Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I usually keep my “thanks” until the end. However, this month I want to give “thanks” up front. What each of you have done, and are doing for this ministry, is beyond words. Your faith in what Jesus is doing through this ministry is amazing. Your love for all the saints, even those in prison, is appreciated. Truly, the Spirit of God lives in you. Paul also heard and experienced the love of others who were involved in love “for all the saints”. As he gave thanks to God for them, so I also give thanks to God for touching your hearts in love for this ministry. “Therefore, because I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I never stop giving thanks for you as I mention you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:15, 16. Each of you have been called, chosen by God to a special mission: to keep this ministry going. The devil has tried very hard to destroy it many times, but the Lord has been able to touch your hearts to never give up and keep it going for Him.
For years I have been “giving thanks for you as I mention you in my prayers”. I have each of you, like Paul, memorized in my mind. In the morning when I awake I express my thanks for each of you by name. I talk to the Lord about each of you by name. I lift each of you up before the Lord and pray that He will bless each of you according to your needs.
Luke 6:13 to Luke 6:49
And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
What a mix. Churches normally choose people who are “like us”. Jesus chose a representative mix of the society they lived in. By doing so, they could reach the greatest amount of people. From hard working and boisterous Peter, James and John, to the religious quiet one, Andrew. Simon the Zealot who was “fighting” for his nation, and His traitor Judas. In other words, the disciples represented the whole world’s population in microcosm, Jesus is letting it be known that He rejects no one willing to come to Him. All are welcome. Even traitors. But what we do after He calls us is up to us.
And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured.
At this point in time the church hadn’t yet made a decision about Jesus. Oh, sure, they didn’t like it that He was drawing great crowds, but they hadn’t yet decided to kill Him. They hadn’t yet put out an intifada against Jesus. Therefore, the people were “free” to come and listen to Jesus. They came to be “healed of their diseases” and to be cured from unclean spirits. Most didn’t come for truth. They came for what they could get. No different from the churches of today. They “come to Jesus” for what they can get from Jesus and their church. It’s sad, Jesus offers them eternal life but they are not interested. They want church and the blessings of this world; not the life Jesus offers.
And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.
As long as the church did not condemn Him, the “crowd sought to touch Him”. How different it would be in a couple of years. In our own lives, how quickly our attitudes can change by the influence of those we value. Mob rule! We must never let the world, or anyone in our lives, do our thinking for us or influence us away from our own investigation of the truth.
And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
Before teaching the people the conditions for getting into Heaven, He demonstrated those conditions in His own life. He was poor. He blessed the poor. He walked among the poor. Most church people claim to be blessed because they are well off. Because of all the stuff they have. Christians of today just aren’t listening to Jesus.
On the other hand, “He lifted up His eyes on His disciples”. Why did He do that? Could it be He was attempting to prepare them for what was to come in their lives? Was He trying to forewarn them? Why? Because many of His disciples were “rich”. Levi Matthew was rich. James and John belonged to a family that owned their own business and had employees. I am sure Judas was not poor. Each was striving in his own way to avoid being poor. Would they be willing to accept the life Jesus was about to offer them? The kingdom of God is only for the poor.
“Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.
Are we to go around “hungry”? No. The hungry shall be satisfied. Same with weeping. There are times when we may go hungry and probably will weep because of our hunger and situation. But if we trust in God we will be satisfied and rejoice.
Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!
Do we deliberately go about making ourselves odious so people will exclude us, revile us and spurn us? Of course not. At least I hope not. In order to be blessed in these situations you must be hated, excluded, reviled and spurned because you live in obedience to Jesus. Because you love as Jesus loved. Because you accept all people, even if others refuse to have anything to do with you.
Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.
Yes, we can leap for joy and rejoice. The Christian’s perspective is to be completely out of sync with the rest of the world. While the world is striving for worldly and church praise and glory, Christians are striving to be praised by Jesus and to receive the reward He offers. People read right over the words and refuse to examine them. Basically, what Jesus is saying is, the “fathers”, the church leaders and founders, were the ones who rejected the prophets. Same today. The churches are rejecting the truth of Jesus revealed in the Bible. They don’t want what Jesus taught. They don’t want to be poor.
“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.
When we look at the examples given in the Bible, we find that Christians in both Old and New Testaments were never “rich”. They were always giving to those in need as they did the work of God. Boaz was a Christian. He was giving much of his crops to the poor. David gave his wealth to the building of the temple for God. Those who allowed themselves to become “rich”, such as Solomon, allowed their riches to take them away from God. I have learned an interesting concept. God has all the riches in the world and when we use His riches for His work, He just keeps supplying. But when we hoard His riches, the Lord can’t give us any more.
“Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.
Are we to refrain from laughing and eating enough to be full? No. This is referring to those who gorge themselves, eating to excess. They do not worry about taking care of God’s body. They laugh at restraint and self-control. They are using God’s gifts and abundance for their own gratification and laugh at the poor and needy.
“Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.
People want to hear what will make them “full” and “laugh”. Comedy shows are watched by millions of people. They don’t want to hear truth for that would make them feel guilty. The media is filled with acceptance of those who misuse their bodies. They “speak well” of sin and those “false prophets” who propagate sin. Churches are doing the same. We are not to do anything to “get praise”. All praise is to go to Jesus who gives us everything for which people praise us. However, that is not the same as a simple “Thank you”. We are to be gracious, loving and kind. Giving gratitude is not the same as praising people or our churches for their “show”.
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, . . .
No matter what the circumstances, always show the love of Jesus by being kind, gracious, courteous, polite and civil. Hard? Oh yes! I’m doing everything I can to practice the love of Jesus. Old habits are hard to surrender, but we must change our lives, attitudes and thoughts. We must let the Spirit of God control us, not our old habits, churches, friends or family.
. . . bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
Tough for one who has been abused. The prayer we are to pray is not a mechanical prayer, but a heartfelt prayer for their change and your forgiveness of them. Many will pray for those who have cursed them, hurt them and abused them, but the heart is full of malice and revenge while they pray. Feelings are so hard to change. I know! We must change our hearts to be like Jesus. Let God be the avenger. He is very good at that. We just love.
To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.
It is amazing how possessive we are of our things and opinions. Our hearts are on things instead of on Jesus. It isn’t wrong to have things, but we must never take possession of them in our hearts. Things can be replaced, but eternal life can never be replaced. God can give you more things. Just love and share and give and trust God to bring justice. He will.
Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.
That doesn’t mean you can’t protect your goods. It’s a heart thing. The ministry has a fence around the property to protect God’s “goods”. This ministry needs the fence to do the work God has given me to do. It is no different than the walls built around Jerusalem to protect it from the enemies of God. Jesus doesn’t have the time to go into nuance. The Old Testament goes into the nuance. Jesus is trying to awaken thought so people would search the Old Testament for truth. If and when a worthy person requests from this ministry, we give. Over 45,000 inmates and people in need of the truth have asked for our books and other material. As I have the funds, I supply their need. Because of your love for God I am able to supply books and material to hundreds of inmates who request each month.
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
Most of us would not be stealing from others. We would not be begging from others if we really didn’t need it. We do to others in a sane and rational manner as we would want them to do to us. The same is true with our ideas and opinions. How do you treat those with different ideas and opinions?
“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
That really is our problem. We love those who love us. I know I do. I had no love from my family while growing up. I find myself drawn to those who show love to me. But then I found out some were just trying to get something in return. If they couldn’t get what they wanted, the “love” vanished. Most churches work on the same principle.
And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
Christmas is full of doing “good” to those who did “good” to us. We give trying to bribe “good” from others. We give to get what we want. We give to repay what others have given. Of course, we give because we know they are expecting us to return the “giving”. It is all a game. God doesn’t count any of it in our books for righteousness. I wonder if our “books for righteousness” have even been opened in Heaven? If so, how many pages have you filled?
And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount.
Have you ever gone looking for “credit”? How excited you get when you are approved and think the lender loves you and cares for you? No, they are looking for profit. All they care about is your ability to pay it back with interest. Is that how you “lend”? And by the way, lending isn’t just about money. How about your time and emotions?
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
“Expecting nothing in return”. Yep, that is the problem. Coveting. Greed. Self-seeking. Down deep inside most who do good have nothing to do with “doing good”. It has to do with expecting something in return. Being “kind to the ungrateful and the evil” is not accepted in today’s world. When was the last time you befriended a sex offender? Would you take in a murderer? Or how about an inmate? Have you been kind to one who has offended you? It is easy to be kind to those who are kind to you. But perceived hurt, evil and unkindness in others is our excuse not to be “kind” to them. Therefore, you lose out on your heavenly reward because you are not a son or daughter of God. I thank all of you who are working with me to “do good” to those who cannot repay.
Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
Matthew stated it this way, “Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect”. Unless we live as our Heavenly Father, perfect, merciful, kind and generous to those the world thinks are unworthy, then we will have no place in Heaven. We were not worthy of life. Jesus was perfect in His mercy to us and gave His life that we may have life. Are you being merciful?
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; . . .
As of this writing I have not seen my children since 1991. As “Christian” as they may think themselves, their lives are full of judgment, unforgiving and condemnation of me. When we live in our own little worlds of hate, revenge, judgement and condemnation, we are living in a prison that is destroying us. When we open up the prison doors we have created in our lives and walk out into the arms of Jesus, we will find the joy of living in Christ. To forgive from the heart is a very hard thing to do. Yet, if we want to be forgiven by God, we must love and forgive as God forgives.
. . . give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Give yourself to those you have been avoiding, hating, judging and condemning. Watch what happens. You may be looked upon with suspicion. I understand that completely. Duke was abused for 4 years. By the time he came into my life he had no idea what love was. He was afraid of people since he thought people were torture machines. It took three years of hard and persistent commitment to finally convince him that he was loved. Now he doesn’t want to be away from me. However, he had all fun and play abused out of him. In order to help him I went to the animal shelter and picked up a three month old for him. At first, Duke wanted nothing to do with Butch. He would growl, snarl and avoid him. But Butch would not give up. He thought all that growling, snarling and avoiding were just games. Finally Duke gave in and now they play, run and wrestle. It brings me great joy to see them having so much fun together. (Butch is in the picture)
In our lives, let us never give up in bringing joy, love, happiness and forgiveness to those who have hurt us or that we may have hurt by our attitudes and behaviors. Let us live as Jesus lived. We also will bring great joy to Jesus when He sees us having much fun together.
He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?
Parents, churches and society are all blind men leading people to a pit. The pit of fire is waiting for all who refuse to live as Jesus lived. Knowing perfect theology won’t get us into heaven. Reading the JKV won’t get us into heaven. Knowing all the prophecies won’t get us into heaven. Belonging to a church or denomination we think has “perfect” truth of the Bible won’t get you into heaven. Getting into heaven has to do with our behavior: living as Jesus lived: perfect.
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.
In the world today, parents, teachers, churches and government are trying to be “teachers”. And yes, they are fully training people to be just like themselves: sinful! We need to be teachers after the design of Jesus. Do you really want people to be like you?
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
It is amazing how often we stick our “log” into the lives of others but refuse to clean up the “log” in our own lives. Over and over again I hear and see people trying to clean up the “log” in others while their own lives are filled with a forest of logs. I get phone calls and letters from people trying to stick their logs in my eyes.
How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.
By this time in His discourse, Jesus is getting a bit “angry”. Notice the word “hypocrite”. When Jesus started this discourse He was talking more directly to His disciples. Then He turned His attention to include the people. But by this time in the discourse He is talking about “disciples” and “teachers” and is directing His teaching more towards the Pharisees and teachers of the law. Those who claimed to be “teachers” of the people. He is angry. Anger is not a sin. A righteous anger is of God. Paul, when told of a man having sexual relations with his father’s wife was angry. But when the man repented and turned away from his sins, Paul told them to accept him back with love and forgiveness as Paul had forgiven him. That is the loving anger of God. It is about helping others to change their lives. Our anger is usually based on hypocrisy and hurt feelings.
You see, in order to take the “log” out of people’s lives, we must desire to see clearly ourselves. Only through the eyes of Jesus are we able to see clearly. Removing logs takes great care. If they are trees that have been growing awhile, one must ascertain where to begin cutting. Great skill is needed. Then, when the “log” is about to fall, be sure to get out of the way. Otherwise it may hit you.
“For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, . . .
In the Old Testament, God talked a lot about Israel as trees and vines. They were to produce good fruit in the Old Testament. But when they refused they were destroyed. Jesus is simply reiterating again Old Testament warnings against the leaders of Israel. If they didn’t start producing good fruit they also would be destroyed. Amazing how we forget our past. I think we need more history lessons. In the USA today there are those who don’t want you to know your past. Without knowing our past, we destroy our futures.
. . . for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.
Even little children are known by their actions. There are those children who are sweet, kind, obedient, unselfish and loving. Then there are those children who are mean, hurting and destructive. Prisons are full of men and women who were once children. What example are you giving children to follow? Are you living such good lives children will be able to pick good fruit from you?
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Let us put a watch over our mouths and actions. Let us train ourselves to live as Jesus lived. Let the world see who you are by your words and actions. This isn’t about putting on a show, we need to train our actions so the “abundance of the heart” will then show the character of Jesus.
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?
This one sentence baffles me. People who claim to be “Christian” along with churches and denominations who run around claiming Jesus as their Savior and Lord, but they don’t act or speak as if Jesus is their Lord. They want Jesus to be their Savior, but Lord? Oh no. They claim to have “Jesus in me”, but they refuse to live in obedience to Jesus. They do not want to “do what I tell you”. Jesus told us to be perfect, stop sinning and to keep the Ten Commandments to get our eternal life. Why don’t we listen? Why don’t we obey?
“Never, till exemplified in the sacrifice of Christ, were the justice and the love of God more strikingly displayed than in His dealings with Moses. God shut Moses out of Canaan, to teach a lesson which should never be forgotten—that He requires exact obedience, and that men are to beware of taking to themselves the glory which is due to their Maker.” PP 479.
“Exact obedience”. We are to be legalists for God! By “every word” that God has given for our eternal life. Legalism to man or church won’t get you into heaven. Only a legalist, “exact obedience” to the Ten Commandments will get you into Heaven. Keeping the feast days, holy days, church rules, rites, services or sacrifices will never get you into heaven. Claiming to “love” without “exact obedience” to the Law of Love, is not love. That is what Satan claimed in Heaven. He claimed that all we needed was “love”. But without the understanding of what true love is, “love” become selfish and destructive lawlessness of the devil.
Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.
Very few are digging deep foundations to find the Rock of Jesus. Few are hearing the words of Jesus. Few are doing the words of Jesus. Few will be able to stand against the storm that is soon to shake the world.
The phrase, “who dug deep”, is interesting. He didn’t just kick some sand or dirt out of the way with the toe of his foot. The old trailer I was living in would rock and roll with the winds. It would leak when it rained. The rats and other critters found lots of ways to come in. When we laid the stem wall for the new trailer construction, we dug down to about four feet in those areas we put the rebar. Then, the part of the rebar sticking out of the concrete went through the plate and was screwed down tight. When the 100 mph winds came, along with earthquakes, the trailer never moved. Solid!
But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”
While surfing the internet the other day, I came across a program about sunken cities. Several of these cities were around the Mediterranean Sea. Some were off the coast of Greece and Egypt. Why did they sink? It was stated that some of the cities were built on sand and had no rock foundations. Interesting, don’t you think?
Most are building their future on ground without any foundation on the words of Jesus. They hear, but do not listen. They hear, but do not do. There will be a great storm in a few years. However, few are preparing their lives. Few are building on the Rock of Jesus and His words. It is all about the sand of my church, my denomination, my opinions and what I want to believe. Nothing but sifting sand! What foundation are you building on?
INMATE LETTERS
To Whom It May Concern,
I recently received “Change Your Life Biblically”. I enjoy reading this book. It helps me through each day. When I’m feeling blue, I can read some of the book and feel so much better.
Wayne, VA
Ron,
I am a new person in Christ. I have recently started a Bible study, However, I would enjoy your book. I would like to complete the lessons and receive the certificate.
Maxwell, CO
Dear Friend,
I would like to get the Bible study you offer to inmates. I like to study God’s Word. I have been with Jesus for 13 years now. God has blessed me with many Christian friends. I have been in prison for 15 years. It took for me to come back to prison for the third time to open my heart so the Holy Spirit can come in and make some wonderful changes in my heart. I am looking forward to getting your Bible study. A brother on the unit told me about your prison ministry.
Gordon, WI
Ron,
I would like to begin by saying how much I appreciate the book. It was put together in an easy, informative and engaging manner. After completing the book I put it away to reflect. But once I pulled it out it felt as if it was a different book. It took me a bit but I figured it out. My moods changed what I was reading. Certain parts meant more or were relevant to what I was thinking or feeling. The other aspect is how the book simplifies a lot of Bible passages and makes them apply to today’s world. The one thing I’m trying to learn more about so I can understand it for myself is faith. Faith is something I know and don’t know at the same time. Faith is what I need but I don’t have any idea on where to get it or how to recognize it if I get it.
Warren, OR
Dear Ron,
Many people don’t read the book or take it seriously since you wrote the book and know that it was dictated to you by God and that it’s the real deal. All I can say is, thank you man, really. That book has really made an impact on my life. I’ve learned more in just a few months reading “CYLB” and communicating with you than years of going to church and whatever else I was doing. So, Thank you. I’m enclosing some stamps.
Gregory, CA
Dear Reader,
I was wondering how I go about to getting a book from you about changing your life? My brother writes to you and tells me you are awesome. So, I was just wondering how to sign up with you.
Jesus, TX
JCPM,
I’m a new Christian who is anxious to learn more about God. I would like to do your Bible study program.
David, NE
Hello Ron,
I am 39 years of age. I have 5 kids. I came across this booklet that was supposed to be given to someone that went home. My name was called for mail because I was moved to his cube. So, if this booklet fell into my hands, then I am guessing it must be God’s plan. I have been in and out of jail since the age of 14. I don’t want to be this person anymore. I want to be there for my kids. I need a lot of help but I just don’t know where to start. This time down has been stressful for me. My son’s mother got sent to jail. I ask for your prayers.
Fernando, NY
To the Prison Ministry,
I have no idea why I’m sending you this letter, or why I got a newsletter from your group since I never wrote to you. But I’m going to tell you something strange. This is the only reason why I’m writing to you. I just got done doing a 10 year term and now I’m back doing almost a 15 year sentence. I’ve grown up in the church and my uncle had his own church. I loved it as a kid. As I grew up, all I wanted was a good woman who lives in God’s light and to have kids to share the same. I’ve done now all of these years with no one or nothing. I’ve never even gotten a letter. I come from a good big family and it’s left me bitter. I asked God to show me something and that night I got your newsletter.
Perry, WA
Dear JCPM,
If possible, send a copy of your “Change Your Life Biblically” book. I’ve always enjoyed reading biblical literature.
Brian, TN
Hello,
I would like to request a Bible study course and would greatly appreciate it. I am at the moment getting closer to God and need to learn more about Him.
Abraham, CA
Dear Ron,
More beautiful knowledge about true life. I learned about a sanctuary place. I love the fact that you wrote “An interesting point is that they were not to make this sanctuary as they wanted it, but only as they were directed. They were to make it ‘exactly’ as they were told”. Now I understand that people who build things, they build on their own “not” as God said. I find these pages were mind blowing especially when I read about sins, our sins. How we are building our own book of sins and they are being recorded. They never go away until your time comes. If you stop sinning, then from there only your records can be destroyed. I was shocked when I read this. I sat back and started to remember all the sins I have logged into my book and how devoted I will become to make sure those sins are destroyed. I know that confession means nothing at all because if you continue to keep sinning, it defeats the purpose of confessing. I now know that because we can be perfect just as Jesus was.
What really tripped me out is when I read about the Scapegoat. I was like WOW, I never even heard this before. That really had me thinking of all these new truths you have been teaching me. I’ve been learning so much and not only learning, but actually putting in the footwork and applying in my life. I always told myself, Why do people only remember you for the bad you done, but never the good? I always hear this a lot. Now, because of your book, you have answered my long lost question.
I agree 100%, we must not crucify the Son of God all over again. This is what the Catholic Church is teaching. Like I said, they do it in ways so people won’t understand there true meaning. Everyone is being lead wrong and it is sad that they don’t realize it. When I was young I would go to church and receive the Mark of the Beast. I was a Catholic growing up but never understood anything at all. I just remember them putting ash on my hand and forehead. When I read this, I could not believe it. How can people be so evil to teach these things that are wrong and misguiding us at a young age believing that we will be saved when in reality we were being destroyed. Your book continues to build me into a soldier of God. A son of God. Thank you for this beautiful information.
Daniel, IL
TESTIMONIES FOR GOD’S CHILDREN
My Dear Family in Christ,
Standing firm for Jesus is not something one sees very often. Most carry the name of Christian, but few carry the burden of that name. Jesus carried the burden. He didn’t care about “names”, titles or labels. It was all about the action. What we do, not what we claim.
It really does come down to trust. Do we really trust Jesus? Do we really believe in the “Word” of God? Do we have faith that what He says He will do? I don’t think many have that faith. Most put on a show and go to church, but few actually step out in faith to live in obedience to the Word of God.
Every day our trust in God is tested. You may not even recognize it. I know I don’t. At least not at the time I am being tested. Later I look back and see an opportunity missed. I’m trying to spend more time in the atmosphere of heaven in order to be alert to the moving of the Spirit of God. Soon we will be standing before judges, tribunals, governors and magistrates. Have you been developing real trust and faith in God that will carry your through that time?
The Sacrifice on Mount Carmel
Elijah demands a convocation at Carmel of all Israel and also of all the prophets of Baal. The awful solemnity in the looks of the prophet gives him the appearance of one standing in the presence of the Lord God of Israel. The condition of Israel in their apostasy demands a firm demeanor, stern speech, and commanding authority. God prepares the message to fit the time and occasion. Sometimes He puts His Spirit upon His messengers to sound an alarm day and night, as did His messenger John: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” Then, again, men of action are needed who will not be swerved from duty, but whose energy will arouse and demand, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” let him come over with us. God will have a fitting message to meet His people in their varied conditions.
Are we displaying a “firm demeanor” to those around us, letting them know that we are representatives of the Lord God? Are we “men of action” in this day when the world around us has gone mad with sin? Or do we cower and keep silent? Or, do we actually love sin so much we don’t care about the sin in the world? Are you living in such a manner that your words and actions are demonstrating the concept “Who is on the Lord’s side”? Are you inviting people to “come over with us”? Are we giving people a choice by living sinless, perfect lives? If they see no difference in us, what choice do they have?
Swift messengers are sent throughout the kingdom with the message from Elijah. Representatives are sent from cities, towns, villages, and families. All seem in haste to answer the call, as though some wonderful miracle is to be performed. According to Elijah’s command, Ahab gathers the prophets of Baal at Carmel. The heart of Israel’s apostate leader is overawed, and he tremblingly follows the direction of the stern prophet of God.
Are you sending messages throughout your associations to come to your home to watch our videos, listen to our Bible studies or through the book, “Change Your Life Biblically”? Do you live in such a way that they will come?
The people assemble upon Mount Carmel, a place of beauty when the dew and rain fall upon it causing it to flourish; but now its beauty is languishing under the curse of God. Upon this mount, which was the excellency of groves and flowers, Baal’s prophets had erected altars for their pagan worship. This mountain was conspicuous; it overlooked the surrounding countries and was in sight of a large portion of the kingdom. As God had been signally dishonored by the idolatrous worship carried on here, Elijah chose this as the most conspicuous place for the display of God’s power and to vindicate His honor.
Jezebel’s prophets, eight hundred and fifty in number, like a regiment of soldiers prepared for battle, march out in a body with instrumental music and imposing display. But there is trembling in their hearts as they consider that at the word of this prophet of Jehovah the land of Israel has been destitute of dew and rain three years. They feel that some fearful crisis is at hand. They had trusted in their gods, but could not unsay the words of Elijah and prove him false. Their gods were indifferent to their frantic cries, prayers, and sacrifices.
The forces of wickedness may seem imposing. They may try to intimidate you. They may be all dressed up and make a show. But are you willing and able to stand up in the power of Jesus, keeping your calm dignity?
Elijah, early in the morning, stands upon Mount Carmel, surrounded by apostate Israel and the prophets of Baal. A lone man in that vast multitude, he stands undaunted. He whom the whole kingdom has charged with its weight of woe is before them, unterrified and unattended by visible armies and imposing display. He stands, clad in his coarse garment, with awful solemnity in his countenance, as though fully aware of his sacred commission as the servant of God to execute His commands. Elijah fastens his eyes upon the highest ridge of mountains where had stood the altar of Jehovah when the mountain was covered with flourishing trees and flowers. The blight of God is now upon it; all the desolation of Israel is in full view of the neglected, torn-down altar of Jehovah, and in sight are the altars of Baal. Ahab stands at the head of the priests of Baal, and all wait in anxious, fearful expectation for the words of Elijah.
Some have judged me by my “coarse garment”. I do not have fancy clothes. They are not expensive. I use them until they are worn out. My standing with God is not by the clothes I wear or the food I eat. My standing with God is the commission He has given me. I must “execute His commands”. The churches, pastors, ministers and denominations have torn down the “altars” of God. Every truth that God commands has been torn down and stepped on. People are waiting in “anxious, fearful expectation for the words” of God. Will you give it to them?
In the full light of the sun, surrounded by thousands,—men of war, prophets of Baal, and the monarch of Israel,—stands the defenseless man, Elijah, apparently alone, yet not alone. The most powerful host of heaven surrounds him. Angels who excel in strength have come from heaven to shield the faithful and righteous prophet. With stern and commanding voice Elijah cries: “How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” Not one in that vast assembly dared utter one word for God and show his loyalty to Jehovah.
We stand “defenseless” against the world. We do nothing to hurt those who have been deceived. We do not defend ourselves or our churches. I have the “most powerful host of heaven” surrounding me. How long will we “halt between two opinions” in our lives? Let us stand up for Jesus and proclaim His truth.
What astonishing deception and fearful blindness had, like a dark cloud, covered Israel! This blindness and apostasy had not closed about them suddenly; it had come upon them gradually as they had not heeded the word of reproof and warning which the Lord had sent to them because of their pride and their sins. And now, in this fearful crisis, in the presence of the idolatrous priests and the apostate king, they remained neutral. If God abhors one sin above another, of which His people are guilty, it is doing nothing in case of an emergency. Indifference and neutrality in a religious crisis is regarded of God as a grievous crime and equal to the very worst type of hostility against God.
Our churches, denominations, pastors, ministers and teachers are all indifferent and stand neutral in today’s religious crises. They just want to “get along” and not “rock the boat”. Their love of pride, ease, self and money has totally blinded those who are supposed to be shepherding the flock of God.
All Israel is silent. Again the voice of Elijah is heard addressing them: “I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord: and the God that answereth by fire, let Him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken. And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under. And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made.”
The proposition of Elijah is reasonable. The people dare not evade it, and they find courage to answer: The word is good. The prophets of Baal dare not dissent or evade the matter. God has directed this trial and has prepared confusion for the authors of idolatry and a signal triumph for His name. The priests of Baal dare not do otherwise than accept the conditions. With terror and guiltiness in their hearts, while outwardly bold and defiant, they rear their altar, lay on the wood and the victim, and then begin their incantations, their chanting and bawling, characteristics of pagan worship. Their shrill cries re-echo through forests and mountains: “O Baal, hear us.” The priests gather in an army about their altars, and with leaping, and writhing, and screaming, and stamping, and with unnatural gestures, and tearing their hair, and cutting their flesh, they manifest apparent sincerity.
The morning passes and noon comes, and yet there is no move of their gods in pity to Baal’s priests, the deluded worshipers of idols. No voice answers their frantic cries. The priests are continually devising how, by deception, they can kindle a fire upon the altars and give the glory to Baal. But the firm eye of Elijah watches every motion. Eight hundred voices become hoarse. Their garments are covered with blood, and yet their frantic excitement does not abate. Their pleadings are mingled with cursings to their sun-god that he does not send fire for their altars. Elijah stands by, watching with eagle eye lest any deception should be practiced; for he knows that if, by any device, they could kindle their altar fire, he would be torn in pieces upon the spot. He wishes to show the people the folly of their doubting and halting between two opinions when they have the wonderful works of God’s majestic power in their behalf and innumerable evidences of His infinite mercies and loving-kindness toward them.
Many are seen on TV and the internet acting as if they have to “make” their god obey them. They “push” their god to do what they want. Their god is not my God. He answers my prayers. Why? Because my prayers are in harmony with His will. It isn’t my will I want done, only His will.
“And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked. And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them. And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.”
How gladly would Satan, who fell like lightning from heaven, come to the help of those whom he has deceived, whose minds he has controlled, and who are fully devoted to his service. Gladly would he send the lightning and kindle their sacrifices; but Jehovah has set Satan’s bounds. He has restrained his power, and all his devices cannot convey one spark to Baal’s altars. Evening draws on. The prophets of Baal are weary, faint, and confused. One suggests one thing, and one another, until they cease their efforts. Their shrieks and curses no longer resound over Mount Carmel. With weakness and despair they retire from the contest.
We do not need to dance, shout, put on a show, scream, wave our arms or make long prayers. Turn away from all that and turn to Jesus in quietness.
The people have witnessed the terrible demonstrations of the unreasonable, frantic priests. They have beheld their leaping upon the altar as though they would grasp the burning rays from the sun to serve their altars. They have become tired of the exhibitions of demonism, of pagan idolatry; and they feel earnest and anxious to hear what Elijah will speak.
Elijah’s turn has now come. “And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down. And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the Lord came, saying, Israel shall be thy name: and with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed. And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood. And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time. And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water. And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that Thou art God in Israel, and that I am Thy servant, and that I have done all these things at Thy word. Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that Thou art the Lord God, and that Thou hast turned their heart back again. Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord, He is the God; the Lord, He is the God.”
Are we repairing the altars of the Lord in our lives? Much of true Christianity has been broken down in our lives. Let us rebuild. Let it be known that we are servants of the true God and that we do everything in our lives according to His Word.
Elijah at the hour of evening sacrifice repairs the altar of God which the apostasy of Israel has allowed the priests of Baal to tear down. He does not call upon one of the people to aid him in his laborious work. The altars of Baal are all prepared; but he turns to the broken-down altar of God, which is more sacred and precious to him in its unsightly ruins than all the magnificent altars of Baal.
I think we find the “altars of Baal” far more attractive and precious in our sight than the altars of God. The altars of Baal dazzle and entertain. The altars of God are quiet, simple and fill the soul with peace.
Elijah respects the Lord’s covenant with His people, although they have apostatized. With calmness and solemnity he repairs the broken-down altar with twelve stones, according to the number of the twelve tribes of Israel. The disappointed priests of Baal, wearied with their vain, frenzied efforts, are sitting or lying prostrate on the ground, waiting to see what Elijah will do. They are filled with fear and hatred toward the prophet for proposing a test which has exposed their weakness and the inefficiency of their gods.
Yes, the world is “filled with fear and hatred toward” those of us who live in obedience to God. But don’t worry about them. Stop looking at them. Stop talking about them. Look to Jesus. Talk about Jesus. Put your whole life into obedience to Jesus and watch your life come alive.
The people of Israel stand spellbound, pale, anxious, and almost breathless with awe, while Elijah calls upon Jehovah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. The people have witnessed the fanatical, unreasonable frenzy of the prophets of Baal. In contrast they are now privileged to witness the calm, awe-inspiring deportment of Elijah. He reminds the people of their degeneracy, which has awakened the wrath of God against them, and then calls upon them to humble their hearts and turn to the God of their fathers, that His curse may be removed from them. Ahab and his idolatrous priests are looking on with amazement mingled with terror. They await the result with anxious, solemn silence.
After the victim is laid upon the altar, he commands the people to flood the sacrifice and the altar with water, and to fill the trench round about the altar. He then reverentially bows before the unseen God, raises his hands toward heaven, and offers a calm and simple prayer, unattended with violent gestures or contortions of the body. No shrieks resound over Carmel’s height. A solemn silence, which is oppressive to the priests of Baal, rests upon all. In his prayer, Elijah makes use of no extravagant expressions. He prays to Jehovah as though He were nigh, witnessing the whole scene, and hearing his sincere, fervent, yet simple prayer. Baal’s priests have screamed, and foamed, and leaped, and prayed, very long—from morning until near evening. Elijah’s prayer is very short, earnest, reverential, and sincere. No sooner is that prayer uttered than flames of fire descend from heaven in a distinct manner, like a brilliant flash of lightning, kindling the wood for sacrifice and consuming the victim, licking up the water in the trench and consuming even the stones of the altar. The brilliancy of the blaze illumes the mountain and is painful to the eyes of the multitude. The people of the kingdom of Israel not gathered upon the mount are watching with interest those there assembled. As the fire descends, they witness it and are amazed at the sight. It resembles the pillar of fire at the Red Sea, which by night separated the children of Israel from the Egyptian host.
The people upon the mountain prostrate themselves in terror and awe before the unseen God. They cannot look upon the bright consuming fire sent from heaven. They fear that they will be consumed in their apostasy and sins, and cry out with one voice, which resounds over the mountain and echoes to the plains below with terrible distinctness: “The Lord, He is the God; the Lord, He is the God.” Israel is at last aroused and undeceived. They see their sin and how greatly they have dishonored God. Their anger is aroused against the prophets of Baal. With terror, Ahab and Baal’s priests witness the wonderful exhibition of Jehovah’s power. Again the voice of Elijah is heard in startling words of command to the people: “Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape.” The people are ready to obey his word. They seize the false prophets who have deluded them, and bring them to the brook Kishon, and there, with his own hand, Elijah slays these idolatrous priests.
The judgments of God having been executed upon the false priests, the people having confessed their sins and acknowledged their fathers’ God, the withering curse of God is now to be withdrawn, and He is to renew His blessings unto His people and again refresh the earth with dew and rain.
Elijah addresses Ahab: “Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.” While Ahab went up to feast, Elijah went up from the fearful sacrifice to the top of Mount Carmel to pray. His work of slaying the pagan priests had not unfitted him for the solemn exercise of prayer. He had performed the will of God. After he had, as God’s instrument, done what he could to remove the cause of Israel’s apostasy by slaying the idolatrous priests, he could do no more. He then intercedes in behalf of sinning, apostate Israel. In the most painful position, his face bowed between his knees, he most earnestly supplicates God to send rain. Six times in succession he sends his servant to see if there is any visible token that God has heard his prayer. He does not become impatient and faithless because the Lord does not immediately give the token that his prayer is heard. He continues in earnest prayer, sending his servant seven times to see if God has granted any signal. His servant returns the sixth time from his outlook toward the sea with the discouraging report that there is no sign of clouds forming in the brassy heavens. The seventh time he informs Elijah that there is a small cloud to be seen, about the size of a man’s hand. This is enough to satisfy the faith of Elijah. He does not wait for the heavens to gather blackness, to make the matter sure. In that small, rising cloud his faith hears the sound of abundance of rain. His works are in accordance with his faith. He sends a message to Ahab by his servant: “Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.” 3T 279-286.