PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 1 Kings 15-16
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Ahab did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him.” (1 Kings 16:30)
These chapters review the kings in the split kingdom of Israel (Judah and Israel).
Asa follows David, and reigns for many years; a succession of kings in Israel rebel against God.
The authors are telling a story – what happens when you disregard God and God’s way.
God is not punishing these kings, but letting them have their way… and it doesn’t end well.
It seems that sin when unleashed goes from bad to worse.
Can we see this pattern in our own lives, or in our world?
We can probably point to it in others, but we need to first focus on ourselves?
Are there ways that I am holding back on God, and trying to live for my own desires?
It doesn’t matter that it may not seem as bad as what others are doing.
The Lord is speaking to me about my life, about subtle ways I am compromising.
How I handle money, how I manage my time, my response to need or suffering in others.
Jesus is our standard of ‘God’s way’, and we want to grow in following him.
He is our predecessor; are we striving to be like him (like Asa followed David)?
I can’t do “more good” than Jesus, but I can determine to do good like Jesus!
PRAYER
Lord, help me not to compare myself to others and think I am OK that way. Help me to see you as my standard, and to rely on your Spirit to do more and more of what is good in the eyes of the Lord!
The succession and downfall of the kings that follow Solomon on both the Israel and the Judah side – is mostly a downward spiral. There is sometimes hope, like Asa – but nothing lasts. Pagan religious practices continue to become the fabric of life – displacing the true worship of Yahweh. The Kings for the most part are hopeless leaders – aiding the downfall. They make deals and counter deals with other nations around them – no longer having any security with Yahweh. Yet God keeps a remnant in keeping with his promise to David – that leads to Jesus – the king eternal – beyond the earthly kingdom. Lord, help me not to be caught up in my own ego – but rather to seek your will and guidance in my life!
What am I doing in the sight of the Lord?
I am always in His presence and I need to walk in His way and do good in His sight. WWJD – I need to Walk With Jesus Daily, dressing myself with His armour so I may be able to produce good fruit.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of his Word
What a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will, he abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.