A broken Alter Restored | Week 06
Week’s Passage: 1Kings 18
inTro
Something is Broken
The story reflects on the inspiring spiritual connection of Elder Sandy Robinson, a literature evangelist and marketing representative for Message magazine. Elder Robinson attributed his family’s success, faithfulness, and blessings to the “altar” in their home—a dedicated place of prayer where he and his wife sought God daily. His example challenged the author to reflect on their own spiritual life, realizing the importance of rebuilding a personal devotional practice. The narrative introduces a deeper exploration of the biblical story of Elijah and the restoration of Israel’s broken altar, emphasizing the need for spiritual renewal and reconnection with God.
InGest
Meeting on the Mountain
The passage recounts Elijah’s confrontation with Israel’s spiritual and physical drought during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who had led the nation into deep apostasy. Elijah, a man of prayer and unwavering faith, summoned Israel to Mount Carmel to demonstrate the power of the true God. While pagan priests futilely cried out to their gods, Elijah rebuilt the broken altar with twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel, symbolizing spiritual restoration. He offered a sacrifice at the time of the evening offering, following the tradition of daily worship established in Israel’s history. God’s fire descended from heaven, affirming His power and reminding Israel of the importance of daily worship and devotion to Him.
inTerpret
How Did we Get Here?
Israel’s apostasy, symbolized by the broken altar on Mount Carmel, resulted from centuries of compromising God’s instructions, such as Aaron’s and Jeroboam’s golden calves. This led to spiritual decay and false worship. On Mount Carmel, God’s fire exposed Baal’s impotence, prompting Israel to repent and acknowledge, “The Lord, He is the God,” restoring their allegiance to Him.
inVite
A Major Challenge
The Christian church faces a major challenge to personal and collective worship: excessive screen time, particularly on smartphones and social media. Studies reveal alarming levels of tech use, leading to issues like reduced focus, loneliness, stress, depression, sleep disruption, and addiction. This overuse also hinders face-to-face communication and may alter our ability to worship God without technology.
Ellen White emphasized the transformative power of what we focus on, warning that the mind, which governs our worship and spiritual connection, is shaped by its habits. While technology can serve good purposes, it can also become an idol, degrading our minds and compromising our worship. Christians must guard their minds and use tech intentionally, ensuring it enhances rather than hinders their spiritual lives.
inSight
Unashamed
Elijah confronts Israel’s wavering loyalty, urging them to choose between God and Baal, but the people remain silent, blinded by gradual apostasy. The passage highlights God’s disdain for indifference in times of crisis and praises unwavering faith, as shown by moral heroes like Elijah, Joseph, and Daniel, who boldly stand for Him and prioritize His will above all.
InQuire
- How did Israel fall so far from God as to be worshiping Baal?
- Why do you think God chose to demonstrate His supremacy on Mount Carmel the way He did? What else could He have done?
- Was Elijah wrong for making fun of the false priests of Baal and Asherah? Why or why not?
- Elijah was sent as a prophet to the ten tribes of Israel. Why didn’t he build the altar out of ten stones instead of twelve?
- Why do you think Elijah doused the sacrifice three times? How do you think the Israelites felt as they watched this “waste” of water?
- What are some of the gods that people worship today instead of the true God?
