We were inching along in heavy traffic when Audie’s voice from the back seat broke into my thoughts, “Granny, who is Baal?” What followed was a barrage of questions, among them, “What is a false god?” and “Why do they pray to him if he’s not real?” (As you see, traffic is never boring when Audie’s with me!)

 

Audie was listening to the story of Elijah confronting the prophets of Baal, as seen in our verse today, and was amazed to discover that false gods existed and doubly amazed that people would want to worship them in place of God himself: “But if they make the false gods, why do the people think they can help them?” Well, logical words from a five-year-old and, as you can imagine, a lively interrogation followed; but her comments hit home.

 

Elijah also couldn’t understand their confusion.

 

Why indeed would anyone worship, or pray to, some powerless man-made object in place of the true God? Why would we ignore his commands and wisdom, or neglect our God-given blessings designed for our well-being, and joy in living, to choose a different path that leads to a hollow life?

 

 God brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to free them from a life that robbed them of their souls and gave them guidelines for mindful living as free people; wise guidelines that would teach them new priorities that would address their physical and spiritual needs to live wisely in the desert, and wherever they settled. It began with God: “I am the Lord your God ... You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them …” (Deuteronomy 5:6-9, ESV)

 

It was essential for the Israelites to know their Deliverer and to trust him, not some false deity – or themselves – for their needs. They knew as little about what was waiting in the desert, as we know about what the new day holds when we wake each morning. What God’s actions proved was that he had been true to his word as he stood for his people against the evil that had caused them suffering and had already shown his power. (Read: Exodus 12:31; 14:28; 16:12; 17:6; 17:13)

 

The real power of God we experience is in walking with him daily and knowing that in all circumstances he is real, present and trustworthy. He always speaks the truth and loves us “with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3) that will lead us home. We don’t have to be confused.

 

Faith in God is not simply an emotional reaction; it is a conscious choice to trust the One who is true.

 

Prayer: Gracious Father, I rejoice in knowing that you alone are God and embody everything true. “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name for ever." (Psalm 86:11-12) Amen

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