies.

Then Elijah prayed—simply, humbly, confidently. Fire fell from heaven, consuming the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and even the water in the trench. (Do you understand what kind of heat is necessary to consume rocks? Our God is a consuming fire.) In that moment, there was no question who was God. The people fell facedown and declared, “The Lord—He is God!”

The prophets of Baal were immediately taken away and executed. Elijah declared their wickedness would no longer be tolerated in the land. Only the one true God would be honored as God…much to the chagrin of the wicked King and Queen. (1 Kings 18:40)

This was not a small, quiet miracle hidden in the background. This was a big, public, undeniable display of God’s glory. Sometimes God works in whispers, but sometimes He thunders. Sometimes He uses people for simple acts of faithfulness, and sometimes He uses them to confront nations and shift history.

Elijah reminds us that walking closely with God may not make us popular, but it places us on the right side of power. God is not to be treated lightly or replaced casually. His might is real, His holiness unmatched, and His favor precious. Staying on the sunny side of God’s favor means honoring Him, trusting Him, and never underestimating what He can do when He chooses to act in mighty ways—for His glory alone.

What will He do through YOU today?