Two Opinions

Ahab didn't just turn away from the Lord, but actively opposed Him. Along with his wife Jezebel, he ordered the widespread execution of the prophets of Yahweh.

While Ahab and Jezebel were actively persecuting those faithful to the Lord, it seems that the general populace was not so decidedly against Him. They seemed to want to have faith in the Lord, but in Baal too. Baal was worshipped because he supposedly offered prosperity, fertility, wealth, sexual fulfillment, and power. It seems that Baal’s influence is still at work today.

Prosperity, power, and sex are not bad. In the right context, they are good things, but that is what makes them so dangerous; we might attach ourselves to these things rather than to God. Jesus had the power and authority for all of these things and yet chose none of them. Living on nothing, living in celibacy, and yet living the best life a human can live.

We need to choose what truly brings fulfillment to our lives. As Elijah says, “If the Lord is God, follow him. If Baal is God, follow him.” And he backs it up with some pretty compelling evidence to support the Lord.

Thought Point

Are you living a double life, serving God and other idols in your life?

Prayer Point

Ask God to rid your heart of all attachment to anything that has become an idol in your life. Ask him to replace your desire for these things with a desire to follow Him.