The way of transformation from compromise to commitment

A few years ago, I suddenly developed a painful tennis elbow. My routine has not changed, so the reason was a mystery. A cortisone injection seemed to have sorted out the problem, but a month later I was diagnosed with frozen shoulder. Two months later the tennis elbow pain also returned. It was only when I saw an experienced sports physio that he made the connection to a major surgery I had a few months before these issues surfaced. Since my shoulder strength on the same side was compromised due to the surgery, it had the knock-on effect of all these other symptoms as my body tried to compensate. Sometimes symptoms do not tell the whole story of what the root cause is, and only when the latter is dealt with that the other issues begin to clear up.

The root cause behind the suffering

For Israel, the symptom of their problem was lack of rain, but Elijah’s challenge does not directly address this need. The contest he sets up is not about which god can provide rain, but which god is real and will respond and therefore which god should be served (1 Kings 18:21). Discovering that Baal is ineffective is the first step in dealing with the root cause. Calling the people to come near is symbolic of an invitation to consider Yahweh, Israel’s God instead, and the people’s response indicates their openness (1 Kings 18:30). The need to repair the altar (v.30) highlights that Israel has turned away from the Lord and that the primary issue is the relationship with God and His worship. Creating an altar using twelve stones corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel (1 Kings 18:31) underlines the same point. There is an echo here of the twelve stones set up after Israel crossed the Jordan into the promised land as a reminder of God’s salvation, of bringing them across the Jordan (Josh 4:20-24). Israel is also recalled to their identity as the sons of Jacob (1 Kings 18:31), the patriarch who lied and cheated for a blessing (Gen 27:1-29) but whom God transformed into a new man with a new identity (Gen 32:27-28).

God’s power and a restored relationship

To demonstrate God’s power, the prophet increases the odds by filling the trench around the altar with water (with a capacity of 15 litres, 1 Kings 18:32, 34-35). Once again, the number of pitchers used (4×3=12, v.34) make a symbolic connection to Israel. As in the exodus and the crossing of the Jordan, God was mightier than the waters, and here His fire not only consumes the sacrifice but licks up all the water in the trench (1 Kings 18:38). All this is the result of a simple prayer, no raised voices, special gymnastics, manipulation or self-inflicted pain needed (1 Kings 18:36-37). Rather, Elijah simply appeals to God as the God of the patriarchs subtly reminding Him of His covenant commitment to them (v.36). To receive God’s intervention is not about showing off or aggrandising the prophet but so that all may know and turn to God (v.37). Israel responds with an acknowledgement of the true God and their commitment is signalled by their willingness to eliminate the Baal prophets (1 Kings 18:39-40).[1] It is only as the relationship with the Lord is restored that the blessing of rain can finally come (1 Kings 18:45).[2]

The way of transformation

Elijah’s showdown with the Baal priests highlights for us the process of transformation to help us return to God. Often, it starts with a need experienced when we look for relief from pain or want fulfilment. Realising that what the world offers cannot help is the first step, which can open us up to seek God. Our reading affirms that when we compromise our relationship with the Lord by looking to Him and to other things for a full life, we are in trouble and our symptoms (our lack and pain) are the wake-up call to consider Him.[3] For Christians who compromise their commitment, this incident also recalls the fact that we have a history with the Lord. We have been saved, given a new identity and the Lord is committed to us because of Jesus Christ’s sake. There is a way back to Him if we would return. No matter where we stand, we are reminded that the Lord is the one who hears and answers, who has the power to overcome against the odds and give us all we need for a fulfilled life.  

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[1] In our age of religious tolerance, the slaughter of the Baal prophets is horrifying. However, we cannot judge ancient attitudes by our modern standards, and it is certainly not something to imitate in our rather different cultural context. The principle to note is that we cannot have it both ways, serve God and other gods and sometimes we need to distance ourselves dramatically from practices and ways that will make us live a lie. It is the uncompromising stance of those who turn to God which is the point here.

[2] Since Baal in Canaanite mythology overcame the sea, the note that the cloud (and hence the rain) came from the sea (1 Kings 18;44) establishes God’s superiority over Baal. It is the Lord who rules over the sea and brings rain from there.

[3] Not all pain or suffering are wake-up calls or indicate sin in our life. Illness, pain, difficulties can happen to all of us, but when we follow the Lord we go through these with Him.

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