Just wanted to add this additional thought to yesterday's post:
I know that Mt. Carmel sits near the Mediterranean Sea (approx 15 miles or so) and that this "could" have been the source of the 12 jugs of water. But even if this were the case it doesn't change the sacrifice that was given. Elijah asked for 4 large jars of water to be poured over the offering. They would have had to travel those 15 or so miles to fill them and then carry them all the way back again (no taxi's to help them on this task). Then Elijah asked for 4 more jugs requiring a second trip and then a third trip for 4 more jugs. All this time, effort, and energy to do something you don't do when you want to start a fire (pour water on it). It still could have been seen as foolish and a waste but the sacrifice of time and effort was as equally important as the sacrifice of possessions. The outcome of God's glory and power was still the ultimate goal of this sacrificial obedience, not personal gain. Sacrifice doesn't always mean giving of our wealth (no matter how great or small) it often time means trusting the Lord with every aspect of our lives. Time and energy is often a very coveted thing to us especially when the benefit is all for others and not necessarily for our own gain. Time is a gift from God, we need to make sure that we give a good portion of it back to him to use as he sees fit.
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