August 25 Troubler

1 Kings 18:17-18 When he saw Elijah, he said to him, "Is that you, you troubler of Israel?" 18 "I have not made trouble for Israel," Elijah replied. "But you and your father's family have. You have abandoned the Lord's commands and have followed the Baals.

THIS event is more clear when we read it from the New King James version, 1 Kings 18:17 Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, "Is that you, O troubler of Israel?" Elijah has done as he promised Obadiah. He went to meet Ahab, Israel's pagan king. For three years Ahab had been searching for Elijah to kill him.

           Why was Elijah a wanted man? Why did Ahab call him "troubler of Israel"? It is because Ahab would not take responsibility for his sin and for Israel's sin. Ahab not only worshiped pagan, lifeless gods, he had led his fellow Israelites to do the same. History has repeatedly shown how people follow a leader even the wrong way. They follow him, too, if their disobedience threatens their lives.

           Ahab pointed to Elijah and said, "The drought is your fault. You have made trouble on Israel." Ahab did what we all do. He blamed someone else for the troubles of his sinful life. But as a true prophet, Elijah pointed back with the truth, "You have abandoned the Lord's commands and have followed the Baals."

           How many times do we become angry at someone for speaking truth into our lives? When we hear someone say, "You were wrong. You sinned. You acted against God's Word. You should apologize." We retort back with some excuse or blame. We too seldom respond with, "You are right."

           As you need integrity to be in full relationship with others, you also must confess and seek forgiveness with someone you wrong. And remember this. If someone has offended you, you must go to them to lovingly let them know you have a heart willing to forgive. You cannot be true to others if you hold back the truth.

           The Lord God requires us to submit to his truth. Time and again you will see in Scripture how the Lord sent his prophets to tell Israel, "You have sinned." Repeatedly they refused to listen the repent. Eventually the Lord's patience ended. Israel was totally destroyed. Judah was exiled to be reformed into a more faithful nation.

           Do you need to take responsibility for a sin that has caused trouble in someone's life?

Prayer: Father God, I take responsibility for my sins against you and others. Teach me, Spirit, to admit, "I am guilty." Give me faith to seek forgiveness. In Jesus' name, amen.