The Prevailing Will of God

Have you ever noticed how so many people think they can defy God?

They try to outwit Him, out run Him, or simply press on as though they can escape the consequences of their decisions.

Using the text of 1 Kings 21:17-23 we can see how a Holy God pronounced judgment on a king who had abused his authority. For background, Ahab angered God by setting free a king who was to be destroyed. (I Kings 20:34, 39-43). Jezebel added her own sin by conspiring to have Naboth framed, and wrongfully executed. The reason? Envy. You see, Naboth had this really great vineyard. And he dared refuse to sell it.

This background itself would be a good starting point for numerous lessons on proper execution of justice, of greed and envy, of the proper role of leadership. The point, however, that I would like to examine, is the finality of the consequence.

Ahab and Jezebel had exhausted the mercy of God, and came face-to-face with His judgment. Here is the pronouncement:

17 Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite: 18 "Go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He is now in Naboth's vineyard, where he has gone to take possession of it. 19 Say to him, 'This is what the LORD says: Have you not murdered a man and seized his property?' Then say to him, 'This is what the LORD says: In the place where dogs licked up Naboth's blood, dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!' "
20 Ahab said to Elijah, "So you have found me, my enemy!"
"I have found you," he answered, "because you have sold yourself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD. 21 'I am going to bring disaster on you. I will consume your descendants and cut off from Ahab every last male in Israel—slave or free. 22 I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked me to anger and have caused Israel to sin.'
23 "And also concerning Jezebel the LORD says: 'Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of ^[a] Jezreel.'

So, just like Saul before him, Ahab had marked himself as an enemy of God. But he was smart enough, at least, to humble himself before God at the news. (v.29) which softened (but did not rescind) the punishment due him.

Some time later, there is a need to go up to battle. God has not forgotten the coming judgment.

Notice how Ahab first calls all the false prophets who promise (as they are paid to) "glorious victory".

Jehoshaphat asked whether there was a REAL prophet to inquire of.

Reluctantly, Ahab called for one. Then Ahab tries to influence the message. (verse 13). Micaiah parrots the party line. (One can imagine the sarcastic tone, perhaps like Elijah's, that the true prophet used to mock the false prophets' predictions-- verse 15.)

The king knows he's being made sport of, and demands a straight answer. So he gets one in verse 17. After this, Micaiah goes on to explain the plan of judgment unfolding before him.

There is a description of God addressing the Host of Heaven, a "Lying Spirit" (Chapter 22, verse 19-23) would successfully deceive Ahab, and lead him to his destruction. Funny thing is, that even when he was expressly told what was going on, he went anyway, just like God had said.

In verses 26-28, Ahab tries to punish Micaiah for giving the same news he demanded to hear back in verse 16. He probably would have jailed God himself, if he were able.

So, now aware of his own expiration date, he tries to trick God into accidentally killing the wrong king. Ahab told Jehoshaphat to dress in his full regalia. Ahab disguised himself. (v 29,30)

The king of Syria told his soldiers not to battle with anyone except the king of Israel. They mistook Jehoshaphat for Ahab, and chased him, but upon recognizing it was not him, they broke off pursuit. (verses 31-33)

Then a 'certain' soldier drew his bow at random, and let fly. He had not cleverly penetrated the king's disguise, and diligently obeyed his commander's order to kill Ahab. He actually disobeyed, and fired a round into the crowd.

(I shoot an arrow in the air, and where it falls...)

As it happens, this seemingly random arrow fatally wounds the one opponent he was authorized to fire upon. The army went home, unharmed. The blood in the chariot was washed off in the very place and manner in which the prophet had predicted. (v 34-38)

What comfort does this give to us, as Christian believers in the present day?

Much comfort indeed. The same providential hand that upholds the completion of His purposes to overthrow the wicked, is all the more diligent in upholding His purposes to the righteous.

Notice that Jehoshaphat was unharmed, despite Ahab trying to use him as a fall guy. Notice also that the masses, who had been promised that they would be scattered (which is a far sight better than buried) left in peace.

Whatever God's purposes for you, if you execute them faithfully, you can be sure that they will unfold in the way He has purposed that they should.

(disclaimer: Sometimes this will not look like "success". Jeremiah would agree, as would numerous martyrs ancient and modern. But it will build His kingdom, and His great Name. And this sort of success is, in the light of eternity, the only one that truly matters.)