Quiet Time
The Struggle of the Seeds
Date: October 04, 2008
Read: 1 Kings 16:29–17:1
In this passage we see the ongoing conflict that God predicted in the Garden of Eden—the struggle between the two seeds, the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent. This is a constant theme throughout the pages of Scripture. The seed of the serpent is seen in Ahab and Jezebel, while the godly seed of the woman is seen in the life and ministry of Elijah. Ahab and Jezebel come onto the scene as the most wicked king and queen the Northern tribe of Israel had seen. Jezebel came from Tyre; her father was a king-priest of Baal. Baal was the god of fertility and of the rain clouds. Her agenda was to introduce the false worship of her gods into her adopted land of Israel. She seems to have succeeded in getting her weak husband to do just that. It is interesting to note that the names of Ahab’s sons, Ahaziah (the Lord gasps) and Joram (the Lord is exalted), perhaps suggest that he intended to blend the heathen worship with the worshiping the God of Israel. Though many today still attempt this, it is a practice that never works.
God sends Elijah to pronounce a curse on Ahab and his kingdom. There will be no rain until Elijah says so. This is a direct attack and contest against the impotent god, Baal, and the true God, Jehovah. God then sends Elijah into hiding for protection from Ahab and to symbolically withdraw Himself and His word from Israel. They are left on their own to struggle through the drought and accompanying famine. At the same time He miraculously provides for His servant food and water at the brook. When the brook dries up because of the draught Elijah doesn’t have to worry about His provision. He knows God is able to supply His needs as he continues to trust and obey. This contest of power still goes on today. People are still deciding which god to trust, the gods of this world or the true God. When God’s people believe Him they give God the chance to show Himself strong. A world is watching and will follow the God who wins the contest in our lives.
Father I believe you alone are the one, true living God. May I realize others are watching my faith or lack of it and drawing conclusions about you.
Published: October 04, 2008
Author: Pastor Jared Hawkins