1 Kings 18:19-21

Christ or Belial!

Here is a curious phenomenon. A monarch, who had searched all kingdoms for a prophet that he might reek anger upon his life, now sought out and confronted by that prophet, and submitting to his orders to call an assembly of the nation! How God can turn about the hearts of princes! Conspicuous in this vast concourse are the idolatrous priests with gnashing teeth. Elijah stands alone undaunted, a witness for Jehovah, and, appealing to the multitude, he accuses them of unworthy hesitation between irreconcilable services.

I. WHY HESITATE IN SEEKING HAPPINESS ?

1 . No joys can compare with the heavenly .

(a) Some are constitutionally melancholy. This is a disease which certainly is not aggravated by the sense of the favour of God.

(b) Some have false views of religion. They caricature it into a sepulchral thing. They do it injustice.

(c) But the case most common is that sad professors do not experience what they profess. They halt between Jehovah and Baal—between Christ and Belial. In fashion. In friendships. In pursuits. So conscience stings them sore.

(a) It brings emancipation from the slavery of sin.

(b) Deliverance from the tyranny of Satan.

(c) Adoption into the family of God.

(d) Heirship to everlasting life.

The true heir has the title-deeds of his inheritance in his heart ( Ephesians 1:13 , Ephesians 1:14 ; 2 Corinthians 5:4 , 2 Corinthians 5:5 ). Thus does he antedate the very bliss of heaven ( Luke 17:21 ; Ephesians 1:3 ).

2 . If sinners be not sad, the more shame .

II. WHY HESITATE IN SEEKING SALVATION ?

1 . Life is the determining period .

2 . Procrastination is precarious work .

III. FOR INDECISION THERE IS NO DEFENCE . "The people answered him not a word." But there are motives to evil when there are no good reasons. Such are—

1 . Conjugal influence .

2 . The smile of favouor .

3 . The force of example .