Sun. June 2, 2013 (Ken Hawkley)

Ken Hawkley from Anabaptist Mennonite Seminary talked about the competition between the prophet Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). Ahab and his wife Jezebel worshipped Baal who was considered the god of all gods. Following a 3 year drought Elijah is the only prophet of Yahweh left and he gives the Israelites a challenge: If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, then follow him. The people Edwin Hintz Erika Hannan Summer Coffee Service Thanks to all who have provided the coffee and goodies so far. Please sign up on the list on the bulletin board at the back to help out. were silent. Elijah sets up a competition with the prophets of Baal: each will slaughter a bull and call down fire; the god who answers is indeed God. The Baal prophets do not succeed in calling forth fire. Elijah mocks them and pours water on his altar and prays. Fire of the Lord consumes the meat, the stones and the water. Ken noted that sacrifice needs a willing heart, a heart connected to Yahweh. Elijah was connected to Yahweh; he was willing to trust God and sacrifice everything. Elijah was willing to stick his neck out. Please see Hannelore if you have any questions. Mennonites are known for their good works, but not for sticking their necks out especially when there’s no guarantee of success. We come up with excuses. What do you want to stick your neck out for? (HN)

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