SCRIPTURE READING: 1 KINGS 19: 1-8, 18
FOCUS: “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19: 18)
MEMORY VERSE: “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6: 13)
In our Focal Scripture, after Elijah had imagined that he was the only prophet of God left in Israel (see verse 10-14), God reminded him that there were seven thousand men who were yet to bow to Baal or kiss the Baal idol. So, despite the threats of Jezebel, and the widespread acceptance of Baal worship in Israel, there were seven thousand men who had refused to bow to Baal. Others may have accepted, but these men did not.
Friend, no matter the pressures that come at you, to bow to Baal, don’t bow. Don’t bow to satanic pressures. Don’t bow to sin; don’t bow to compromise; don’t bow to negativity; don’t bow to the whims of the Jezebels of this world; don’t bow to whatever is not in line with the will of God for you; don’t bow to trends that may be acceptable to men but unacceptable to God; don’t bow to the enemy; don’t bow to any Jezebel.
These seven thousand men did not have their names mentioned, but they simply did not bow to Baal. They refused to submit themselves to the whims and caprices of Ahab and Jezebel, despite all the pressure. Even if no one sees you to commend you for not bowing, still refuse to bow to negativity. Even if there will be no applause, stand strong in the liberty of Christ. Even if no one will notice, refuse that your knees will bow to Baal.
Notice that certain prophets had become lying prophets because of Ahab and Jezebel (see 1 Kings 22). Certain prophets had literally made themselves subservient to Ahab and Jezebel, yet God had a group of people whom He could boast that they were yet to bow to, or kiss Baal. There will be times when even those you esteem, have bowed, but be intentional to be counted amongst those who will never bow to negativity.
Welcome to that season where heaven forbids you from bowing to powers of hell. Welcome to that season where you must stand strong, whether there be accolades or not.
FURTHER READING: EPHESIANS 6
DECLARATION:
- No matter the pressures that come my way, I will not bow, in Jesus’ name!