Advent 2020 (day 16 of 26)

December 14, 2020 (Monday)

 

Advent 2020, day 16 of 26

 

King Ahab was a wicked king in the northern kingdom of Israel. God’s faithfulness provided a prophet named Elijah to challenge Ahab’s way of doing things. One issue Ahab had was his wife, Jezebel. She became a “byword” for ugly things. Eventually Jezebel is tagged as an evil spirit that disrupts churches (see Revelation 2:20).

 

In 1 Kings 18:4 we read that “Jezebel killed the Lord’s prophets.” This left Elijah feeling like he was on an island, alone and abandoned by God. Yet he was not alone. There is a character named Obadiah who “greatly feared the Lord” (see 1 Kings 18:3). This respect for God caused him to hide and provide for 100 of God’s prophets.

 

After three years of drought and what comes with it, Ahab was ready for drastic action. So, Ahab sends Obadiah one direction, while he goes another way. While searching, Obadiah runs across Elijah. The prophet tells Obadiah to identify his location to Ahab. “Then Obadiah said, “How have I sinned that you are handing me, your servant, over to Ahab so he can kill me?” [1 King 18:9 CEB]

 

Obadiah’s reason is, “But here’s what will happen: As soon as I leave you, the Lord’s spirit will carry you off somewhere—I don’t know where—then I’ll report to Ahab, but he won’t be able to find you. Then he will kill me! But your servant has feared the Lord from my youth.” [1 Kings 18:12 CEB] Apparently Elijah had a habit of disappearing. So, Obadiah is in genuine fear for his life.

 

Pleading for his life, Obadiah informs Elijah, “Wasn’t my master told what I did when Jezebel killed the Lord’s prophets? I hid one hundred of the Lord’s prophets, fifty each in two caves. I also supplied them with food and water.” [1 Kings 18:13 CEB] This bit is important because later Elijah is going to cry his way to God to complain, “I’m the only one” (see 1 Kings 19:14).

 

Elijah promises to meet with Ahab. On seeing Elijah, “When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is that you, the one who troubles Israel?” [1 Kings 18:17 CEB] The problem is the king has it backwards. Elijah points out Ahab “deserted the Lord’s commands and followed the Baals.” [1 Kings 18:18b CEB] What can we learn from this story? I am glad you asked.

 

First, those who do not follow the one true God (Jesus) will strain for answers that in the end prove false. This is because they are unwilling to take responsibility for their own actions. When we do not fully follow the one true God, life tends to be harder. Walking this life alone is a dangerous path. Walking this life with people passionate about anything or anyone other than Jesus is multiplies the peril.

 

Second, those who whole heartedly follow the one true God (Jesus), will not lack defensive measures. Paul noted, “Put on God’s armor so that you can make a stand against the tricks of the devil.” [Ephesians 6:11 CEB] We worry about fake news, but that’s not as bad as fake religion.

 

Or a fake Christmas.