The Great Alternative
William Clarkson, B. A. 1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, How long halt you between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal… I. THE GREAT ALTERNATIVE. II. DISTRACTION WITHIN THE KINGDOM. Within this spiritual realm are opposing forces which contend with one another, and there is deep unsettlement, a harassing and restless indecision. 1. Conscience insists that we ought to live unto Him from whom we came. 2. The heavenly voices and the best human voices summon us to consecrate our powers to duty and holy service. 3. Prudence, wisdom, exhorts us to seek God while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6). III. THE ONE WISE COURSE. Why halt and hesitate? 1. Indecision is(1) unmanly: we have our mental faculties that we may conclude and act. A man should know his mind and use his strength. It is(2) guilty: God has a right to require immediate obedience. Jesus Christ has a right to require acceptance and the service of a whole life. We have no right to keep Him waiting. (3) It is wasteful: for while we are halting and choosing life is passing; and with the passage of our life there are left behind us opportunities that are unemployed and that will not recur. Delay is death, in part if not indeed altogether; for(4) it is perilous in a very high degree. Duty seems less imperative and service less inviting the longer it is neglected. And(5) it is miserable. (William Clarkson, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. WEB: Elijah came near to all the people, and said, "How long will you waver between the two sides? If Yahweh is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." The people answered him not a word.