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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You never cease to amaze me! I can sense your enthusiasm for mercy when you told Elijah, “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me?” (1 Kgs 21:29). What god is there like you, who eagerly welcomes the humble and delights to show mercy to someone as wicked as Ahab! I praise you today and exalt your greatness! Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me about Ahab’s second battle with Ben-Hadad of Syria. Ahab was as out-numbered this time as he was during the siege of Samaria. Indeed, his soldiers looked like “two little flocks of goats” before the vast Syrian army. But instead of running away, Ahab had faith that you would keep your word and give him victory. Sure enough, his tiny army slaughtered Ben-Hadad’s forces and put the “gods of the plain” to shame. But no sooner had Ahab won the day than he pulled Ben-Hadad out of the rubble of Aphek, called him “brother” and made a treaty with him! The likely reason? It turns out that Shalmaneser III of Assyria had conquered Carchemish the previous year and was plotting to expand his empire in Ahab’s direction. Rather than trust you, Ahab saw this as an opportunity to forge an alliance with Ben-Hadad against Assyria. You were not pleased, and you sent a prophet (maybe Micaiah?) to rebuke Ahab, for when you say, “Strike me,” you mean business! If a disobedient prophet could not escape your judgment, neither could a disobedient king. Rather than humbling himself and repenting, Ahab went home sullen and vexed. How important it is for me to respond in obedience to your correction. If I don’t, I’m no better than Ahab! Reflection Ahab was happy to obey you as long as you were giving him victory over his enemies. But when you rebuked him, he was angry, and he set about finding prophets who would tell him what he wanted to hear. Am I quick to heed your reproof, or do I find myself looking for someone who will help me justify my actions? Request Father, give me the courage of Naboth, who remained faithful to your word even when it cost him his life. May I live in such a way that men must lie in order to accuse me of evil! Thanksgiving Thank you for your mercy! Even when you were arranging Ahab’s death, you gave him another chance to repent and turn back to you. How great is your love for me! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Obedience” — Daniel S. Warner. Meditation Verse: 1 Kings 22:8. |