September 5 Surprise Mercy

1 Kings 18:41 And Elijah said to Ahab, "Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain." ... 44(b)-45 "Go up, say to Ahab, 'Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.'" 45 And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel.

  ELIJAH in the power of God and with the help of Israel's citizens had just administered God's justice with the execution of 450 prophets of Baal. God had delivered Elijah from the evil Ahab's murderous intent against his own life. He knows God is about to send a heavy rain to end the drought. Elijah has the power of God to deal with his enemies as he desires. Why, then, does he say to Ahab, "Go eat and drink for there is the sound of heavy rain...go down lest the rain stop you"?. Why does Elijah, God's true prophet, care for Ahab, the idolatrous king who has led God's people astray? Shouldn't Ahab be judged and destroyed as the Baal prophets? In short, the question is, "Why did God show mercy to Ahab?"

           We must always understand the truth that it  is God's prerogative to extend mercy to judge. The Apostle Paul explains the question well in Romans 9:15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 

           Through Elijah, the sovereign Lord acted to awaken Israel to his power first through judgment. Now he is demonstrating through the prophet's words his gracious power to save Israel from drought and people from their sin. God is offering to Ahab and Israel an opportunity for a new beginning. Mercifully, God has saved Ahab from the sword. Elijah spoke to save Ahab from heavy rains. How will Ahab respond to God's saving mercy?  

           How do you respond to God's saving mercy to deliver you from evil, to hold off his righteous sword of justice and to offer you Jesus' cross of salvation? Do you live right with God? Do you lead others to know him? Are you thankful? Do you worship your gracious God with a loving heart?

Prayer: Lord God, may we live in deep gratitude of your mercy to save us into your presence. Give us counsel to oppose evil and to be leaders for you. In Jesus' name, amen.