June 12
1 Kings 20:23-22:9; 2 Chronicles 18:1-8
When sharing with "religious" individuals, it seems one of the hardest things for them to grasp is grace. Religion always centers around works, and with that comes the entitlement that they are somehow receiving that which they have earned for their "good" living. In fact, they often recoil at names such as, "Son of Sam" being among those of God. For in their opinion, where sins are ranked, murderers, etc. don't deserve God's blessings. This is why many will be shocked if they knew the true lists of those who are heaven bound and those who are hell bound. It all revolves around Jesus' payment on the cross, and those who are willing to repent and accept His gift. It all comes down to God's grace and mercy. Our "good" works are a response to His grace and mercy, not an entitlement program in which we have earned anything. For any who believe their religious denomination has an advantage over others, and their hope and trust is in their religion, and what they have done, it is not hard to point out the fallacy of this. This could be done for each denomination, but for instance, for those who trust in the sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church, one must remember that Adolph Hitler was indeed baptized and confirmed into this religion. I must emphasize this is not specific to this denomination at all, but extends to every Protestant denomination and every Evangelical group. Far too many in evangelical circles, believe their kids are good because of spending their earlier years in "Youth groups".
King Ahab truly was a godless individual. It was said of him in 1 Kings 16:30, "Now Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were before him." As we go through the pages, he lives up to this in idol worship, etc. But just when it seems like Ahab is getting what he deserves, through the hands of Ben-Hadad, king of Syria, we read in 20:13, “Suddenly a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel, saying, “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.’ ” The death blow was about to be delivered as Ahab was trapped in Samaria, as Ben-Hadad was laying siege to it, and rather than judgment, grace was given. Did he deserve it? NO! We see it again extended in a subsequent battle with this same king. But no sooner is this hand of grace extended, when this evil king returns to his former ways, and coveting a nearby field, his wife has the owner murdered. Judgment on the house of Ahab is pronounced through Elijah, the prophet. But even after this, when the king repents, mourning in sackcloth, God extends grace once again.
We must remember what is written in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts". Would we have been this generous with King Ahab? No! But, thankfully His ways are higher than our ways. Before any of us create a hitlist in our minds of those who we think should be judged for their atrocities against mankind, we must remember that if not for God's mercy, we also deserve to be on that same list. Please don't start listing what a good mother, father, wife, husband, etc. that you are. Like me, we are sinners through and through. It is only by His grace and mercy that we live to breathe another day, may none of us forget this. Recipients of His beautiful gifts, vessels for His will, that is what we should desire. We praise You and exalt Your Name, O Lord!
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: