For The Good Of All

“So, my enemy, you have found me!” Ahab exclaimed to Elijah. “Yes,” Elijah answered, “I have come because you have sold yourself to what is evil in the LORD’s sight. So now the LORD says, ‘I will bring disaster on you and consume you. I will destroy every one of your male descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel! I am going to destroy your family as I did the family of Jeroboam son of Nebat and the family of Baasha son of Ahijah, for you have made me very angry and have led Israel into sin.’ “And regarding Jezebel, the LORD says, ‘Dogs will eat Jezebel’s body at the plot of land in Jezreel.’ “The members of Ahab’s family who die in the city will be eaten by dogs, and those who die in the field will be eaten by vultures.” (No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the LORD’s sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife Jezebel. His worst outrage was worshiping idols just as the Amorites had done—the people whom the LORD had driven out from the land ahead of the Israelites.) 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.” [1 Kings 21.20-29]

There is much to learn from this passage of scripture today. A couple things stand out to me more than anything else though.

First, Ahab's evil actions warranted disaster and destruction upon him. Ahab practiced evil (it says his wife was the real influence) and brought consequences upon himself and his family.

Next, Ahab genuinely repented.

Ahab's repentance was really good for him but it did nothing for the curse upon his family. How sad.

What would it have taken for the curse to be removed from Ahab's family (descendants)? We don't know from this passage of scripture, but one can only imagine that if there was to be mercy for all, perhaps a more widespread repentance would have been necessary. Specifically, I am guessing Jezebel would have had to repent, and, together, she and Ahab, lead their entire family (and perhaps all of Israel) in repentance.

The last thing I want to point out is that God responded mercifully to genuine repentance. At least this mercy was extended to Ahab anyway (he was the only one who repented as far as the story reveals). But the fact remains: God responds to genuine repentance.

Father help me to repent for my own sinfulness, but help me also lead my family and all around to repentance as well - for the good of us all.