Have you ever “name-dropped”? You know, you use someone’s name to get a better price or a better seat. Or if you mention someone’s name, you get better treatment?
What if I told you that I know Mr. T?
Now, if you’re older like me and grew up in the 80’s, you know who Mr. T is, or do you?
My dad was, and still is, a very respected man. Growing up, he was known as “Mr. T” by everyone at school. No, he doesn’t have a mohawk and doesn’t walk around with cut-off sleeves and gold necklaces around his neck. But our last name was difficult for the majority of students at school to say, so he was known as “Mr. T.” He was the chorus director and Bible teacher for many years at the school I grew up in.
There were times when I would be talking to someone, and they would ask who my dad is, and as soon as I said, “Mr. T,” their demeanor changed. Immediately, a tone of respect would form. My dad is very knowledgeable in scripture and Biblical history. He is my go-to when I have questions. He is also my first phone call when something breaks because he is an incredible carpenter and handyman. (Ok, so maybe my husband is my first phone call, but if we can’t figure it out, then I call my dad.)
When “Mr. T’s” name was mentioned, students sat up straighter, respect was given, and people paid attention. It’s because of who he is. Now, he hasn’t taught at that school for quite some time, but there are still a few around there that if you mention his name, heads will turn because they remember him. His name had respect.
1 Kings 18, we will see how calling on the name of Yahweh can bring fire down from heaven.
To set the scene, King Ahab sees Elijah and accuses him of creating trouble. Elijah’s response is that the disobedience and following of Baal gods is what has caused the trouble, not Elijah. The trouble was, they were in a drought, a three-year drought.
So Elijah tells the king, gather up the Isrealites, the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah and we will see which god is real. If Yahweh is Elohim, follow him; if it is Baal is Elohim, follow him.
So it’s one lone prophet of Yahweh versus 850 prophets of other gods.
Elijah gave them the choice of a bull to sacrifice, let them build their own altar, and put the meat on it, but do not set it on fire. Let their god provide the fire.
So they danced, screamed, and cut themselves. Elijah laughed, poked fun, and antagonized them so that they danced harder and screamed louder. Still, no fire came.
Elijah gathered the people of Israel around him. He took 12 stones, which represented the 12 tribes of Israel, and rebuilt the altar of Yahweh that had been torn down. Then he dug a trench around that altar. Arranged the wood and cut up the bull upon the altar and had the people fill four jars of water and pour the water over the bull and the wood. He had them do this three times. That bull and wood were soaked. To the point that the trench was filled with water.
When it was time to offer the sacrifice, Elijah stepped forward and said, “Yahweh Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, make known today that you are Elohim in Israel and that I’m your servant and have done all these things by your instructions. Answer me, Yahweh! Answer me! Then these people will know that you, Yahweh, are Elohim and that you are winning back their hearts.”
“So a fire from Yahweh fell down and consumed the burnt offering, wood, stones, and dirt. The fire even dried up the water that was in the trench. All the people saw it and immediately bowed down to the ground. “Yahweh is Elohim!”
Elijah set that sacrifice up for failure. While he taunted the prophets of Baal, he was about to reveal what calling on the name of Yahweh could do.
What is going on in your life that you need the power of God? Is there a mountain that is insurmountable? Is there something that is set up for failure, and you’re just not sure how you can win?
Lift up your eyes, fill those lungs, and call on the name of Yahweh.
Calling on Mr. T often gave me a little respect because of who my dad is. Calling on the name of Yahweh gives me power because of who God is. When I call on HIS name, YHWH, I have the power to handle whatever comes my way.
Have a great day with Jesus!
Make sure you subscribe so you can follow along!
