1 Kings 21
Today our focus is on verses 17 - 26
I would love to know what stood out to you as you read this chapter. Was it Ahab's 2 year old fit because he did not get his way? Was it Jezebel's willingness to do whatever it took to get what she wanted - even at the cost of a man's life? Was it the way she followed the "letter of the law" by calling a fast, by honoring the requirement of 2 witnesses even as she plotted with nothing less than evil intent? Was it sobering to you to see that Naboth's physical life was not protected? There is much drama in these events!
God calls Elijah back into action to confront King Ahab. God is still trying to reach this king. He is still trying to call Ahab back into relationship with Him. Amazing. But that is our God - ever desirous of His people's hearts! Did you notice that Ahab is held accountable for Naboth's life even though he was not specifically the one to set it all up? He can't say "She made me do it" before God. By the way, neither can we pass blame for our sin on to others. Ahab seems to have reached a point in his life when the pronouncement of his doom is finally heard. And he is humbled. He repents. He "went around meekly" (verse 27). The lesson that screams off the pages to me is "Do not be slow to repentance!" God has called out to Ahab on numerous occasions - we have read many of them in this study. Why did it take him so long to respond? What keeps us from responding when we hear a message from God? Have you ever experienced a conviction in a sermon, or a lesson, or from a friend? Did you ignore? Did you bury it - deciding that the things of God are really not all that pressing? What a warning we have from this king! My friends, respond now. Turn now.
Ahab repents and God relents. The consequences for his sin will still be experienced ... but God honors the repentance of this wicked king. I gave up on Ahab several chapters ago! He was a hopeless case in my mind. But God is relentless in His pursuit of His people. Would you have still tried to reach out to Ahab? Now ... are there people in your sphere of influence that you have written off, given up on? That is the lesson that I see for me. NEVER give up on people. NEVER give up on that family member that seems so impossibly far from God. NEVER give up on that one-time friend that has abandoned his/her relationship with God. NEVER give up. Continue to pray ... continue to reach out when you can ... continue to pray ... continue to pray.
How do we shine in this dark world? We never give up on people. That fact alone will make you stand out from the masses in our world. People matter. People have value - all people. Commit with me today ... I will not give up on ___________ (fill in your blank!) In fact, stop and take that person to prayer right now. That one matters!
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