Yesterday I was reading in 1 Kings, chapter 21, about king Ahab and his wife Jezebel... What a wicked couple! The chapter records an event that is just evil. In fact toward the end of the chapter (verses 25 & 26) it reads, "There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, urged on by Jezebel his wife. He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols, like the Amorites the Lord drove out before Israel."
The Lord promised disaster to come upon Jezebel and Ahab, and his descendants would not take the throne. But then the Bible records something that blows me away... Ahab repented and humbled himself before God... and God gave him mercy! As you read on in the book you will discover that God's word (prophesied by the prophet Elijah) comes true as to their deaths. But that was after another three years. How could someone who had caused so much hurt and pain be shown mercy... they deserved anything that could have happened to them.
But that's when I began to realize something about myself and the mercy shown to me. If I were to compare my sins, or the hurt and pain I have caused, I'm certain I could find those that have caused more trouble than myself. In fact I could make myself look like a "saint" compared to some others in this world. Then on the flip side of the coin I wonder if someone could use my life to compare to theirs to show how much better off they are?
I am aware of my sins (evil thoughts and behaviors). That's the reason I repented and humbled myself before the Lord. I cried out to my Savior, Jesus, to save me that God may have mercy on me (that I would not get what I deserved). He did and now I have God's help to live my life for Him. The grace of God given to me through Jesus Christ has given my life hope and peace that I am loved by God... something I could not do for myself. But that's what grace is: God's Riches At Christ's Expense.
MEPASTORMIKE
