"Friend or Foe?" by  Kirk Hunt

And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there. (1 Kings 18:40 KJV)

It would be easy to think poorly of Elijah's treatment of the false priests. God's prophet was not exacting revenge. The execution of these men was not an act of blood-thirsty victory.

A wise minister preached: “God will not save you from your friends, only your enemies.” You must choose to remove the activities, influences and relationships that lead you to sin. Once you understand who and what are your soul's real enemies, the rest is easy.

Repentant Israel suddenly saw Ba'al's priests in a new light. The truth and light of God's Fire burned away the delusion and trickery of these men. The pagan worship and offerings, which may have included human or child sacrifices, were seen in monstrous reality.

Modern Christians live under grace and truth. The lives of rank sinners are protected by Christ's love.  Yet, He calls us all out of our sins.  We still choose who or what have influence in our lives.

Examine your own life. Who, or what, leads you away from God? Are you prepared to do what it takes to protect your relationship with God? You know what to do next.

Think: God will save me from my enemies, not my friends.

Pray: “Lord, teach me to leave or remove the sinful influences in my life.”

Copyright © October 2007, Kirk Hunt