4 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
1 Kings 18
1 Thessalonians 1
Ezekiel 48
Psalms 104
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
1 Kings 18:20–21 (CSB): “So Ahab summoned all the Israelites and gathered the prophets at Mount Carmel. Then Elijah approached all the people and said, ‘How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him. But if Baal, follow him.’ But the people didn’t answer him a word.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
When I read certain passages of Scripture, I can’t help but visualize what the place was like where it took place. That’s because, a few years ago, a very special couple made it possible for Kim and me to visit Israel.
Since I haven’t done this in at least a few months, I’d like to share some photos and a video in today’s blog post. I want to share with you what I was seeing in my mind’s eye as I read the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel.
First of all, let’s look at a map to see where the events of 1 Kings 18 took place. When Elijah offered the sacrifice atop Mount Carmel where was he?
Mount Carmel is located near the Mediterranean Sea due west of the Sea of Galilee (Sea of Galilee is in the central upper part of the following picture).
Now, reread the following verses and realize that the western side of Mount Carmel provides an incredible view of the Mediterranean Sea.
1 Kings 18:42–43 (CSB): “So Ahab went to eat and drink, but Elijah went up to the summit of Carmel. He bent down on the ground and put his face between his knees. Then he said to his servant, ‘Go up and look toward the sea.’”
On May 28, 2018, Kim and I were on a bus making out way north along the Mediterranean Sea. With the Mediterranean on our left, I took a picture to our right of the mountain range called Mount Carmel.
As we made our way to the site where tradition tells us that Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal, I snapped more pictures.
As we entered a building and climbed the stairs to the rooftop, I snapped the following picture from Mount Carmel to the valley of Jezreel.
I also took the following video…
If you have never traveled to Israel, I believe the trip is well worth the cost.
I wrote a digital book about my trip to Israel and included a lot of pictures and videos. Some of the reviews and feedback I received were from people who told me that they felt like they were taking the trip with me as they read the digital book. If you want to download the book (accessed on a free Kindle app), you can do so by clicking here. It’s only $2.99.
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Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that I can read it but also read about or even visit the places where much of it took place. I pray that I would not simply see Your Word as words on a page but, instead, as a book that recounts real events that took place in real places at specific times. And then help me to learn the principles in Your Word so that I can comply with them in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 