Before we are introduced to King Ahab and Queen Jezebel (the ruling power in Israel when our prophet Elijah enters the scene), I want you to have a sense of the cultural climate of the day. As you read the passages in Day 1, did you get a feel for the downward spiral that was happening? Those things never happen quickly. Years pass ... commitment is compromised ... small indiscretions ... ignoring God just a little ... including a little idol worship alongside God-worship ... allowing fear to drive us rather than faith. And you find yourself at a place so far removed from where you began. So it was with Israel. Don't miss that the spiral began with her leaders.
As the spiritual climate has dramatically deteriorated, the political and national climate is ripe. We closed our reading yesterday with the Biblical information about King Omri. We learn in other historical writings about Omri. He was a capable military leader, bringing Moab under Israel's control. He established his new capital city, Samaria. In Martin's study guide, she tells us that "The workmanship of the stones used in the city is said to be so superior that its equal has not been found anywhere else in Palestine."(p. 16) It was a powerful, beautiful and impressive city. King Omri proved himself skillful in foreign policy as well. So this is not a weak, pitiful nation on a last leg ... it is powerful and wealthy. Not so unlike our own!
And yet ... there are folks shining light in this dark landscape. Read 2 Chronicles 11: 13 - 16. There are people under Jeroboam who "set their hearts on seeking the Lord, the God of Israel..." Following God is first priority. Continually pray for wisdom to see when earthly authority is in conflict with the God of heaven. I am not referring to the times when earthly authority conflicts with what I personally want. That is why prayer for wisdom is critically important! If we are to be light ... we need to see the difference in those two.
Close your thoughts today by reading the following and committing yourself to prayer concerning these ideas and how they relate to you personally:
Proverbs 22:1
Titus 3: 1 - 2
Psalm 33:12a
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