005. Elijah defeats Baal’s prophets on Mt. Carmel

Elijah defeats Baal’s prophets on Mt. Carmel

This brief drama shows how Elijah overcomes stress and loneliness to serve God.
About 5 minutes, from 1Â Kings 18-19

Participants (No need to memorize lines; the aim is to relive sacred events,
not to perform)
Â Â Elijah
Â Â Ahab
Â Â Jezebel
Â Â Prompter Â Â Â Â Â Â Shout a brief line, and echoes repeat it.
Â Â EchoesÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Children and all adults who want to take part. Echoes need no script.

Ahab	How dare that rebel prophet Elijah defy me? I am Ahab, King of Israel! Queen Jezebel, what shall I do?
Jezebel	Send your servants to go kill Elijah, Ahab!
Prompter and Echoes	How wicked!
Jezebel	Elijah has angered Baal and our other gods; he attacks our idols! Elijah has brought on this drought. You must find him!
Elijah	There is no need to search for me, King Ahab. I have come to you. You have turned all Israel away from God, and have caused this drought and famine.
Prompter and Echoes	Idols fill the land!
Elijah	Let us have a contest to see who worships the true God. Bring to Mount Carmel all of Baal’s prophets.
Ahab	Very well! I will gather all Israel to watch the fun.
Jezebel	Ha! Elijah, you alone are left among Jehovah’s prophets, and Baal’s prophets number 450! You are a fool!
Prompter & Echoes	Hateful queen!
Ahab	Now, all Israel has gathered on Mount Carmel. Let the contest begin, Elijah.
Elijah	(Shout) Hear me, people of Israel! If the Lord is God, then follow him; if Baal is God, then follow him. Both the prophets of Baal and I will cut up an ox and lay it on an altar as a burnt offering. The God who answers by fire, he is God.
Ahab	Look! Baal’s priests have slain their ox and lain it on the altar. Watch them leap, scream, and cut themselves, begging Baal to answer by fire. They keep shouting â€œBaal, hear us!â€
Jezebel	Cry louder!
Prompter & Echoes	Hear them scream!
Elijah	Yes, call louder! Maybe Baal is busy, or on a journey, or napping.
Prompter & Echoes	The heavens remain silent.
Ahab	Look. Elijah all alone is repairing the altar.
Elijah	Pour water on the offering and the wood.
Prompter & Echoes	Lots of water!
Elijah	Now do it again!
Prompter & Echoes	The offering is drenched!
Elijah	Now come to me, all of you, and I will pray. God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, let this people know that you are God.
Jezebel	Oh, help! Fire is falling! It consumed the ox and the wood! It has licked up the water!
Ahab	Well, now! Servants, seize Baal’s lying prophets. Let Elijah slay them!
Elijah	King Ahab, I hear the roar of heavy rain; the drought is over.
Jezebel	Elijah, you have slain Baal’s prophets who have dined at my table. I swear to the gods, I will kill you!
Prompter & Echoes	Elijah is in trouble!
Elijah	Jezebel’s threat makes me panic, and I flee. I run for days. I leave my servant in Beersheba, and I go out alone way into the desert. Fear, fatigue and loneliness now overcome me.
Prompter & Echoes	It’s your own fault!
Elijah	Dear God, Israel has forsaken you; only I still serve you.â€
Prompter & Echoes	You’re not alone, Elijah. 5,000 faithful Israelites have not bowed the need to Baal.
Prompter & Echoes	5,000!
Elijah	The Lord scolds me for my foolish fear, pride and pouting. I was stupid to leave my servant behind, and go on alone. Frustration, fatigue and foolishness brought on my aching loneliness.
Prompter & Echoes	God has the remedy.
Elijah	The Lord sends me to work with people again. He assures me that he has always been with me. Now I know that I have never been alone!
Prompter & Echoes	Never alone!