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.
Thank You, Lord God, for the victory. You overcame all the evil of this world and have good plans for each of us. Help us trust our all with You, in Jesus’s great name, amen
And, a bit of history:
‘The Old, Rugged Cross’: America’s Most Cherished Gospel Song https://link.theepochtimes.com/mkt_app/the-old-rugged-cross-americas-most-cherished-gospel-song_5240727.html?utm_source=andshare
Amen,Rob.My mother told me that was my father’s favourite hymn.’Just As I Am’ is mine followed by that one…but it’s hard to pick a favourite with so many beautiful hymns available.God bless
God, help us to be attentive to your voice and give us the grace and courage to obey you, always.
I ask that you help all bloggers today in whatever situation we find ourselves in. Give us your guidance and wisdom to what is right and pleasing in your sight. Thank you for your mercy and goodness toward us, your children. Amen!
Amen.
Luisa, joining with you in prayer, in Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
A beautiful promise hymn, The Old Rugged Cross. Please continue to pray for Alberta’s fires. Thank you. They are really bad (unprecedented, apparently). Thank you. (I have family & friends living there). Blessings all.
I pray for thick clouds to roll over the mountains
And God’s glory to quench the fires below,
Then may the people beneath His fountains
Know He is still the God he wants them to know.Amen
In this article I was unexpectedly close to tears as I read these words ”’Bennard said what I have since heard countless other songwriters say, “I really didn’t write it. I was merely the instrument God used.” ”’ It hasn’t happened in many years now but I have often responded that “I am just His pen.”…no more than a stenographer !
https://www.staugustine.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2017/10/21/story-behind-song-old-rugged-cross/16290488007/
God bless
I had only been a Christian for a few weeks,surrendered but not yet baptized,when this happened and did not then know anyone who could write the music and the melody faded within days.May God bless
”’Note:
After attending a gospel show I had a sleepless night.A
melody started in my head,over and over, followed by
the first line of the chorus,then I had to get up (at 328
AM,finished at 4:16 AM.June 6/2011),wait for my old PC
to boot up and this is the result.I corrected two typos but
this is as it was written in not more than 20 min,like taking
dictation (which became the norm).
Salvation
Sweet Jesus I owe everything to you and to you alone,
You have shown me my home,you are my anchor stone,
You have saved me always when stormy winds have blown,
You have always been my rock,the truest friend I’ve known,
So why do you think me worthy as a seed you have sown;
What can I ever do to earn all the love you’ve shown .
Ch:
Let me know sweet Jesus, let me know beyond my days
Let me know my savour,when I bow down to you in praise,
When my time here is drawing short and coming to a close,
As they carry me away after leading the life I chose,
I pray that I will leave not sorrow for those that I love,
But instead to know the joy that waits for us above.
I am not a wealthy man but I am very rich by far,
When I walk my journey you’re my guiding star
And you know that I am honest in all the things I do,
I have never born false witness,I only say what’s true,
You have strengthened my soul before I even knew
Of life’s losses with your love to see me through.
You have always had your hand placed within my soul,
You have shown me your light that has made me whole,
I have never known this love that comes from your grace,
Nor have I known compassion that shines from your face,
For I am still a sinner and you are the Son of God
I can only meet you at the end of the road I trod.
G W(Bill) Marshall/June 6/2011 (No copyright intended)
Beautiful William. Very inspiring. Blessings. Thanks folks for praying for Alberta. A very difficult time for those folk. May they reach out for God and have a new experience with Him. Amen.
Amen to the thoughts comments and prayers above
And yes Doreen my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family coming into agreement that no harm will come to you and your family and that rain will come to Alberta amen 🌧️🙏✝️
Such special comments above. Thanks so much 4 all the prayers 4 Alberta.
God has heard us all.
Blessings on all dear saints.