The world’s governments have experts on everything. But who seeks the Wonderful Counselor? As we transition between the books of 1 and 2 Kings, we see a continuation of the same saga. What is the overall lesson from these books? It is certainly one of great significance to the nations of the West, encapsulated by […]
The highlights of a life can be expressed in a few lines—not what I say but whether I walk with God. About the time that Jehoshaphat was wonderfully delivered from the Syrian assault, a “man drew a bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor” (1 Ki 22:34). […]
The believer’s greatest danger is not found in times of persecution but in times of popularity. Rarely does a believer have only one warning when approaching danger. Circumstances, conscience, reason, memory, Scripture, experience, friends—all these and many more can sound the alarm. Jehoshaphat knew that Ahab and Jezebel were missionaries for Baal. He should never […]
Three years passed after Ahab got a glimpse into his future—years of God’s longsuffering grace. Over the next three years, the Lord held back the Syrians, Israel’s relentless foe. Then Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, came to visit Ahab. This led Ahab to wonder how Jehoshaphat could be used to Israel’s advantage. He hadn’t discovered the […]
It’s usually good we don’t know our future on earth, but very good to know our future in heaven. The final word isn’t declared on a matter until we hear from the Lord. Jezebel had sent out a forged document bearing the king’s signature and seal. Naboth had been buried, falsely charged with blasphemy. Ahab […]
“God does not always pay at the end of the week, but at the end, He pays” (Anne of Austria). At the universal level, our Lord made everything, sustains everything, and is heir to everything (see Rom 11:36). At the local level, He recognizes the right of ownership. As Peter said to Ananias concerning his […]
Saul, like Ahab, had an ill-timed showing of mercy. In Saul’s case, it almost led to the end of the Jews. Ben-Hadad means “son of Hadad.” Hadad, a West Semitic bearded god of storms, carried a club in one hand and a thunderbolt in the other—not a very nice fellow. Well, Ben-Hadad was more thunder […]
The mountaintop is the place of vision; the valley turns that vision into hard-fought reality. In our previous segment, we saw how the gracious Lord gave victory to His undeserving people over the Syrian troops. I’m amazed—and deeply grateful—at the many times the Lord has done the same for me. But, said the Lord’s prophet, […]