Umbrellas are a unique invention serving people all over the world. They come in a variety of colors and sizes. Their main function is to protect an individual from a downpour of rain. Under ideal conditions they perform their tasks with excellence. In the Old Testament, the prophet Elijah predicted it would not rain in Samaria for three and a half years! Luke 4:25 and James 5:17 bear this out.
No one in that area needed any protection from the rain—there was none! The drought lasted until Elijah challenged the false prophets of the god Baal, to a contest (1 Kings). Elijah played the role of a fight promoter setting up a contest between the God of Israel and the prophets of Baal. Eight hundred and fifty false prophets of Baal, plus a large number of Israelites gathered on Mount Carmel to witness the challenge. Two bulls were placed on two alters and whoever answered by fire was the true god!
The false prophet called on their god all morning and afternoon—there was no answer. Elijah asked that four large jars of water be poured on his sacrifice. The water, a precious commodity in a drought, drenched the bull, the alter, it also filled the trench surrounding the alter. Elijah called on God once and fire fell from heaven! The fire consumed the meat, the wood on the altar, the stones comprising the alter and even consumed the water in the trench surrounding the alter! In one minute, Elijah’s prayer was answered and a firestorm fell from heaven and settled the matter of who was the true God!
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