Blog post September 23, 2026

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 son's; I will destroy his dynasty. 1 Kings 21:29

Ahab was one of the most wicked kings Israel had ever had. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord. So the Lord had said to him "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! You have made me very angry and led Israel into sin.

When Ahab heard this message he tore his clothing, dressed up in burlap, and fasted. He even slept in burlap and went about in deep morning. God then said to Elijah "do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before Me?

What do we make of this story? God shows mercy to the undeserving? God responds to humility? God is patient and delays judgment? YES, YES and YES!

Oh how we can praise God that when we humble ourselves before Him, even though we don't deserve His mercy, He gives it. What hope we can have for those who have yet to repent and place their faith in Christ. God's delay in judgment gives everyone the opportunity to humble themselves, repent and believe.

I love how Old Testament stories like this give us such hope. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come unto repentance.

Many of Ahab's sinful choices were rooted in the very things that plague us all. Jealousy, pride, greed and an unwillingness to stand up for what was right and honored God when pressured by those around him.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy and patience. All who forfeit their forgiveness do so willingly, not because You don't offer it. Thank you that Your grace is based solely on You, not us deserving it. Thank you in Jesus name. AMEN