King Ahab’s disobedience, God’s grace and forgiveness (1 Kings)
This week, we look at the book of 1 Kings, focusing on king Ahab’s life and God’s response to him.
King Ahab’s disobedience
King Ahab was wicked in the sight of God and worshipped idols (1 Kings 16:29-33, 21:25-26). Perhaps, his wickedness was triggered by his wife Jezebel (1 Kings 21:25). When Ahab was supposed to kill a man God “appointed to utter destruction” (1 Kings 20:42), Ahab spared the man’s life, disobeying God.
God’s grace and forgiveness
Nonetheless, God sent Elijah to judge Ahab in 1 Kings 21:17-24. When Ahab heard Elijah’s words, Ahab humbled himself before God. Despite Ahab’s persistent disobedience and sins, God graciously forgave him, as He said:
“Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house.” (v29)
Rest in God’s grace
Clearly, this shows how compassionate and merciful our God is. No matter how much or how often we sin, God extends the same mercy to us sinners today too! Let us always go back to Him, remembering how He is so merciful, even when we do not deserve it. Let us not take His grace for granted; may we continually go to the gospel daily, thinking of the cross and what Christ has done. Let us reflect and recognize His grace in our lives.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
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