S) "25 Surely there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the Lord, [j]because Jezebel his wife incited him."
1 Kings 21:25 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Kings 21
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Kings 21
O) There is a footnote that says the wording might be, "whom Jezebel his wife incited." Which, I think, is an important distinction. There can be no doubt that Jezebel acted wickedly in this story (and others); she is a notorious woman. Still, Ahab was certainly responsible and guilty. In the very next verse, his idolatry is pronounced abominable. Although no one should have murdered Naboth for his vineyard, the issue is rooted in the covetous heart of Ahab. This story rivals that of David, Uriah, and Bathsheba, as one of the most clear examples of the verses James 4:1-3.
A) Certainly, this has become a cautionary tale. However, this story, and especially this verse, remind me of the grace God has shown me. I have a wonderful wife. There is no rational way that anyone could define her behavior, speech, or attitude as inciting anyone, least of all her husband. However, I know that this is not something every husband can claim. In fact, I am all too aware that this tragic thing happens in marriages all too often - even when both people claim to be Christians. On the contrary, my wife is exceptional in her encouragement to my righteous behavior, habits, and attitude. Like every other person, she is not perfect. However, I can see clearly that I have it better than most. This verse reminds me of just how toxic, disruptive, and even deadly, a spouse can be (not just wives, but this can go both ways. I am a husband, and I write what I personally know). Cautionary stories are still good reminders to avoid foolishness, risk, or sin. At the same time, they are more than that when they remind me of the blessings I have.
P) Father, You are indescribably full of grace! I could write a thousand books and still not cover all of the ways You have blessed this servant of Yours, even just my own life. Your grace is incomprehensible, even if I had the words to speak it thoroughly. But, what I do know, is that my marriage has been my biggest occasion for joy and thanksgiving. I never want to take it for granted, and I want to keep working to make it better and better. Not only is that just good for me, but more importantly, it glorifies Your name. Strong marriages are the best reflection of the gospel, and I want my life to revolve around Your glorification. I want to honor You with a strong marriage, just like I want to honor You with the way I raise my children, perform at work, and minister to others. But, in many ways, I feel like You've given me a head-start in where my marriage began. Thank You, Lord, for blessing my marriage from the start. Thank You for answering my prayers as a teenager. Thank You for preserving us, even while we were rebelling against You. Thank You for continuing to bless us, graciously, while we try the best we can to represent the gospel through our marriage. Let Your will continue to be done, in our marriage and our world, just as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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