The Wall of Nothing
Scripture Reading — 1 Kings 18:16-39
"If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal ... follow him." But the people said nothing. 1 Kings 18:21
Years ago a friend of mine visited Disney World with some friends. The lines for all the rides were huge, and while they were waiting, my friend overheard a woman asking her husband, "What ride are we waiting for, anyway?" That gave my friend an idea. He went and stood in front of a blank brick wall, and his friends arranged themselves in a line behind him. Within a half hour, two hundred people joined the line!
What often amazes me in the books of 1 and 2 Kings is the people. Without thinking, they line up like cattle for just about anything. Jeroboam, for instance, sets up golden calves (1 Kings 12:25-30), tells everyone to line up and worship them, and the people do it!
In our story for today, Elijah confronts the people about their sinful wandering, and they say nothing. They're undecided. They're up against a spiritual wall.
Have you been standing in line, milling around with the crowd, in front of a wall of nothing?
God did something dramatic on Mount Carmel that day, when fire came to consume Elijah's altar. It jolted the people into belief. Every once in a while I wish God would do something dramatic like that for us today. But then ... he already did. In a once-for-all drama on Mount Calvary, Jesus gave up his life for our sins.
Will you believe in him today?
Lord, take my hand, and lead me to follow you. Conquer my doubts and fears. Help me to trust you with my life, knowing you gave up yours for me. Receive me, Jesus. Amen.
About the author — Keith Mannes
Keith Mannes serves as pastor at Highland Christian Reformed Church in McBain, Michigan. Keith and his wife, Alicia, recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary,
and they are thankful for their three children—Eben, Charis, and Breanna.
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