A Divine Warning
And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou,
and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the
commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.
1 Kings 18:18
Read 1 Kings 18:16-20
The prophet Elijah dealt honestly with King Ahab. Without beating around
the bush, he clearly pointed out the king’s sins. The kings of Israel were
required to have a copy of God’s Law nearby to guide them in making decisions.
They were to be examples to the rest of the nation in fearing the
Lord. However, in the case of Ahab and his house, this was not true. The
commandments of God were laid aside, and Baal was served instead. Elijah
spoke very directly about this matter with Ahab.
Our leaders today must also be admonished when they transgress the
commandments of God. Sin must never be slighted nor defended. However,
that is also true in our personal lives. Moreover, it is our duty to warn
others when they transgress God’s commandments as well. Often we are
afraid to do so; in such times we need to pray for courage to be forthright
as well as ask God’s blessing on the words we speak. It is such a great
miracle when the Lord uses our admonitions to lead others to true conversion
and repentance.
How do you react when you are confronted with your sins in a concrete
way? Do you try to hide behind some circumstances? Do you excuse yourself
and say: This cannot be done in any other way at my work? Or, do you
experience that you are shunned because you refuse to accept certain unethical
practices? Do you lovingly warn others, and is it your desire that
they would serve God and that the kingdom of God would be extended?
Thought: It is uncharitable not to warn others against sin.
Psalter 84:1,2 (based on Psalm 32)
I graciously will teach thee, The way that thou shalt go,
And with My eye upon thee My counsel make thee know.
But be ye not unruly, Or slow to understand,
Be not perverse, but willing To heed My wise command.
The sorrows of the wicked In number shall abound,
But those that trust Jehovah, His mercy shall surround;
Then in the Lord be joyful, In song lift up your voice;
Be glad in God, ye righteous, Rejoice, ye saints, rejoice.
