And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, “See how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity in his days.” (1 Ki. 21:28-29 NKJ)

The kings of Israel have volumes of lessons to teach us today. Some, like David, were so good, while others, like Manasseh, were horrible. Well, King Ahab was one of those kings that was of the evil, or bad sort, in Israel. His downfall was Jezebel, his wife.

The scriptures say of him, “But there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up. (1 Ki. 21:25 NKJ) King Ahab “sold himself to do wickedness,” committing sins and abominations that aroused God’s wrath against him and against the entire nation of Israel.

However, despite the wickedness of King Ahab, he was quick to acknowledge his wrong and repented once the prophet Elijah  brought his sin to his attention.  This was also a significant trait of King David, responding to God’s rebuke.

No matter what we have done, when God brings it to our attention He expects us to repent and turn from it. Maintaining a sensitive heart and conscience before God is a key spiritual trait we should cultivate. God commended a wicked king who was quick to acknowledge his sins. David was a man after God’s heart, but also maintained a heart sensitive to God’s rebuke. Repentance gives us the opportunity to start again with God. Maintain a soft, sensitive and responsive heart to God at all times.

MEDITATE

How did Ahab humble himself before God? See 1 Ki. 21:22.

APPLY THE WORD

Has God brought something to your attention? Will you respond like Ahab did in the verse above?

PRAY

Ask the Lord to help you develop this sensitive heart, and not be stiff-necked or refuse correction or rebuke.

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