DAY 14
ELIJAH & THE BIG FIRE
The Lord is the one and only God! The Lord is the one and only God!
-1 Kings 18:39
PAUSE
During the days of the kings of Israel, the nation was led by many bad kings, with only a few who followed God’s commands. To guide His people back to Him, God sent messengers known as prophets. One of these prophets was Elijah, who lived during the reign of King Ahab. King Ahab was a deeply wicked king who did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He and his people worshipped idols, and Ahab even led them to worship a false god named Baal. This idolatry angered God greatly.
At that time, the land was suffering from a severe drought, and the people were desperate for water. God sent Elijah to confront King Ahab and his people with a bold message: “Stop praying to Baal and turn your hearts back to God!” But the king and his followers refused to listen. In response, Elijah proposed a challenge to reveal the true God.
Elijah built an altar with stones and placed sticks on it. He then challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal to do the same. Both sides would pray for their god to send fire to consume the altar. The prophets of Baal built their altar and prayed fervently all morning, but nothing happened. Their god remained silent.
Elijah, however, built his altar using 12 stones, placed sticks on it, and even poured water over the wood and around the altar to make it soaking wet. Then Elijah prayed to God. Instantly, God sent fire from heaven that consumed the altar, the stones, and even the water surrounding it. The display of God’s power left King Ahab and the prophets of Baal in awe, and they began worshiping the one true God. Following this, God sent a heavy rain to end the drought and bring relief to the land.
Through this incredible event, God demonstrated His power, turning hearts back to Him—even King Ahab’s. Despite the widespread disobedience during that time, God was still at work, fulfilling His plan to one day bring Jesus through these very people. Just as God transformed King Ahab’s heart, Jesus would come to turn the hearts of all God’s people back to Him.
DISCUSSION
Why do you think God chose to send Elijah to confront King Ahab and his people, even though they were disobedient? What does this tell us about God’s character?
Elijah poured water on his altar to make it harder for the fire to burn. How does this demonstrate faith in God, and how can we apply that kind of faith in our own lives?
The people of Israel were worshiping Baal because of King Ahab’s influence. How can the choices of leaders impact the faith of those they lead? How can we ensure we’re following God, even if those around us aren’t?
God sent fire to reveal His power and rain to provide for the needs of his people. How have you seen God meet your needs?
PRAY
Thank You, God, that You are the one true God. Thank you that you are in charge of the world and nothing is too difficult for you. Thank you for reminding us of that and listening when we pray.
ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments: If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find one that corresponds with today’s content - Elijah & The Big Fire. Then hang your fourteenth ornament on the tree.
Family Memories: Let your children make necklaces from string, such as yarn, and “O” shaped cereals to help them remember that there are no other gods besides the one true God. Take a photo or video of your family activity or hanging your 14th ornament. Post your pictures or videos to the Facebook group or tag @summitparkchurch!
The Lord is the one and only God! The Lord is the one and only God!
-1 Kings 18:39
PAUSE
During the days of the kings of Israel, the nation was led by many bad kings, with only a few who followed God’s commands. To guide His people back to Him, God sent messengers known as prophets. One of these prophets was Elijah, who lived during the reign of King Ahab. King Ahab was a deeply wicked king who did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He and his people worshipped idols, and Ahab even led them to worship a false god named Baal. This idolatry angered God greatly.
At that time, the land was suffering from a severe drought, and the people were desperate for water. God sent Elijah to confront King Ahab and his people with a bold message: “Stop praying to Baal and turn your hearts back to God!” But the king and his followers refused to listen. In response, Elijah proposed a challenge to reveal the true God.
Elijah built an altar with stones and placed sticks on it. He then challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal to do the same. Both sides would pray for their god to send fire to consume the altar. The prophets of Baal built their altar and prayed fervently all morning, but nothing happened. Their god remained silent.
Elijah, however, built his altar using 12 stones, placed sticks on it, and even poured water over the wood and around the altar to make it soaking wet. Then Elijah prayed to God. Instantly, God sent fire from heaven that consumed the altar, the stones, and even the water surrounding it. The display of God’s power left King Ahab and the prophets of Baal in awe, and they began worshiping the one true God. Following this, God sent a heavy rain to end the drought and bring relief to the land.
Through this incredible event, God demonstrated His power, turning hearts back to Him—even King Ahab’s. Despite the widespread disobedience during that time, God was still at work, fulfilling His plan to one day bring Jesus through these very people. Just as God transformed King Ahab’s heart, Jesus would come to turn the hearts of all God’s people back to Him.
DISCUSSION
Why do you think God chose to send Elijah to confront King Ahab and his people, even though they were disobedient? What does this tell us about God’s character?
Elijah poured water on his altar to make it harder for the fire to burn. How does this demonstrate faith in God, and how can we apply that kind of faith in our own lives?
The people of Israel were worshiping Baal because of King Ahab’s influence. How can the choices of leaders impact the faith of those they lead? How can we ensure we’re following God, even if those around us aren’t?
God sent fire to reveal His power and rain to provide for the needs of his people. How have you seen God meet your needs?
PRAY
Thank You, God, that You are the one true God. Thank you that you are in charge of the world and nothing is too difficult for you. Thank you for reminding us of that and listening when we pray.
ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments: If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find one that corresponds with today’s content - Elijah & The Big Fire. Then hang your fourteenth ornament on the tree.
Family Memories: Let your children make necklaces from string, such as yarn, and “O” shaped cereals to help them remember that there are no other gods besides the one true God. Take a photo or video of your family activity or hanging your 14th ornament. Post your pictures or videos to the Facebook group or tag @summitparkchurch!