BIBLE READING: 1 Kings 21-22

Ahab was infamously wicked and very powerful (1 Kings 21.25-26). However, he did have moments of clarity about God and his own need for humility (21.27-29). But ultimately, Ahab was swayed by the voices of others and his own personal agendas. Even when a prophet from God spoke plainly to him, his impulse was to get mad because it wasn’t what he wanted.

“And [Ahab] said to Jehoshaphat, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the LORD, Micaiah the son of Imlah, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.” (1 Kings 22.8)

Micaiah enters the scene as a clarifying voice. Everybody was telling Ahab what he wanted to hear (1 Kings 22.6, 12); but Jehoshaphat understood what was going on (22.8). They needed an unbiased prophet who would truly tell them what God said. Ahab knew just the guy, but he really didn’t like him. His messengers tried to sway Micaiah, but he plainly stated, “what the LORD says to me, that I will speak” (1 Kings 22.14).

The sad part about this story is that, aside from some sarcasm, God doesn’t play games with Ahab. God tells Ahab (via Micaiah) that he was enticing him with a lying spirit to go out and be destroyed in battle… and Ahab didn’t listen. He thought he could manipulate the outcome by disguising himself in battle (1 Kings 21.30); but he could not defy the word of God. Ahab died in battle, struck by a random arrow, and the dogs licked up his blood (1 Kings 22.34-38; cf. 21.24).

A couple thoughts to consider from this episode:

1. Circumstances don’t always end well for the good guys. Imagine having the reputation of Micaiah. He was a known man of God whose commitment to speak God’s words got him publicly berated and thrown into prison (1 Kings 22.13-28). His peers were swayed by the power of the king, but Micaiah understood his calling (1 Kings 22.6, 14). Even though he spoke the truth, his staunch faith got him labeled a troublemaker. Like many prophets, his story ends with negativity with him stuck in prison. Surely this wasn’t what he wanted, but it was where faith took him and many others.
2. God is clear on outcomes. We don’t have specific revelation regarding our lives, but we can be certain that God is firmly in control of both the present and the future. Whether we like it or not, what he says is what will be. We must not attempt to defy or manipulate what God has plainly stated. To be in opposition to God’s word is to ensure we will receive judgment from God. God will judge the bad guys and reward the faithfulness of people who stand firmly on what the Lord has said.

We don’t know Michaiah’s immediate fate, but we are certain of Ahab’s. In the same way, we may not be sure of our immediate fate, but we can be certain of what will happen to those who don’t listen to God’s word. Let us stand confidently on these truths, living and speaking what the Lord has said to us.

BIBLE READING: 1 Kings 11-14

Solomon blew it and YHWH pronounced judgment through Jeroboam, his servant (1 Kings 11.26, 40). Via prophet, YHWH promised that Jeroboam would reign over 10 tribes of Israel, even giving Jeroboam similar promises to David (1 Kings 11.35, 38). Although Jeroboam was exiled for a short time, following the death of Solomon, things began falling into place. Rehoboam foolishly spurned his people who immediately departed and made Jeroboam king (1 Kings 12.1-20). “…it was a turn of affairs brought about by YHWH that he might fulfill his word, which [He] spoke… to Jeroboam…” (1 Kings 12.15)

The fracture situated Israel for civil war, but YHWH made a quick end to this with a clear message: “Stop this and go home” (1 Kings 12.24) … and they listened to YHWH. This episode emphatically teaches that conflicts do not have to end in destruction when people listen to God. In tense moments, the natural inclination is to follow them to the Nth degree. In fact, sometimes people divide to define and destroy the opposition. But tensions can be diffused and managed by the direction of God. The reality even today is that God’s people will encounter moments of strife that may cause separation (consider Acts 15.36-39), but it doesn’t have to end in the pursuit of destruction. Take a breath, maybe some time apart and be willing to do what God says. In this wisdom, people find clarity.

Ironically, this became a point of fear for Jeroboam. Since the people still listened to YHWH, Jeroboam worried he might lose control when they returned to Jerusalem to worship (1 Kings 12.26-27). “So the king… made two calves of gold… And he set one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. Then this thing became a sin…” (1 Kings 12.26-30). A man hand-picked by God to replace a king who had gone after other gods, now has left God to secure his own kingdom. How quickly people lose sight of God and his promises! For this reason, Jeroboam received a similar condemnation from the LORD regarding his kingdom: “YHWH will give up Israel because of the sins of Jeroboam…” (1 Kings 14.16).

We must see from Jeroboam that choices define faithfulness, not personal experiences. YHWH appeared to Jeroboam via prophet on at least 2 occasions. You would think these moments would impact him the rest of his life… but instead he was drawn away by other agendas.

The human heart has not changed. It is popular for people to define themselves by some experience with God in their lives. But the promotion of these moments tends more towards pride than faith in action. Hence why Paul would boast no in his third heaven experience but in his weakness (2 Corinthians 11-12). We must not desire or be defined by singular moments but daily devotion to the one we are sure has spoken. Whatever experience God gives us is must constrain us towards greater trust in what he has promised and directed to us through his word. We must not fear that the outcome will not be what we want. Instead, we must continue to listen and obey and let that settle our hearts. 

BIBLE READING: 1 Kings 3-11

Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father… (1 Kings 3.3)

Solomon began his reign with clear vision. He definitively secured the throne (1 Kings 2.13-46) but also rendered fair assessments of his ability (1 Kings 3.7-8). His humble vulnerability was pleasing to the Lord; and that’s what Solomon cared about the most during this season of life (1 Kings 3.5-14). It would propel him to finish the temple project, and to lead the people in a culminating moment of worship and dedication (1 Kings 5-8). But over time, Solomon’s love and loyalty shifted.

Now King Solomon loved many foreign women… Solomon clung to these in love… and his wives turned away his hearts… after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. (1 Kings 11.1-4)

He invested himself in wealth, women and power that had clear impact on his decisions (1 Kings 11.3-8). His wives held the trump card even over YHWH who had appeared to Solomon twice in profound and powerful ways (1 Kings 11.9). The result was devastating for the future of the kingdom as YHWH would tear away the kingdom in two and give part of it to another (1 Kings 11.11-ff)

His downfall is a case study for Jesus’ teaching, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6.24). One thing will rule our lives, and we know it should be God… but is that truly where our affections lie? Do we desire God above all else because we know and trust him with our whole heart? I can tell you from experience that we are easily deceived about our affections because we don’t expose the truths in our heart through honest introspection and confession. Hence the pervasive warning of scripture to, “guard your heart with all diligence for from it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4.23).

But the pressing question we must consider is why did Solomon’s love change? Did God become less worthy? Were these other relationships more important than God? The answers are obvious, and yet this deception has captured many throughout history. Perhaps it has even captured you. The passing of time and the entrance of new and immediate gratification is deceptively pleasurable. We easily become bored and apathetic towards God. Solomon sought the LORD in his younger days; but it didn’t last because he clung to things of this world and didn’t cling to God. Sometimes that is the case for us. We cling to comfort; we cling to happiness; we cling to people who we think will offer that to us. But that won’t work. We need to cling to God and seek him only. We must choose this day whom we will serve and make no excuses for other rivals. God will satisfy our souls, but we must seek him with our whole heart. And so let this be our anthem:

“My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63.5-8)

BIBLE READING: 2 Samuel 20

“And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he get himself to fortified cities and escape from us.”” (2 Samuel 20.6)

Sheba was an influential man, but he was not a good man (2 Samuel 20.1). Given the recent events of Absalom’s rebellion, David took swift and definitive action to subdue this uprising. Abishai and his brother Joab pursued Sheba, cornering him in the town of Abel. Their objective was clear: destroy Sheba at all costs. However, their tactics also endangered the lives of many innocent people (2 Samuel 20.15). They planned to destroy the city; but as they besieged it, an unexpected character stepped forward. 

“Then a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come here, that I may speak to you.’”” (2 Samuel 20.16). 

This wise woman carried no weapon but bore great wisdom. With thoughtful questions and persuasive speech, this woman resolved the conflict, administered justice, and saved her city. She knew the conflict needed clarity. More importantly, her objective was to peaceably reconcile the matter, if possible (2 Samuel 20.19). What is most amazing is she did this despite the poor choices of others. Sheba was worthless and divisive, stirring many to rebel. Joab was impetuous and violent. Conflict had begun and was increasing. In many other instances this would had ended with mass bloodshed, and most would have chalked it up to unavoidable circumstances. But, through wisdom, the outcomes were altered for good. 

Naturally we gauge our actions through the lens of circumstances. But wisdom understands 'my' choices are not contingent on the actions of others. I am responsible for my actions, and I do not have to get swept up in my circumstances. It may be difficult at times, but we must remember: the only person I can truly change is ME. We don’t need to make excuses or decry our imperfect circumstances. We have power to do what we know is right, and by wisdom we will. “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12.18).

Also, wisdom understands my choices impact more than just me. This woman’s choices saved her city, but also ended Sheba’s life. It ended this rebellion and subdued the mounting tensions. There was great power in her actions. While most people get swept up in the emotion of the moment, one person can dramatically alter a situation… and that one person can be ME.

This woman’s choices are uncommon but not unattainable. It’s important to see that the scriptures draw no attention to her name but to her character. She will forever be remembered as the wise woman who turned the tide of this rebellion. If your story were recorded for history, how would you be remembered?

“Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” (Ecclesiastes 9.18)

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 28

“…when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets. The Saul said to his servants, “Seek out for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.”” (1 Samuel 28.6-7a)

Saul’s life was in a tailspin, and he wanted it to stop. But God had rejected him, both personally and by proxy (1 Samuel 28.6, 16). In his desperation, Saul violated not only his own command (28.3, 9), but another of God’s commands (Leviticus 19.31). Saul’s life could be summed up with the mantra, “It is better to ask forgiveness than permission” and the results were devastating. His circumstantial morality consistently positioned him to make inconsistent and impulsive decisions. Saul knew the right thing to do, and he simply did not do it. 

The scriptures make clear that no amount of confession or repentance would change his outcome. Even though he was wanting to listen now (1 Samuel 28.15), Samuel explains that he should have listened the first time (28.17-18, cf. 1 Samuel 15.1-3). Each time Saul willfully disobeyed there were consequences of increasing severity (presumably to turn him back to right, but with little effect), culminating in his death in battle (28.19; 31.4).

“..if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.” (Hebrews 10.26-27)

Saul’s story is an object lesson for this principle and a powerful witness to the effects of willful disobedience. His rejection of God and his law brought about definite consequences that could not be undone. 

There are times we act out of ignorance, but many times sin occurs in a context where we know better. While grace is immense through Christ, it is limited by our choices in these moments of awareness. The writer of Hebrews continues:

“Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?” (Hebrews 10.28-29)

We must not allow grace to salve our conscience. We know how God expects us to behave, and the moments we tend to struggle. Usually it’s when we’re frustrated, upset or emotional. We revert to selfish, defensive behavior. Too often we decide these are the moments to excuse our behavior. God is not only displeased by this choice but is outraged when we decide we’ll just ask for forgiveness later. This choice is contrary to God’s nature and negligent of what he has revealed to us. For this reason, our moral choices must be rooted in his character and not simply in our circumstances. 

When we know what is right, we must do it (James 4.17). God will not tell us twice without discipline or consequence (Hebrews 12.5-11).