Now note 1 Kings 18:3-4 those who haven’t bowed to Baal know themselves, and protected themselves (Malachi 3:16-18).

And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly: for it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.) 1 Kings 18:3-4

The full effect of serving Baal is described in Hosea 2, noting particularly verses 5-13. The term ‘lovers’ refers to the pagan idols that Israel trusted for their prosperity. The Baals were weather gods that supposedly controlled agricultural prosperity. Thus when Elijah called for the drought, it effectively demonstrated their powerlessness just as their inability to send fire down in the Mount Carmel showdown! Fertility was thought to be affected by idolatrous practices like ‘weeping for Tammuz’ and engaging in cult prostitution (Hosea 4:14).

O beloved, isn’t it time that you began to understand the daily issues we exhaust ourselves in the light of the conflict of the gods, seeking to draw us away from our devotion to our Saviour and King? You cannot claim ignorance of walking according to the prince of the power of the air, consorting with the children of disobedience in seeking what they are seeking! (Ephesians 2:2)

Many of us are exhausted but it is expedient that we know that there is a recognised and appointed time when God comes down in response to our prayers (1 Kings 18:36-39). There is an appointed time when the evil rulership is in desperation and will be looking for answers; they will fast (vs. 41,42) and be prone to hear from the minority servants of God and submit themselves to their instruction; but where are those servants of God like Elijah and those hundred prophets of God hidden by Obadiah as well as the 7,000 known to the Lord who had not bowed to Baal?

People, discerning and hearing God is key in these days (1 Kings 18:43-46)…Who has heard from the Lord concerning our days? O Lord, speak for Thy servant heareth!

Selah.Pastor Afolabi Oladele