I Kings 21:29
“Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; I will bring the disaster upon his house in his son’s days.”
This is an amazing demonstration of God’s mercy. Ahab was a weak and bad king. The main perpetrator of evil was the queen, Jezebel. However, he chose her to be queen. She wasn’t a believer, but the opposite. She was raised to serve other gods.
Often a queen is chosen strategically, so as to have an alliance with her country of origin. While that sounds practical, it’s against God’s law. He was quite clear that they were to be a god fearing people. Worldly logic and feelings aren’t to factor in with the choice.
Earlier in the chapter, Elijah had delivered a message of judgement to Ahab. It frightened him and he repented. Today’s verse is God’s response. God hears Ahab’s cry for repentance and God accepts it.
This should bring us much comfort. This is God keeping His promise to hear and forgive. I John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” People have done this since the beginning and He has forgiven.
We’ve all done bad things. We’ve committed acts that brought us shame and guilt. We can have a difficult time seeing how God would forgive. But He does. That’s why Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding.” Our logic doesn’t lead us to a merciful God, but towards shame and isolation. We need to ignore shame and follow the bible.
God also puts of His judgement. He was going to bring it to Ahab soon. But He forestalls it to His sons era. One may think this being unfair. God knows Ahab’s son won’t serve Him, otherwise it would be put off again. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.”God is searching all our hearts to find a flicker of fire that’s aimed towards Him. He will fan that flame until a fire burns. That was true for Ahab.
God wants the message out there that He rewards repentance. Others would follow. Especially with the king. He is very influential. People would follow his lead. So, it is beneficial that God does this. His movement grows.
God’s patience is amazing. None of us could sustain it. He did wipe the slate clean and start again in Noah’s time. He promised not to do that again until the end. This was a universal restart. I’m sure this is done here and there, but not the whole world.
There are endless redemption stories. Lives that were going the wrong way, but mercy came. God does much for than forgive, He heals, empowers and blesses. Lives that were going in bad directions, then mercy, healing and empowerment. Contrasting stories in the same life. I’m one. Countless others, as well.
King David committed a great sin with Bathsheba and Uriah. The adulterous relationship and the murderous cover up. Then came the revealing and the following repentance. While alive, David would say, “My cup runneth over”, (Psalm 23). That’s a great testimony to God mercy and grace.
Lord, thank You for Your mercy. Many have benefited from it. You’ve forgiven and blessed many. Thank You.