Dave’s Monday Blast – August 24, 2015
In 1 Kings 16:33 we read about King Ahab, who scripture declares, “did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel than all the Kings of Israel who were before him.” This reminds me a bit of the comment the Apostle Paul made in 1 Timothy 1:15, “I am the chief of sinners.” The difference though is obvious…God Himself declares that Ahab was the “top dog” in this undesirable category. YIKES! On the heels of this declaration we find God moving the prophet Elijah to approach Ahab and inform him of God’s displeasure specific to his actions, and what the consequences shall be. We read in 1 Kings 17:1, “As the Lord, the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, surely there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”
The text gives us a pretty good idea how this message was received by King Ahab. God tells Elijah in verse 3 to RUN and HIDE! Get out of Dodge Elijah…Ahab is gonna be really angry! It took courage for Elijah to bring this message of disaster knowing the reputation of Ahab. The entire kingdom would suffer, some might even blame Elijah. What gave him the courage to approach the King under these circumstances was his faith in God. The validity of the revelation rested with the Source, not the mouthpiece. Elijah was a man of great faith who believed what God told him; he could boldly speak with authority because he knew and trusted the One who gave the message. He spent time alone with the Lord and listened as he stood before Him.
In Touch Ministries comments this way, “Our Father doesn’t speak to us in exactly the same manner that He spoke to the Old Testament prophets, but the process of receiving His message hasn’t changed. It begins with being alone in His presence and involves listening as He speaks through His Word. But it shouldn’t end there. Prophets had the responsibility of telling the people what the Lord revealed to them. Similarly, we are to share with others what we learn from God’s Word. Devotional time with the Lord is not just about our own interests and needs. The Father reveals His treasures to us so that we can share them with others.” That’s good isn’t it!
The admonition is for us to INTENTIONALLY begin each day alone with God in His Word and in prayer, listening as He speaks to your heart. This way we know our “Marching Orders” for the day. Believe what He says in Scripture, apply it to your life, and then share with someone else what He has revealed. Be bold and remember that the authority of your message comes from Him.
