The book of 1 Kings tells us a story about a challenge between two gods.

Elijah said to the people, “choose a bull, cut it in pieces, and place it on wood but don’t light the fire” (1 Kings 18:22-23a, CSB).

“I will prepare the other bull and not light the fire” (v. 23b). “The God who answers with fire, he is God” (v. 24b).

The prophets chose a bull and said to their god, “answer us!”

No answer.

They danced in circles.

No sound (v. 26).

Elijah said, “Maybe he’s thinking it over, or maybe he’s sleeping!” (v. 27).

They covered themselves in blood and kept on raving.

Again, no answer and no sound (v. 28b, 29b).

Elijah chose the other bull, but he filled four pots with water and poured it on the offering three times (v. 33b-34).

He said, “today let it be known that you are God in Israel and I am your servant, and that at your word I have done all these things” (v. 36b).

It was larger than an answer and louder than a sound.

It was a miracle.

“Fire fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench” (v. 38).

The people said, “The Lord, he is God! The Lord, he is God!” (v. 39).

One god sent nothing and the other sent fire.

I don’t want wood. I want fire.

God, you are a worker of miracles. It’s easy to see fire at the mountain’s peak, but harder in the valleys. Make a fire out of the wood inside me. I want to burn for you when it looks impossible.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Until next week — Aiden

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