Choose

 

 

by Dr. James Merritt

The choice is the same today as it was in the days of Elijah. If Jesus is Lord, then follow Him.

“Elijah went before the people and said, ‘How long will you waver between two opinions?  If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.’  But the people said nothing.”  1 Kings 18:21

Lukewarm. Wishy-washy. Straddling the fence. Trying to have your cake and eat it, too.  These are all just creative ways of describing the same type of person: Someone who cannot make up his mind.  This perfectly describes the culture that the Prophet Elijah was living in.  They could not make up their minds about the most important decision they would ever face… what they believed about God.

After prophesying and praying and trying to lead them for some time, Elijah has had enough.  So he issues somewhat of an ultimatum.  To paraphrase, “Just make up your minds already!”  The choice is simple… maybe not easy, but definitely simple.  If Jehovah is the One True God, follow Him.  If Baal is, then follow him – but you can’t follow both.

How many people today are trying to follow both God and something else?  How many are wavering between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of self?  We are living in a culture of relativism and self-importance.  The world is begging us to believe that there is no truth, no reason to deny self, and no reason to choose a side.  But Jesus says, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23).  He also says, “Because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:16).

Scripture is clear.  The choice is the same today as it was in the days of Elijah.  If Jesus is Lord, then follow Him.

Father, I confess my faith in Jesus, Your Son, and submit today to His lordship over me.  Give me the strength to glorify Him today.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.