Nothing is impossible with God

Miracle Messages    

     Before Israelites decided they wanted a king - like surrounding nations have - the "Judges" more or less provided leadership. 

     Behavior displeased God such that he permitted powerful Mideanites to abuse them for seven years. Enough is enough.

     The "angel of the Lord" appeared to Gideon, a nobody. Just the kind of person God will use. 

     Gideon considered himself "the least of my family, in the weakest clan." Gideon tested God to see if he really would do what he said. 

     The Lord was patient. With just 300 men, trumpets, empty jars and torches, Gideon won. God caused the Mideanites to turn on each other. 

     Samson was a hunk. But his Philistine sweetheart coaxed him into revealing the secret of his power. While he slept, she cut his miracle hair. He ended up blinded and in custody. 

     Later in the Philistine temple, Samson found his way between two pillars, prayed, and with miracle might, brought down the house. 

     David - we guess he was a teenager - a nobody, but not for long - used a slingshot to kill Goliath. Was David that accurate, or did the Lord guide the stone between the giant's eyes? 

     In I Kings, the prophet Elijah fled to escape threats by Queen Jezebel, a worshiper of Baal. God ordered ravens to feed him. 

     During severe drought, God sent Elijah to the house of a widow and her young son. She had enough food and oil for one day. Her provisions never ran out before the rains came. Her son died. Elijah took him, prayed, and the Lord returned him to life. 

     Elijah - we will see him later in this series - confronted King Ahab.  He told him to summon people from all over Israel to meet on Mount Carmel. Bring the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table.

     He ask the people, How long will you waver between two opinions?  If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.

     Silence. 

Tomorrow: What happens?