Show out Through Me, Lord!

Saturday, November 12th, 2011

Today's Passage> 1 Kings chapter 18
Memory Verses> 1 Kings 18: 36-37

Look throughout the Bible, and you'll see it. There's a specific trend that shows how God responds to total devotion from His children. He responded to Abraham with protection over him and his family as they made the move from his homeland to a totally new place God had called him to. He responded to Noah's obedience by giving him the strength to build a huge boat for himself, his family, and two of every species of animal, then releasing rain that flooded the whole earth. God's Word says He looks to and fro about the whole earth, seeking to whom He can show Himself faithful.

When God brought His people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt, He was simply showing out. He wore down the Egyptians with the various plagues until they finally gave in and let the Israelites go. Can you imagine what a spectacular display God orchestrated when they got to the Red Sea? I would've loved to have been there to watch the Egyptians pursue them, then realize they had walked into a watery trap that would be their grave. But the thing that amazes me about some people is that, even as flamboyant as God has been from one generation to another to let those who love Him know how He feels about them, there are still some who remain aloof from His reach and find themselves unsure about whether to serve Him or not.

That's why I absolutely love the way Elijah showed confidence in His God. He basically issued a super challenge to all those who were still straddling the fence, telling them that God was about to manifest Himself, and they needed to make up their minds who they were going to serve. And did God show Himself or what? He responded to Elijah's boasting in Him with fire on an altar that had been doused with water. It would again have been amazing to be an eyewitness to something so spectacular. And yet, it makes me wonder: do we really need God to perform tricks just to get His people to worship Him? I noticed in the passage that only AFTER the miracle by fire did the Israelites who were there bow down and acknowledge God's greatness.

We as believers must be mindful of the mentality that we'll hold off on our worship until God does something big to wow us. Yes, God WILL show Himself strong because that's Who He is. But notice that Elijah's show was to expose the UNGODLY to the terrible power and might of the Most High God. It was not meant to convince those who were already believers that He was worthy of their praise. That's what ended up taking place. But if we don't develop a diehard, totally devoted heart towards our God, we'll only be on the outside looking in, watching as He uses others to display His greatness instead of us. I don't know about you, but I'd rather be on the convincing end of things instead of having to BE convinced over and over due to shaky faith. Gird yourself, people of God. Stand on His Word and let Him respond with a miracle through you.

Prayer: Father, You have shown me throughout my life that You are truly a great God. I'm persuaded that there is nothing impossible for You. I offer myself to be used by You to display Your greatness through me whenever and wherever You so desire. May the world see and bow down in awe of You. Show out through me, Lord! In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.