1 Kings 18:30-46
Faced with the challenge, the prophets of Baal have vainly persisted in their incantations and their frenzied dances. Their god has remained deaf, and for a very good reason! Then Elijah begins his preparations with a calmness and an authority in marked contrast to all the previous excitement. He builds the altar with twelve stones, "according to the number of the tribes", so affirming the unity of the people. Despite the sad division into two kingdoms, in God’s eyes Israel is still one nation. The same applies today to the Lord’s Church. Divided as it is into so many denominations, God recognises only one Church, composed of all believers. We should view it like this also.
When all is ready for the burnt offering, Elijah calls upon God, "O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again" (v. 37). God answers His servant, not only by sending the fire, but in bringing back the hearts of the people to Himself.
Ahab witnesses this scene, followed by the death of his prophets, without seeming to be interested in anything else but eating and drinking, whilst on his part, the man of God again prays . . . and the heaven gave rain" (James 5:18).