SULLEN AND DISPLEASED
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 20
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Damascus Gate in Jerusalem leads to the Damascus road, which runs from the capital city of Israel to the capital of Syria. This was a major thoroughfare even in the days of King Ahab and King Ben Hadad. Of course, the Apostle Paul had his life-transforming experience with Jesus on the road to Damascus! (Acts 9).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 1 Kings 20:43
So the King of Israel went to his house sullen and displeased, and came to Samaria.
Here is a prime example of a failure in godly leadership by King Ahab. The Lord arranged tests for Ahab. Ahab failed those tests! While Ahab still had his title as King, his wife, Jezebel, had become the real leader. Yesterday’s reading began with the words, “And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done.” Then Jezebel took over. Verse two of 1 Kings 19 says, “Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah saying…” There is no doubt that after the Mt. Carmel confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, Ahab knew what was right and what he should do. He was too weak as a leader to take his place of authority as King and as a husband. Now, in today’s reading, Ahab continues to waffle in his decisions. While Jezebel is not mentioned in the 20th chapter, we can be sure that Ahab continued in the pattern already established. No doubt he “told Jezebel all.” God was seeking to lead Ahab, but while Ahab knew the victory God gave initially over Ben Hadad, he failed to follow God’s leading fully. Ahab’s reaction to the final word of a prophet of God, probably a graduate of Elijah’s School of the Prophets, caused him to pout in a childish way. Ahab needed to call on God fervently, man up, and lead according to the way God instructed him. He failed to do so. His leadership was slipping away.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, there is a lesson for me to learn here. Two characters in today’s reading failed to follow through as You had instructed. May I hear Your instructions clearly and may I have the intestinal fortitude to follow through. Please keep me from being “sullen and displeased.” I need Your strength, Lord. In the Name of the strongest Leader ever, the Lord Jesus, Himself, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
The night before last, as Norma-Jean and I were about to close our eyes in sleep, I turned to her and said, “Thank you, darling, for your support of my leadership.” I didn’t bring this up, but in our marriage ceremony almost 59 years ago, she actually promised to obey me. In this day of political correctness, that sounds positively old fashioned. In my early days of ministry, it was generally agreed that the internal discussions of the Board of Deacons in the churches I pastored, and later in the Board of Crossroads, stayed there, and a Deacon or Director would not do as Ahab did in telling all to his wife. From a personal point of view, I wanted to leave these matters inside the Boardroom. I very much wanted my home and my marriage relationship to concentrate on our family and our relationship as husband and wife. I think I can say that the result was harmony in our home, and some success in the ministry to which God called me. For this I give God the glory. Please forgive me if I’ve offended anyone here. It’s just that every time I read about Jezebel, I’m amazed at her control over her husband. Why, even Elijah, fresh from the victory of God sending the fire to consume the sacrifice, was overpowered by her.
Yours for hearing from God,
David
This is the original Damascus Gate from the time of Jesus. It’s below the level of the current gate pictured above.
Good scriptural teaching to stay in obedience to God. Lord God give us the strength we need to overcome any challenges we may encounter today. We give thanks for Your Word and guidance in our lives. We look up and give You all the praise! Wishing fellow saints a blessed day as it is warming up–yeah!
O LORD, you will ordain peace for us, for you have indeed done for us all our works. Isaiah 26:12 ESV
Lauren Daigle ~ Look Up Child (Lyrics)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4Nx2hEhVRE
Good life lessons from the Word today. Yes, Lord help us in our challenges and decisions today. Just learned that a good Christian MP is giving his farewell address today in the HOC. Lord may there be others to replace him. Amen!
Thank you Eleanor for the update on little Judah. I have been wondering about him. So sorry to hear that he’s in hospital again. Will certainly be praying for him.
Bless you all this new day that the Lord has made! He made it for a purpose and may it be accomplished in each of our lives, as we entrust ourselves to His loving care and will.
May we all learn from today’s reading to listen to and obey God, at all times. We need to put His will above ours in making any decisions….Lord, I ask that you help me do just that. I confess that at times, I don’t know what is the best route to take. Please show me and give me the grace I need to obey your leading. Amen!
Thanks for your prayers Luisa for little Judah, he is areal warrior even thou he is only two.
I ask the Lord to help me do His will everyday, sometimes I fail to do that but I keep persevering. He is an amazing God and He will never leave us or forsake us. We must keep standing on His promises as the old hymn says. ???? Blessings to all, Eleanor M.
Open my eyes Lord that we may see all that You have done; open my ears Lord that I will hear clearly and obey quickly, without doubt and hesitation; thank you Jesus I pray!
Open The Eyes Of My Heart Lord
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wutmEjdbedE
We are definitely all on the same page, today, saints!
Blessings to all and praying for little Judah.
Than you for your prayers Beverlee , his mom and dad have been a great witness to others at sick Kids. They are still in their middle twenties but are all out for the Lord. ????
Amen, Eleanor!
Thank you Beverlee
WOW! what a blessing; a couple in their 20’s with little Judah in their lives!WOW! The Lord is with this couple all the time and He is with Judah; and they are witnessing their faith through prayers for their little one, only God Knows what is going to happen; this is what is so wonderful about this prayer site;
David Mainse had a vision and I don’t think he ever felt how great this prayer site is for all of us; here we can share all our worries, our happiness; our concerns and our issues are prayed for by, who knows, maybe thousands of people praying; that is a wonderful feeling and I hope that those requesting prayer realize it is such a priviledge to pray for each other and we don’t know each other BUT we have a connection through Jesus Christ, Our Risen Lord and Saviour!