SCRIPTURE: 1 Kings 20
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
He said to the king, “This is what the LORD says: ‘You have set free a man I had determined should die. Therefore it is your life for his life, your people for his people.’ ” [1 Kings 20:42] Ahab is a wicked king, Israel is falling apart. This chapter highlights God’s ongoing concern for, and willingness to work with, His rebellious people. God works to remind them that He is God, not just of the plains and hills, but of the universe. He is directing the outworking of sin and rebellion, for His purpose. But Ahab refuses to accept this. He is more concerned about his own agenda, his own little kingdom, his own success and survival. Letting Ben Hadad go was total self-interest, hoping to make an alliance that would provide peace. Through the prophet, God declares that he will reap what he has sown. A covenant with God is always better than a covenant with sinful humans. In time, Ahab dies in battle with Ben Hadad.
“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” [John 19:10-11] Pilate acts out of self-interest. By releasing Barabbas and crucifying Jesus, he is hoping to appease the Jews, to keep the peace. Instead of pursuing justice, doing the right thing, he does what is convenient, self-serving. Judas does the same, though his sin is greater because he new better, he had been with Jesus. Jesus anticipates the death of Judas; his deal with the Jewish leaders was a deal with the devil, and he loses his life as a result.
But one interesting parallel is that this time, God sets free the people who should have died (i.e. the human race, for our rebellion), and instead takes the innocent life of Jesus. It is His life for our life. Jesus willingly submits to Judas’ betrayal (he knew it was coming). Like the prophet, He willingly allows Himself to be wounded – killed – to communicate God’s message. A message of grace, not judgment.
Ahab was stubborn and foolish, blind to the evidence of God’s mercy. So were the religious leaders and many of the people of Jesus day. But Jesus accepts this, endures it, and asks God to forgive it [Luke 23:34]. In this way, God overcomes the curse of sin by absorbing that curse Himself. The only question is, do we see it? Or are we blind to the evidence of God’s mercy?
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for entering the battle for me, for giving me the victory against an impossible foe. May I not be stubborn, foolish and blind. Help me be grateful, humble, and obedient.