Saturday, July 5, 2014
Reading for today: 1 Kings 20 – 21

In our reading today, King Ahab is victorious over the Arameans. God gave him the victory, yet Ahab never gives God the credit. This makes me realize how important it is for us to always remember to give the glory and honor to God in all that takes place in our lives.

Then we read the story of Ahab wanting Naboth’s vineyard. What a different side to Ahab we see here. Not the might warrior King or even the great statesman who magnanimously spares the life of his enemy… no what we see now is a whiny, spoiled brat who didn’t get his own way and he sits in his room and sulks.

As I read this chapter, it occurred to me, that Ahab (with Jezebel’s help) breaks so many commandments in just this one event. Apparently, God is not first in Ahab life or he would never have gone down this road of selfish desire, it is obvious that Ahab covets his neighbor’s vineyard, then he brings false witness against him, next he steals the vineyard from him, and finally has him murdered. Let’s see that is five of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). It is amazing to me how one sin can lead to so many other sins.

Jesus tells us in Matthew that we shouldn’t even think about sinning, “You have heard that is was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28) Jesus is warning us from dwelling on things that will lead us into sin. Instead we are called to think about “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Oh if only Ahab would have thought about such things, how different his legacy would have been.

So, what do you spend your time thinking about?

Blessings
Pastor Kathy