(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 21.25-29]
Even with Ahab being defined as "having completely sold himself to what was evil" God showed him mercy.
I want to point out something that may contribute greatly to our understanding of the mercy God extended to Ahab. We find this a bit earlier in 1 Kings. Here it is:
Ben-hadad told him, “I will give back the towns my father took from your father, and you may establish places of trade in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” Then Ahab said, “I will release you under these conditions.” So they made a new treaty, and Ben-hadad was set free. [1 Kings 20.34]
For whatever reason, after defeating Ben-Hadad's army, Ahab set Ben-Hadad free. Now, in sparing Ben-Hadad's life, Abab unsurprisingly disobeyed God only further securing his "having completely sold himself to what was evil" title. But, Ahab showed Ben-Hadad mercy...
Are you thinking yet?
God established the Golden Rule long before Jesus came to earth. In fact, we see this Biblical principle conveyed as far back as Leviticus:
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. [Leviticus 19.18]
Jesus then, only further expounded upon the Golden Rule when he quoted it (as per Luke's Gospel):
Do to others as you would like them to do to you. [Luke 6.31]
Likewise, Jesus made very clear that our being forgiven, is directly tied to us being forgiving.
But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. [Matthew 6.15]
So, as totally given over to sin as Ahab was (even in disobediently sparing Ben-Hadad's life), God showed Ahab mercy when he repented.
Do you think Ahab's being shown mercy by God had anything to do with his forgiveness of Ben-Hadad? I would say an overwhelming, "Yes!"
We must see that, when we are merciful (forgiving others), our repentance before God goes much further in securing mercy from Him for ourselves.
It is important then that, along with being taught to ask for daily bread when we pray, we are also taught for forgive so that we might be forgiven in the same sentence!
Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. [Matthew 6.11-12]
Being merciful to others does not give us license to sin. However, having been merciful to others (on a today/daily basis) when we go to God in repentance certainly doesn't hurt our plea to God!
Yep, another talk about forgiveness! If we want to be forgiven, we must be forgiving!
Father, You are obviously not letting up on me on the subject of forgiveness. No doubt, it is because I have been crying out for mercy from You. How good You are! Please keep teaching me about forgiveness and mercy so that nothing stands between me and Your merciful forgiveness (and all the "benefits" associated with it - healing, provision, peace...).
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