AI Summary
5 min readThe God Who Answers with Fire
On day 166 of the Bible in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz walks through the introduction of the prophet Elijah and the confrontation on Mount Carmel, centering on a single question: How long will you go limping with two different opinions? The episode is not merely a retelling of familiar stories but an invitation to recognize the pattern of a God who remains faithful even when his people do not, and to ask whether we are responding with the same kind of faith Elijah models.
Elijah: A Prophet Who Listens and Obeys
The episode introduces Elijah in 1 Kings 17, where he prophesies a drought against King Ahab—one of the worst kings of the northern kingdom of Israel. What sets Elijah apart, Father Mike emphasizes, is that "Elijah is someone who listens to the word of God and obeys the word of God." This distinguishes him from the kings and people the podcast has been tracking, who "might hear the Word of God, but not act on the Word of God."
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:03) **Episode Introduction** - Fr. Mike opens Day 166, setting up the reading from 1 Kings 17-18, 2 Chronicles 18-19, and Song of Solomon 5.
- 2 (01:12) **1 Kings 17: Elijah's Prophecy and the Drought** - Elijah declares a drought to King Ahab and is commanded by God to hide by the brook Cherith, where ravens feed him.
- 3 (02:00) **The Widow of Zarephath: A Test of Faith** - Elijah asks a destitute widow for food; she has only a handful of meal and oil for her and her son's last meal.
- 4 (03:14) **Elijah Revives the Widow's Son** - The widow's son becomes ill and dies; Elijah cries out to God, stretches himself over the child three times, and the Lord revives him.
- 5 (04:23) **1 Kings 18: Elijah Confronts Ahab** - After three years, God sends Elijah to show himself to Ahab, promising rain; Elijah meets Obadiah, a faithful official who hid prophets from Jezebel.
- 6 (06:29) **The Showdown on Mount Carmel** - Elijah challenges the people of Israel to stop "limping with two different opinions" between God and Baal.
- 7 (08:30) **Elijah's Prayer and God's Fire** - Elijah repairs the altar of the Lord, soaks it with water, and prays; the fire of the Lord falls, consuming everything, including the water.
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Guests on this episode
Show Notes
Today, we are introduced to the prophet Elijah, who repeatedly responds to God's invitations with faith. The readings are 1 Kings 17-18, 2 Chronicles 18-19, and Song of Solomon 5.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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