The Showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. From 1 Kings
King Jeroboam made golden calves for the people of Israel to worship. Over time they became idols used to worship Baal. Eventually after many different kings were overthrown thu subversion and betrayal, king Ahab ruled and was married to the pagan queen Jezebel, who proceeded to murder all of God’s remaining prophets- except Elijah. God told Elijah to hide with a widow and a long drought began.
After years of famine, Elijah came out of hiding and challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest. Two bulls would be prepped but only the god who consumed the offering with fire would be proclaimed the true god. All of Israel came to Mount Carmel to watch.
Baal was given all of the advantages: he had 450 prophets. They got to pick their sacrificial bull first. They were given all day to call to their god to consume the bull but by evening no one answered.
Elijah built an altar and prepped his sacrifice, and told the Baal prophets to pour 4 jugs of water over it thrice. Elijah said a prayer once all was ready and the bull, the altar and the water were consumed by THE LORD’s fire immediately. The people declared their belief in THE LORD and slaughtered all of the prophets of Baal. Only then did THE LORD bless the land with a rain storm.
Moral: Baal had to be proven a false god BEFORE the rain. Otherwise he would have been given credit by the people who had been led astray.
The storm will come, anons. But only after the false prophets are discredited. Trust the plan.