1 Kings 21.20-22

“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.’ [1 Kings 21.20-22]

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 21.27-29]

Even when Ahab humbled himself (repented), God relented. As vile and disgusting as Ahab was, God showed mercy to him when he humbled himself.

The lesson here is simple: repentance is for all.

I tend to think the USA has gone too far in sin,d debauchery and self-centeredness for there to be any forgiveness. But then, I am not God! The Bible is very clear that repentance can save even nations!

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. [2 Chronicles 7.14]

If God would spare Ahab, He will spare the USA. But it will not occur without repentance. It will not occur unless the USA humbles itself. In fact, even if only those who are God's within the USA humble themselves, we have the assurance that God will heal our land.

Be sure of this however, if those who are God's in the USA truly humble themselves, there will be a national effect. If Christians humble themselves and pray, then they will advocate for what is right and righteous. They will not only receive the conviction of the Holy Spirit, but they will convey the conviction of the Holy Spirit by speaking the Truth! If God's people humble themselves and pray, it will affect revival all across the land. When the power of God returns to God's people, their land will reflect it too.

But first, we must understand the lesson of Ahab in the passages noted here today. We must first humble ourselves. And, if we are effective in humbling ourselves, who knows what the next generation might learn from it? They might continue that humility and see judgment averted as well. In fact, we might all enjoy the full Redemption of Jesus Christ...

Again though, humility is a must. Repentance is the natural accompaniment to humility.

Father, forgive us for being so proud and arrogant. Forgive us for allowing ourselves and our entire culture to become saturated with sin and unrighteousness. Forgive us for our faithlessness which has resulted in powerlessness which has resulted in uselessness to a world in great need.