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Elijah had been in hiding for the 3 years of the drought. The Lord now told him to reveal himself to King Ahab. Elijah bravely asked the king to gather all the people at Mount Carmel for a contest to see whose god was real. Priests of the false gods, Baal and Asherah, also attended. The priests prayed and chanted all day, but they could not get their “gods” to send fire down to burn the sacrifices on the altar they had built. Finally, Elijah had his altar doused in water and prayed to the Lord to send fire. Fire immediately consumed the sacrifice, the wood, stones, soil and even the water overflowing into the trenches around the altar. Everyone there now knew God was real. After this time, the rain came, and the long drought ended.
Bible verses used in this episode:
1 Kings 18
Outline:
- Elijah summoned King Ahab, the prophets of Baal and the people to Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18:1-20)
- In a contest between prophets, the Lord proves he is the only true God (1 Kings 18:21-40)
- Eolijah prays and God ends the 3 year drought. (1 Kings 18:41-46)
Tips for teaching children:
- Before telling the story, conduct a number of simple contests. These may include simple contests like arm wrestling, who can stand on one foot for the longest time or who can refrain from smiling the longest as everyone else is being silly. This can lead into the story of the contest between God and Baal.
- Make a thaumatrope (simple animation) with alternating pictures of an altar and of fire. Online instructions such as these can be helpful. https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/thaumatrope/
Tips for teaching adults:
- Bring 12 large rocks into the classroom and ask three or four volunteers to build an altar while someone reads v.20-40.
- Ask the following questions: What do you think is the main point of the story? How would you respond to this story? Why would you respond this way?
- Bring a fire lighter. Hand out pieces of paper and ask the class members to write down their answer to the question: “What “Baals” compete for your devotion today?” Then ask them to take the lighter and light their paper. Then throw it into a bowl of water to put out the fire.
- End class with prayer recommitting the class to serving God and God alone.
Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Elijah and the Contest at Mt. Carmel
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org
