The Wages Of Sin 2

1 Kings 22:29-40

…all he had to do was listen, and obey! Like, he literally asked for an answer from the Lord, and received it, yet he refused to do the right thing! Seriously, Ahab?! Okay, let me start over. Have you ever needed help with something, and you couldn’t accomplish it on your own, but when help arrived, you turned it down? That thing you so desperately needed, in order to be successful, or in the case of Ahab, to stay alive, you chose rather to abide by the words of those who spoke lies, rather than truth. The Bible makes it very clear, king Ahab was the most evil man of his time, and was responsible for committing countless acts of wickedness, on behalf of Baal. When seeking a word of certain victory against the Syrians, Ahab’s false prophets were influenced by a spirit approved by God, to speak lies from their lips. The prophets confirmed (falsely), the king would fair well against the Syrians, but God spoke through the prophet Micaiah, warning the king he would suffer greatly, if he went to battle against Syria. In other words, God set before king Ahab life, and death, and gave him the power to choose which to acknowledge. Ahab literally hated Micaiah, because he usually spoke against the wickedness he sought approval for. Why hate a man for trying to save your soul? Oh senseless king. Unfortunately, Ahab ignored Micaiah’s godly advice, and was met with a disastrous end.

Despite how cruel and wicked some people become, God will continue to show them sincere love. But, when God’s warnings of judgment for disobedience are ignored, those same people condemn themselves to a disastrous end.

Hide And Seek

1 Kings 19

There’s something about Heaven, or more specifically, the realm of the spirit, that I am unable to fathom. Throughout the Scriptures, there are many instances where a spiritual manifestation superceded natural law and order. For example, Jesus turned water into wine from grapes that never existed. How do you explain that in scientific terms? Another example took place when the angel of the Lord helped Peter escape from prison, without using a key to open the cell, nor any gadgets the Beagle Boys used in the Duck Tales cartoons. It’s evident, the spirit realm operates on an entirely different playing field than the natural, and for this reason, men should take heed to developing their understanding of God’s Word, so that they’ll be able to navigate through the earth the way God intended them to.

That brief introduction was intended to continue from where we left off on the previous lesson, as the prophet Elijah was running and hiding from queen Jezebel, who sought to take his life. For an entire day, Elijah had run as far as he could, then retired into a wilderness area, where he rested under a juniper tree. It’s apparent, Elijah was still shaken in faith from the threat of the queen, because he begin to request that God take his life, as he felt he was no better than his fathers before him. This was a very intense moment, because Elijah trusted in God, and His amazing power, but the fear of one woman turned the bold lion, into a cowardly chicken.

So, Elijah fell asleep in the wilderness, undoubtedly neglecting to care for his now weak and famished body, but God had not forgotten His servant, and sent an angel to minister unto him. The angel had prepared a meal for the prophet, then woke him up to eat. It would be super awesome to enjoy a meal prepared by an angel, don’t you agree? What’s even more amazing is, the second meal the angel prepared for Elijah gave him strength that lasted 40 days and nights. Wowzer! One angelic cuisine was packed with enough nutrients and essentials to give a man strength for over a month! I can only imagine what the benefits a full heavenly meal would provide. I tell ya, trying to understand the realm of the spirit gives me headaches sometimes, but I love it!

After his long journey, Elijah went into a cave, and lodged there, until the voice of the Lord was heard. God said, “Elijah, what are you doing in here?” (Ell’s translation). The prophet responded, “I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” There’s no doubt the words Elijah spoke were truth, but God needed a moment to whip His servant back into spiritual shape. God then commanded Elijah to go and stand upon the mountain, to meet Him there. The mighty and matchless God made a grand entrance on the mountain, the likes of which Hollywood stars, athletes, or even famous wrestlers pale in comparison to. Before the Lord arrived, a great and strong wind passed through, literally tearing down the mountains, and breaking the rocks in pieces. After the winds had passed, an earthquake shook the very foundations of the land. If that wasn’t enough to get Elijah’s blood pumping, a great fire followed after the earthquake, and then the voice of the Lord began to speak. Again, God asked Elijah, “What are you doing here?”, and he delivered the same response. While Elijah ran to hide himself, God sought him out to reveal another plan he was to partake in.

In times when we are afraid to step out on faith, following a possible failure, God is always waiting to give us new strength to take on new tasks ahead. The work of the Christian is perpetual, and never ends, so rather than hide and cower over past failures, we should be mindful to take breaks, regain our strength, then step back onto the battlefield. God will always equip us with what we need to face every challenge ahead of us, despite how often we belittle ourselves.

From Faith To Fear

1 Kings 19

The great and honorable prophet Elijah had proven to be a reliable and effective conduit, by which God could work His glory and power through. Confronting a king of any stature, is never a wise action to take, but God was with Elijah, more notably when he opposed the king’s wicked beliefs, and obeyed as God commanded.

While doing the works of the Lord are indeed righteous, not everyone will hold your actions in a positive light. After hearing how Elijah had slain 450 prophets of Baal (who were in full support of the king and queen’s unrighteous rule), the cruel and brutal Jezebel sent a messenger to God’s prophet, warning him of his certain death. After performing many great wonders in the name of the Lord, one would assume that Elijah would simply laugh at the threat of a deceived and unrighteous woman, but the great and mighty prophet of the most high God, ran for his life! I have full understanding that a threat on your life should never be taken lightly (especially these days), but Elijah was not too far removed from making it rain, and slaying 450 men, by himself! What was it about Jezebel, that caused the once bold prophet to cower in fear? While king Ahab was known to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, Jezebel was responsible for spearheading many of those situations. She promoted and funded Baal worship, eliminated many of God’s representatives in Israel, then set her mind to rid the world of the prophet Elijah.

While it’s true, the mind and body require rest and nourishment, especially after a great spiritual experience, I’m certain God would have protected Elijah, had he stood his ground against the evil queen, but due to his overwhelming fear of Jezebel, the prophet Elijah ran from Jezreel, and eventually settled at Mount Horeb. While there, he talked with God…

Make It Rain

1 Kings 18

Many days had passed from the time God sent the prophet Elijah to confront the evil king Ahab, until He was ready to reveal His omnipotence to the nation that had turned against Him. During these times, a severe famine overtook Samaria, but the king and those he ruled were still unconvinced of the sovereignty of the true and living God. After an eventful three years of miraculous signs and provision, God spoke to the prophet Elijah, and instructed him to return to the king with another important message. The Lord said to Elijah, “Go, show thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.” Could you imagine not having rain for three years? Without rainfall on the earth, there would be catastrophic damage all over the world. But, God allows things to happen so others can witness for themselves, all power belongs to Him, and He alone is deserving of worship, honor, and glory. Unfortunately, men are too consumed in their own beliefs, that they totally disregard the obvious workings of the living God, in favor of their futile idolatry.

As you read further into chapter 18, you’ll discover the very unique and elaborate plan God commanded Elijah to follow, which revealed the falsehoods and foolishness of Baal worship, and brought to light the mighty power of the God of Heaven and earth. 450 prophets who worshiped Baal were left without an answer from their “god of rain and plenty”, yet they witnessed the power of the true God with their own eyes.

Nothing compares to the power of the almighty God. Men and women are drawn away daily into deception, and allow falsehoods to overtake their sensibility, but every idol worshipped by men, has no power to do anything, except distract them from the truth. Have you pledged your allegiance to serve weak and powerless idols, or are you aligned with the God who created all things?

Powerless Groves

1 Kings 16:29-18:4

For 22 years, Ahab, the son of Omri, reigned over Israel. Many kings had ruled God’s chosen people before this time; some feared God, but many did not. Of all those who reigned over Israel up to this point, none provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger more than king Ahab. Ahab did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who sat on the throne before him. This is really saying something, because the wicked kings who came before Ahab were known for committing corruptible and heinous acts in the sight of the Lord. How would you feel knowing someone who was deemed by the Bible, the most wicked king ever? Not only was Ahab building a reputation for harboring pure evil, but he joined himself to the most wicked woman of his time as well. Jezebel came from the city of Tyre, and was known to be a committed worshiper of Baal also. From their union, came forth only evil and wickedness. To make matters worse, king Ahab thought it necessary to build an altar for Baal, in the house already established for Baal worship. While God allowed the evil king to sit on the throne, He was preparing a man to bring Ahab’s darkness to light. According to His perfect timing, God sent the prophet Elijah to warn king Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” (17:1b). Telling the king there would be no rain or dew until he says so, was like a literal slap in the face of their god. Baal worshippers believed he was the god of rain and harvest, so when the prophet Elijah graced the king’s presence with such a warning, this no doubt brought shock and worry to the heart of the evil man. Elijah was brave in confronting the king, and delivering the message of the Lord, but this was only the beginning of the story…

God-sent ravens to feed Elijah

1 Kings 17:1-7

Have I mentioned lately, how much God hates evil, and despises sin? If not, then here goes…God hates evil, and despises sin! Acts of sin defy God’s expected acts of obedience to His Word. When we willingly sin, we are choosing to side with baal, or satanism. No matter how pretty the picture is painted, sin is always wrong, and consistent acts lead to rebellion against God. God created man to bless him, and make him to prosper in all things, but when a man sins, inevitable consequences will always meet him on his path.

There was a man named Ahab, who assumed the throne to rule over Israel, during the time when king Asa ruled Judah. It’s been written, king Ahab did more evil in the sight of the Lord, than all who ruled before him. That’s intense! What could this man have possibly done, that excelled above those before him? For one thing, his biggest mistake was first, marrying one of the most wicked, and sinister women in Scripture (Jezebel), coupled with serving baal, building an altar for the pagan god, and worshipping him religiously. Verse 33 of chapter 16 reads, “and Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him”. After reading that verse, you could safely assume, God would respond in a powerful, yet unusual way (to get the kings attention, expose his evil, and hope to convince him to change his evil heart). God loves everyone, but He has no tolerance for sin, and will give you a chance to repent, but that window could close before you know it.

During the evil reign of king Ahab, God raised up a prophet to stand against the king, and reveal His power to the nation. Elijah, meaning God is Jehovah, was one of the returning exiles mentioned in the book of Ezra. God sent Elijah to confront the king, then announce that there would be no dew, or rain until he says so. That was an interesting statement on many levels. First, the king probably wondered how a mere mortal could control the elements, after getting over the fact that this man came in his presence to check him. Knowing that the king’s heart was pure evil, God then ordered His prophet to run to a place where he would be provided food and water for a season. Telling a king there would be no way for the fields of crops to be watered no doubt angered him, because food is an essential, and he, along with the people could suffer greatly. The more evil and pride a man holds in his heart, the more God will do to prove to him, he’s nothing without the Lord.

While the king suffered for a season, God cared for Elijah by sending ravens to bring him bread and flesh every morning and evening, while he drank fresh water from a brook. God always provides for those who are obedient to what He commands them to do, and brings judgment on those who willingly rebel. Even today, there are many who are similar to, if not worse than the wicked king Ahab, who suffer greatly for their continued disobedience. But those who are just as bold and faithful as the prophet Elijah, are on schedule to receive God’s best!

Walk in love,

Ell