READING:
One-year plan: 1 Kings 20-21, John 7:37-8:11
Two-year plan: Numbers 32, Mark 14:1-16
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King Ahab had a clear opinion of the prophet Elijah. In 1 Kings 18:17, he called Elijah the “troubler of Israel” or the “destroyer of Israel,” even blaming the prophet for the drought in the land. In today’s reading, the king called Elijah his “enemy” after Elijah had caught up with him (1 Kgs 21:20). In both cases, though, Elijah reminded Ahab that the king was the problem:
- “I have not ruined Israel, but you and your father’s family have, because you have abandoned the Lord’s commands and followed the Baals.” (1 Kgs 18:18)
- “I have found you because you devoted yourself to do what is evil in the Lord’s sight.” (1 Kgs 21:20)
Strikingly, Ahab had followed the Baals that had no power to halt the drought, no power to intervene in the situation. They were no match for Elijah’s God. In his rebellion, though, King Ahab could not see that reality. Instead, it was simply easier to blame the prophet than to take responsibility. It still is easier to blame others, you know . . . .
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you ever blame others for your wrong?
PRAYER: “God, help me to take responsibility for my sin in all cases.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: 1 Kings 22, 2 Kings 1-2, John 8:12-47
Two-year plan: Numbers 33:1-49, Mark 14:17-31