The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Kings — Section 443

fire bnt rain that the thirsty land required; but had he said, "The God tho.tanswereth by rain, let him be God,'' Baal's priests might argue that it we.s not water but fire that their God could rule. Elijah would fight the idol on his own chosen ground. Show how often advantage seems to be given to God's adv<lrsaries, as if they were nllowed to make out the best cause they could, yet all to no effect. The wisdom of the world was left to the Church's foes. The people were not asked to do what was national, but were to have evidence, and this evidence was to be adapted to their ensuous character. Religion appeals to a man as to a rational being. The sin "ith which Elijah charged the people on Carmel was religious indecision, which we now consider. I. THE CONDITION OF INDECISION. 1. It implies some enlightenmentonreligious subjects. Many heathen exist even in a Christian land. Living under the shadow of our sanctuaries, they are profoundly ignorant of God, of His claims, and of His gospel. They are not halting "between two opinions," for they have no opinion about a religious life, but are decided in their godlessness. Such was not the condition of Israel, nor of their modern 1·epresentatives. There is no want of in- tellectual knowledge of scriptural truth complained of here. 2. It implies contra- diction between theory and practice. The Israelites would not have denied the Divine interpositions of the past, and many would have admitted that the temple at Jerusalem was originally the true place for worship, &c. Like some in Crete, in Paul's days, "they profess that they lmow God, but in works they deny him." 3. It implies dissat-isfaction with present condition. They were like men longing for something which they have not yet resolved to seek. So at Athens, some who heard Paul felt that his words were so wise and weighty that they exclaimed, " We will hear thee again of this matter." They were moved by transient feeling, like Felix (Acts x:xiv. 25) and Agrippa. (Acts xxvi 28). To all such comes this protest against vacillation. II. THE CAUSES OF INDECISION. 1. Want of thoughtful consideration. Many speculate about religion who have never yet cried, " What must I do to be saved? " A busy life diverts them from earnest thought, their powers being absorbed in worldly affairs. Or a frivolous habit of mind may prove their bane. 2. Deficiency of personal courage. It would require courage under J ezebel's rule to become worshippers of Jehovah. Give instances of tlle difficulties which beset earnest men in modern life, the necessity sometimes arising for true heroism on the part of those who would follow Christ. 3. Tendency to procrastination. To-day is devoted to that which is evident to the senses, to-morrow to that which concerns the soul. Examples: III. THE CONSEQUENCES OF INDECISION. 1. Increase of difficulties. Evil habits grow in strength. The simple spray of ivy can be gathered by a child's ha.nd, but a.fter the growth of years, though it is killing the tree, you cannot tear it off. A worldly man who is now impervious to good never meant to be what he is, but he expected tha.t when the stress of making his position was over he would have time a.nd inclination to attend to e.ffa.irs of the soul. Imperceptibly God seems to have "given him over to a reproba.te mind, because he did not choose to retain God in his knowledge." •2. Loss of opportunity. Even if it were ea.sier to decide for God next year, it would be madness to delay. "Boast not thyself of to-morrow," &c. Read the parable of the Rich Fool-Luke xii. 8. Irreparable ruin. If God's op- portunity is lost, it will not be re-created after death. See how Christ spoke of Capernaum, of Chorazin, and of Jerusalem. "But now they are hid from thine eyes." "He that is filthy, let him be filthy still." In face of suoh penalties press home the question on the undecided, " How long halt ye between two opinions?" -A.R. Ver. 44.-Elijah's Prayer for Rain. The wonders which accompanied the ministry of Elijah were not meaningless prodigies. Those who question the wisdom of miracles should remember that the condition of those for whom they were intended rendered them necessary. Sensuous men must learn through their senses, and worshippers of material force must be met by physical dis11lays of power. We do on. XVIII, 1-46,] THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS. 453