Glimpses of Israel - Haifa

Situated some 90 kilometres north of Tel Aviv, is Israel's largest sea port, Haifa. In recent times, Haifa played a significant role in the arrival of refugees from Europe, and immigrants from former Soviet Union. Today, Haifa looks like any other growing metropolis of industry, technology, commerce and residence. While hugging the Mediterranean coastline, this modern shipping facility rises above sea level clinging to the western slope of the famous Mt. Carmel.
It was here, on Mt Carmel that Elijah, the prophet, challenged the people of Israel, " 'How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.' But the people answered him not a word." (1 Kings 18:21)

Then came the challenge between the 450 prophets of Baal and the lone prophet of God, Elijah. They were to each prepare a sacrifice and then call upon their respective Master, and "the God who answers by fire, He is God." (1 Kings 18:24)

The contest began with the prophets of Baal. They placed their sacrifice on an altar which they built, and then called upon their god, all day ... no answer.

Then Elijah the prophet stepped up, built an altar with twelve stones, one for each of the sons of Jacob. He placed the sacrifice on the altar, and then proceeded to drench with water the altar, and to fill the trench with water, which he had dug around the altar.

Then at the time of evening offering Elijah came near and said, " 'LORD God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.'

"Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench.

"Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, 'The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!' " (1 Kings 18:36-39)
Haifa, more than a sea port. May there be many in Israel today who know that the LORD is God.

Mark Warren