1Kings 20-21 These two chapters prove this lesson: God is merciful whether you are a believer or an apostate. [Matt 5:45] God’s mercy wasn’t because of anything Ahab did but to show how He blessed faithful Elijah and Obadiah.

Ahab had seen God at work on Mt. Carmel and the destruction of the prophets of Baal, yet when faced with an adversary, he forgets this powerful lesson! Ben Had is another king whom God will use to prove His power as an example for Ahab. Still, Ahab does not seek God but foolishly makes a treaty with this apostate king. Indeed “The mouth of a fool is his ruin, and his lips are a snare for his life.” [Prov 18:7] In all of this, Ahab never praises God for his protection and provision. So, to get his attention, God sends a godly prophet to Ahab to remind him that death lay ahead if he did not humble himself. And how did Ahab respond? Instead of humbling himself, he went home to Samaria bitter and angry. 

Both kings refused God’s mercy, thinking they knew best. God is sovereign; no one can rival his works and mighty deeds. [Deut 3:24]

Have you seen the mercy of God in your life? Beloved, we either will bow the knee to God now or in eternity. Which will you choose to do?