1 Kings 18:38 – “Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.”

As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today, Elijah and the prophets of Baal came to my attention. Then, the Gospel of Luke completed the musing.

On Mt. Carmel, the confrontation between Elijah and Jezebel’s spiritual army offers powerful insight and encouragement.   In 1 Kings 18:38, we read, “Then the fire of the LORD fell…”  The fire is important, but don’t miss the “then.”  What led up to the Fire Falling! What brought the Fire?

The first thing Elijah did was challenge the people about their commitment. The second was to rebuild God’s altar.   Not just any altar but the altar of sacrifice and commitment to God.  This signifies giving God a place in the heart.  The third thing was to saturate the altar and sacrifice with water (prayer).   The fourth thing was a recommitment and review of the Covenant. The fifth thing was a simple prayer – Then the Fire Fell!  The sixth thing was the removal of the evil. If we want the Fire, we must restore the altar!

In Luke 17, we have a powerful message on restoring the altar and having the Fire!  You will say, “What?”    I contend that is the message.   Jesus taught about forgiveness!  I suggest that forgiveness is rebuilding the altar.

The disciples were stunned by the message of constant perpetual forgiveness from us to others (the same forgiveness we get from God).   Then in verses 7-10, what seems unrelated is germane.  The doing of responsibility is tied to forgiveness and rebuilding the altar.

It is a message that we dare not think we are super saints if we practice forgiveness.   No, it is simply doing what is expected and required.  It is normal Christianity.  It’s impossible for the flesh, but possible through God.

We want the Fire, but we fail to rebuild the altar, soak it with prayer, and then follow through.   Fire!   Where is the Fire?

LORD, help us to have the Fire of God!