1 Kings 21
Today's Passage: 1 Kings 21
Chapter 21 is a historical account of the evil acts of King Ahab and his wife, Jezebel. This chapter gives us a comparison between pride and humility and how it affects our relationship with God.
We see two forms of pride. Ahab was refused something he wanted, and because of his pride, he pouted about it to the point of depression. Does this sort of pride show itself in your life? We think we deserve a certain level of respect, compensation, or object, and when it’s not given we crumble. We either throw a fit or we sulk.
My wife didn’t speak to me the way I deserved, so I will leave the room and give the silent treatment until she realizes I’m mad and gives me the respect I deserve. This is pride. Jesus deserved complete adoration and worship instead of the persecution and humiliation we gave him. He responded with humble love and kindness towards us. You and I are called model Christ in how we love one another and overlook offenses (Prov 19:11, Jn 13:35).
The second form is when Jezebel goes and takes the land anyway. We think we deserve a certain level of respect, compensation, or object, and when it’s not given, we take it anyway. We lie, steal, and manipulate situations to get what we want from our spouse, boss, or friends. Again, this is the opposite of the example Jesus has set for us. He didn’t take from us but rather gave himself upon a cross to make us alive with him (Eph 2:5).
God is not passive about pride. He judges Ahab and Jezebel in verses 17-24, and he will judge our pride as well (James 4:6). Instead we must humble ourselves before the Lord. Recognize his Lordship and our place before him - poor recipients of his immeasurable grace. Notice God’s recognition of Ahab’s humility in verse 29. Even King Ahab - in all his evil and sin - received mercy when he humbled himself before the Lord. Jesus died and rose again so that you and I can always experience the mercy and love of God when we humbly accept Jesus as Lord.
Written By: Joe Weaver
Chapter 21 is a historical account of the evil acts of King Ahab and his wife, Jezebel. This chapter gives us a comparison between pride and humility and how it affects our relationship with God.
We see two forms of pride. Ahab was refused something he wanted, and because of his pride, he pouted about it to the point of depression. Does this sort of pride show itself in your life? We think we deserve a certain level of respect, compensation, or object, and when it’s not given we crumble. We either throw a fit or we sulk.
My wife didn’t speak to me the way I deserved, so I will leave the room and give the silent treatment until she realizes I’m mad and gives me the respect I deserve. This is pride. Jesus deserved complete adoration and worship instead of the persecution and humiliation we gave him. He responded with humble love and kindness towards us. You and I are called model Christ in how we love one another and overlook offenses (Prov 19:11, Jn 13:35).
The second form is when Jezebel goes and takes the land anyway. We think we deserve a certain level of respect, compensation, or object, and when it’s not given, we take it anyway. We lie, steal, and manipulate situations to get what we want from our spouse, boss, or friends. Again, this is the opposite of the example Jesus has set for us. He didn’t take from us but rather gave himself upon a cross to make us alive with him (Eph 2:5).
God is not passive about pride. He judges Ahab and Jezebel in verses 17-24, and he will judge our pride as well (James 4:6). Instead we must humble ourselves before the Lord. Recognize his Lordship and our place before him - poor recipients of his immeasurable grace. Notice God’s recognition of Ahab’s humility in verse 29. Even King Ahab - in all his evil and sin - received mercy when he humbled himself before the Lord. Jesus died and rose again so that you and I can always experience the mercy and love of God when we humbly accept Jesus as Lord.
Written By: Joe Weaver
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