First Kings 22

God’s message to me: You cannot hide from God. Ahab knew that the enemy would seek to target the king so he disguised himself as a soldier and left Jehoshaphat to ride in the full splendor of the king of Judah. The Syrians went straight for Jehoshaphat but recognized, when they got close, that he was not the king they were targeting. Meanwhile, a random shot by a Syrian archer put an arrow in Ahab’s back. Propped up in his chariot, Ahab slowly bled to death over the course of the day. The prophecy was fulfilled when his chariot was washed out. The dogs licked up his blood.

Promises: God fulfills His promises and justice is served. Ahab humbled himself before God and God let the judgment for his sin fall after his death. This did not change the fact that his family was wiped out. It didn’t change his untimely demise and it didn’t change the curse that his remains would feed the dogs. His son took the throne and did all Ahab had done and worse. Ahab’s son Ahaziah only ruled two years because of his sin and the sin of his family and the families leading the nation into sin against God and worship of false gods.

Commands: This should be obvious by now. ‘I am the Lord thy God and Thou shalt have no other god’s before Me’

Timeless principles: Good advice is nothing but an annoyance to those unwilling to hear it. Ahab wanted to attack the Syrians. He had hundreds of the best prophets money could buy telling him God would be with him in the war. He didn’t want advice from a God fearing prophet because he knew it wouldn’t agree. When the prophet agreed with him he demanded to know if it was a lie. When the prophet confirmed the advice of the other prophets was a lie and that this war would lead to Ahab’s death, Ahab had him locked up and went to war anyway. Ahab died on the battlefield that day. Truth wins even if you don’t like it.

How can I apply what I’ve learned: Worship God and do not be led to false worship of false god’s. (the loving god that would never judge people for their lifestyles and wouldn’t send someone to hell for petty sins like lying, is a false god you must not worship.)

more to learn for in-depth study: The chronicles of the kings of Israel and Judah are historical references, not scripture. While they are referred to in this text, they are not necessary to understand what God wants us to learn. For those who are curious I would suggest contacting a messianic Jewish organization such as Zola Levitt Ministries. http://www.levitt.com/

tomorrow: Second Kings 1-3

First Kings 19-21

God’s message to me: Major events can get a lot of attention but that doesn’t make them signs from God. God can make Himself known in the wind, the earthquake, the fire, the flood or even in a still, small voice. It is important to see that, while God was known mostly by major events in the Old Testament, He was known more in simple words in the New Testament. We have all heard of the miracles of Christ but, the New Testament tells much more of His message and of the words He spoke to show people the way to eternal life.

God is still available for the big miracles today, but when we need to know His will we are most likely to hear it when we learn to “be still and know that [He] is God.” It is only then when we are quiet enough to hear and learn from that “still, small voice”

Promises: There is always a remnant. Israel never failed to find trouble and usually in a very short time period after getting out of trouble. No matter how much evil they did and how thoroughly they were marked for destruction, God has always preserved a remnant for Himself. Since the Day of His promise to Abraham, he has never let Israel be destroyed. Not one tribe has been reduced so far that it could not be maintained. A remnant of those loyal to God has always been kept to ensure the continuation of His people.

Commands: When God gives a command it had better be followed. Ahab repeated Saul’s mistake by sparing a king who had been marked for destruction.

Timeless principles: Regardless of how we are seeking to do God’s will, fear is something we will experience. Fear is the basic response that causes us to quickly take action which removes us from danger. In this way it is a reasonable response given by God to protect us. When we allow it to control our lives and actions and to prevent us from doing right it falls into the real of problem. God has not given us a spirit of fear but of peace. Once the immediate crises is reacted to we must set aside fear and develop a reasonable plan of action.

How can I apply what I’ve learned: Remember not to let fear rule your life. It isn’t wrong to protect yourself but, you can’t let fear prevent you from doing what God wants you to do. Praise God for the young lady who represented California in the Miss USA contest. She battled with her desire to win and allowed faith in God to override fear of loosing. She answered the truth in faith and represented not only God but the vast majority of people in her state. The politically correct judge sought to destroy her for her speech and to punish her for her thoughts and her faith. God has lifted her in the eyes of His people to stand as a shining example of faith.

more to learn for in-depth study: Elijah was sent to anoint 3 people to do God’s work. Hazael would be king of Syria, Nimshi would be king of Israel, and Elisha would become prophet in Elijah’s place. These three would become the tools of judgment against Israel for it’s idolatry.

This passage hints at the evil of Jezebel. She led the nation in worshiping Baal and in all the evil that went with that religion. She was treacherous, a schemer, a murderess, in short, “a Jezebel”. There is a reason that name has become a curse and an insult in our society and there is a reason people don’t name their daughter’s Jezebel. Unfortunately, far to few people remember that reason in a world that claims to love their faith but never reads their bibles. When preachers refuse to teach condemnation no one can learn the need for salvation. Jezebel is a case study in condemnation. That’s probably why no one really learns about her anymore.

On the upside, she will get her “come-uppins” in the end.

tomorrow: First Kings 22