This picture is a view of the area of Elijah's contest, assuming tradition is correct (1 Kings 18). The monastery of Muhraqa is at the top of the hill, but tradition places the contest slightly lower near a spring. The crowds of Israelites would have filled the spacious territory around to see whose God would win. You can see that there are plenty of rocks lying around. When I first saw this I thought that Elijah wouldn't have to go far to collect rocks to build the altar on Mt. Carmel. This site has special significance. This is the place where Elijah engaged in a contest with the prophets of Baal. We learned that Baal means rain, so Baal was the rain god. Ahab was the evil king of Israel at this time and the people were following him in rebellion against God. They had foolishly invited many other gods into there lives. Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest here on Mt. Carmel. The God who answers by fire - he is the real God. Of course, the prophets of Baal and the prophets of Asherah failed in getting there god to answer with fire. After dousing the sacrifice and the altar with water, Elijah prayed a simple faith filled prayer. God answered his prayer by completely consuming the sacrifice with fire. Elijah had challenged the people not to waver between between opinions. If God is God then serve him. Interestingly, the bible says the people were silent. This story reminds us that people can choose to have whatever gods they want in their lives. Today, some people are choosing the god of fame or wealth or social status. But there is only one God who can answer by fire. God made it clear from the very beginning, "I am the Lord your God and you shall have no other gods before me" Exodus 20:2-3. Our lives get mixed up and messed up when we try to hang on to God and other gods. If God is God (and I believe He is), then seek Him first, serve him gladly and know that everything you need will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). It's futile and foolish to try and mix other gods into our lives. Which brings us to another picture. On the way up to Mt. Carmel we passed the world headquarters for the Baha'i faith. Below is a picture of their gardens.
It was quite beautiful to see and quite revealing as well. According to Baha'i faith there have been a number of god messengers who bring the truth. There is also a community of people called the Druze on Mt. Carmel. The Druze also mix several gods together. I thought it was quite instructive what happens when one doesn't choose the God who answers by fire. It opens ourselves up to all kinds of gods and the true God cannot be served or pleased. Right on the place where Elijah challenged the people to choose the true God and they said nothing, there are all kinds of false gods who can't answer because they are not real.
I choose to serve and follow the God who answers by fire. In the spirit of Elijah let's call on Him to prove Himself through us. Not only will God answer us, He will win the victory.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!

Pastor Tim