Mount Carmel

Driving along and passing the

 Kishon Spring near Mt. Carmel in 

a mountain range on the coast of Israel. 

Carmel means

"vineyards of God."

The Mt. Carmel range provided a natural barrier

 to uninvited traffic along the coastal plain of Israel.

There were only three passes cut

 through the 1500 ft high limestone mountain.

This region is lush with vegetation because of the rainfall.

Biblical references list it as a symbol of fertility and beauty.

Mt. Carmel is the site of the story
 of Elijah's encounter with the prophets of Baal. 
 This event probably occurred near the base
 of the mountain, close to the Kishon Spring. 

The traditional site known as "El-Muhraqa"- 

the place of burning -

is the pilgrimage site 
at the top of the mountain.

Along a rock-strewn dirt path.

A rocky outpost near the top of Mt. Carmel- 
perhaps near an early sacrificial site.

Former Kansas District-
 LCMS President Keith Kohlmeier

 reads the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal-

 I Kings 18:30-39

Listening intently is former

Indiana District President Dan May

 and his wife - Judy.

Looking out on the valley.

Reflecting on the story of Ahab
 and his wife Jezebel and

living life under corrupt influences.

The faltering of God's people 

who blended their belief in both
 the God of Israel and Baal.

Wondering how this applies to me.

It is a struggle to live with an undivided heart.

The compromises that I make on a daily basis.

And then the underdog- Elijah.

He looks straight into the question of-

"HOW BIG is YOUR GOD?

 Elijah beats the odds 

with God's intervention.

A believer in Christ is NEVER the underdog.

No matter the odds.

When the circumstance looks bleak,

we must ALWAYS remember-

that NOTHING

is beyond the capable and sovereign hand of

God's powerful hand of intervention.