Opposing Kingdoms on a Collision Course

Scriptural reference: I Kings 18:1-2; 17-40

On this opening night of the Nation Builders Summit, this teaching is set to explain what we can

expect “when kingdoms clash” as they are about to in Nigeria [I Kings 18:1-2; 17-40]. Elijah stood

on Mt. Carmel addressing a crowd that spanned into the distance. He cried aloud and asked a

relevant and timely question “How long will you falter between two opinions?" The challenge was

clear "If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” The people answered him not a word.

All able-bodied Israelites gathered at the prophet’s invitation for a showdown between the

Kingdom of Ahab and the Kingdom of Jehovah. On Elijah’s cleft of the rock, he stood alone and

on another, opposing him, stood 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of the grove who had

come at Ahab’s command to represent his gods. The odds were overwhelmingly lopsided to the

natural eye, to some it would be Elijah’s last day to trouble Israel, but Elijah seemed

unimpressed by the multitude he faced.

The tension in the air was palpable as Elijah laid out the terms for a duel between two kingdoms

— Baal vs. Jehovah. At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah called out to the people, and they

drew near to him. In front of him was a broken down ancient altar which he began to rebuild by

taking 12 stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Next, Elijah had trenches dug around

the altar. He piled on the wood, prepared the bull and laid it out on it. Then he commanded the

people three times to fill four water-pots with water and pour it on the alter. The trough was full

of water, the wood drenched and dripping, the meat soaked. The crowd was perplexed and

baffled by these actions. What could Elijah possibly be planning to do? Then Elijah lifted his eyes

to heaven and prayed [I Kings 18:36-40]. Elijah was a man of like passion as we are, the same

God of Elijah is our God. Immediately he prayed, like a thunderbolt, fire fell from heaven,

consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and evaporated all the water in the trenches. The

crowd responded by falling to their faces and cried out "The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is

God" [I Kings 18:40].

Sometimes we forget that we live in enemy territory but thank God we're receiving a Kingdom

that cannot be shaken, we're part of a house that cannot be pulled down. Our God is a

consuming fire. Pray for courage. You will not be confused, you'll have Divine direction. You will

know what to say at critical moments, in Jesus name. Take courage because you serve the God who

answers by fire.

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