Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Daily Devotional by Kenton Cheek

27 June 2024

Reading From I Kings 20-21

 ^“But the Lord said to Elijah,“Go down to meet King Ahab of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He will be at Naboth’s vineyard in Jezreel, claiming it for himself. Give him this message: ‘This is what the Lord says: Wasn’t it enough that you killed Naboth? Must you rob him, too? Because you have done this, dogs will lick your blood at the very place where they licked the blood of Naboth!’”

But when Ahab heard this message, he tore his clothing, dressed in burlap, and fasted. He even slept in burlap and went about in deep mourning.

Then another message from the Lord came to Elijah: “Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has done this, I will not do what I promised during his lifetime. It will happen to his sons; I will destroy his dynasty.”

–I Kings 21:17-19, 27-29

     Ahab was perhaps the most wicked king Israel had.  His evil wife Jezebel formed the other half of this diabolical duo.  And yet when Elijah brought his message of judgment from the Lord, Ahab apparently listened and appeared penitent.  When someone brings correction to me, the godly response is for me to consider their rebuke and take responsibility if I have done wrong.  God can see beyond the burlap to the heart.  Only He knows if someone is truly sorry, but changed behavior is the best way for other humans to know if someone has genuinely repented.

“God, I pray that You would examine my mind and heart to see if there is any sinful way within me.  Remove any thoughts, desires, and patterns of behavior that do not honor You.  I love You Jesus.  Amen.”

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

–Psalm 139:23-24