1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, How long halt you between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal… I. HEAR THE TEXT, FOR IT SPEAKS SIMPLY OF — 1. Two opinions. Like others they tried to do both. Few like this in worldly matters. Some render this: "How long hop ye from twig to twig?" They were — uneasy: unhappy: unstable. 2. Two Gods. Baal. An ancient god: a spreading religion: a gaudy and costly religion: all this very attractive. God. The only God: The only God we need the only true God we can have. 3. Two positions. Halting and following: show the difference. II. HEAR THE PROPHET, FOR HE SPEAKS POINTEDLY. Notice — 1. His manner. Firm: fearless: faithful. 2. His opportunity. Before all the people. How willingly he embraced it. 3. His question. "How long?" etc. They had already had time. They had time then. God did not want time. He could receive them at once. III. HEAR THE PREACHER, FOR HE SPEAKS EARNESTLY. Enlarge upon the theme, and address those who halt concerning — 1. God's ordinances. 2. God's service. 3. God's people — i.e., joining them. 4. God Himself. (W J. Mayers.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. |
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