In Chapter 18, Verses 6 to 14 of I Kings, Elijah designed a contest with Ahab, the wicked king of Israel who made them worship Baal (the alleged god of weather holding a thunderbolt). The contest terms- the 450 prophets of Baal will cut a bull into pieces, put on wood and set no fire with another bull Elijah will do the same. They will call on each of their god and whoever set fire on the sacrifice- he is the true God.Baal’s prophet went first, they prayed, called and shout for Baal’s fire from morning ‘till midday but in vain, there was no response from Baal. Then came Elijah’s turn. He made an altar using 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel, dug a trench around it that can accommodate around 30 liters of water. He laid the cut bull on the wood and asked the people to fill 12 large jars of water and pour them on the sacrifice. This was done three times until the water filled the trench. Finally, Elijah prayed to the Lord. Immediately, fire fell and burned up the bull, the wood, the stones, the soil, and dried out the water in the trench. The people marveled and felled down on their faces, and said, ”The Lord- He is God!”
Thereafter, the 450 prophets of Baal were seized, brought to the Kishon Valley, and were slaughtered upon Elijah’s command.In conclusion, fight for the truth even if you are alone. Expose falsehood. Fear nothing though it will cost you your very life, for God will surely be on your side. Quantity is not always a basis for what is right. These qualities are possessed by Elijah, who for me is a hero to imitate and give honor to.
