1 Kings 20:1-22

Sep 9, 2022    Pastor Daryl Zachman

“Thus says the LORD: ‘Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand today, and you shall know that I am the LORD.’” (1 Kings 20:13, NKJV)

God’s mercy totally amazes me! I marvel at the lengths He is willing to go to prove Himself faithful to people who don’t deserve it. Such was the case with Ahab who had done more evil in the eyes of the LORD than any other king of Israel. He worshiped Baal and built the temple of Baal in Samaria. And yet God was willing to deliver the Syrian army into Ahab’s hand. Why? So that Ahab would know that Yahweh was God and that He rules in the kingdoms of men. How longsuffering is our God!

We must remember God’s character in the battles we fight. There have been many times when I have been hot under the collar thinking that I was being righteously indignant. But I’m afraid that many times I have misrepresented God and hurt others. Moses was angry with the people for murmuring and complaining and struck the rock rather than speaking to it, as God had instructed him. For this transgression he could not go into the Promised Land. Moses misrepresented God before the people.

After the contest on Mount Carmel, when the LORD answered Elijah by fire, Ahab and Jezebel had every reason to repent and believe that the LORD was God. Instead, Jezebel threatened to kill Elijah. At this point, I would have cancelled this wicked couple! But God was not done with Ahab. He was still reaching out. He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

“Heavenly Father, please give us more patience with others—especially with those who provoke us to wrath. Help us remember grace and represent you well. Thank you for being so merciful toward us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”