I Kings 20-22:50
There is plenty to think about in today’s reading, but three things in particular stick out for me.
First, in Ahab’s victories over Ben-Hadad, it should be abundantly clear that the LORD grants these victories for His own name’s sake. These victories are not a reward for Ahab’s (or Israel’s) good behavior. Far from it! Ahab has done nothing to earn the LORD’s favor, and everything to earn His condemnation. Rather, the LORD declares that He fights for Israel in order that Ahab might “know that I am the LORD.” (I Kings 20:13,28)
Second, in I Kings 21:27-29, when Ahab shows some semblance of repentance, the LORD is quick to show him mercy. That is entirely consistent with His character, as revealed throughout Scripture, but it is in marked contrast to the caricature of the harsh “God of the Old Testament” that we see all over our culture — and even within the church.
Third, Ahab prefers to listen to 400 false prophets who tell him what he wants to hear rather than to Micaiah, the one true prophet who speaks the truth. Why? Simply because, “he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.” (I Kings 22:8) Well, maybe there is a reason for that, Ahab!
Sadly, we see Ahab’s preference for hearing “favorable” lies instead of the truth all throughout our society. But now the false “prophets” are on TV reporting the “news” on mainstream media. Or they are on social media platforms where we sit in our echo chambers that reinforce our own opinions. Anyone who dares to speak the truth is likely to be canceled — with devastating personal consequences.
How about you? Do you hear only what you want to hear? Are you willing to face reality? Do you really seek the truth, even when it hurts? Are you willing to speak the truth, like Micaiah, even if it means being rejected?
Thank you, John, for pointing out the difference between the false stereotype of the “Old Testament God” and the reality: God is always quick to answer and to have mercy when we turn to Him—even to Ahab, although his attention to God is short lived. (And the promised destruction of his heirs still comes; it didn’t erase God’s promised judgment on him.)
The characterization of the “New Testament God” as being weak on sin and judgement is equally false. God is God. He has never changed. In His mercy, He has implemented a plan to rescue us from our own self-imposed destruction. That doesn’t mean the consequences of following our own desires and false leadings are smoothed over and all will be rosy. But we can trust in His mercy and grace; He is still FOR us, not against us, when we fail.