Daily devotion – Friday 11th June 2021
After leaving Caesarea on our first tour day in Israel, we head onto Mount Carmel. Mount Carmel is the location where Elijah dealt with the prophets of Baal.1 Kings 18:19 Now therefore, send and gather all Israel to me on Mount Carmel, the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.”
20 So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.
But there is something else about the location of Mount Carmel. It overlooks the Valley of Jezreel (or Esdraelon or Megiddo). It is the sight of the future great last battle of Armageddon, where Jesus will return to defeat His enemies and deliver His people.
As you stand on Mount Carmel your mind takes you back to this wonderful prophet Elijah. His victory on that location, God’s wonderful demonstration of power, as fire from Heaven fell and consumed all of Elijah’s sacrifice. But as you look out over Megiddo, you cannot but be overwhelmed with not only the enormity of the bloodshed that is going to occur in that location, but also the ecstasy of knowing that Christ here will bring an end to the struggle of the world.
Two events, one in the past and one yet to happen. God’s plan for this world and you has been planned before the foundations of the world. His plan will also be completed.
When you feel overwhelmed, when you think you will not make it. Remember Mount Carmel! God never loses. His dominion, power and rule has never faltered.
But also realize too, that all the Bible teaches us, are not stories of make believe. But actual events.
The rapture of the Church will occur as an actual event. The Battle of Armageddon will actually happen in that lush green valley called Jezreel. There is a place called Hell and a very real location named Heaven.
Today will you give your life to Jesus Christ, who walked our earth, suffered and died on a cruel cross outside the City of Jerusalem on a hill called Calvary. It was He who rose from the grave three days later victorious over sin and death.
This is truly the greatest story ever told! And you are part of it.