During the lifetime of the Prophet Elijah, the Israelites, God’s chosen people, have decided that they will serve God, but they will also serve another god called Baal. The King of the Israelites, Ahab was married to Queen Jezebel who was a devout Baal worshiper. Instead of choosing which God they would serve, the Israelites decided they would serve both. They worship the God of their ancestors, the One True Living God, but they would sprinkle a little Baal worship in there too.
However, God was not about to share their affections, so He sent a drought and the prophet Elijah to get their attention and make them decide because God is a jealous God who wants the full affection of His people.
It’s important to understand: God is not jealous of you, but He is jealous for you. He calls us to love Him with our whole minds, bodies and souls and we can’t do that if our affections are divided. Jonah 2:8 tells us:
“Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.” (Jonah 2:8 ESV)
God calls us to such a devoted life because He doesn’t want us to waste our lives on the empty idols of this world. He wants the best for us which is Himself. Today, I encourage you to choose to worship the One True Living God.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for times when I’ve worshipped other idols and gods. Turn my attention back to worshipping only You. In Jesus’ name, amen.