DEVOTION,Based on:Prophets and Kings,Chapter 16,The Fall of the House of Ahab.

Just a quick summary before I get into the lessons I learnt from this:

Ahab was a king of Israel and he was married to Jezebel-who was idolatrous and worshipped Baal.God had been the God of Israel and their kind,but because of looking at the surrounding ntions they also sought a king.The King was to stand in the place of God and lead the people to God.He was not to take God's place.Wars were fought,kingdoms passed and different kings came into position-and Ahab got to be king.He dishonoured the Lord as he led people to worship idols and forsake-all influence by his wife,Jezebel.Jezebel also resulted in killing of God's prophets and just a quick note on this-a woman has so much influence-so much that her influence reaches far.In the everyone in this house perished because they opposed the will of God.

I got the following lessons:-

-God loves a humble man and a man who confesses his sins-when Ahab heard the sentence about his household,that his wife,Jezebel's carcass was going to be eaten by dogs,he tore his clothes and fasted.The Lord took note of this act nor did he count his evil doings at this time of need.Thus,I learnt,whatever the past of a man hs been,if he humbles himself to God,God accepts him.I serve a wonderful God.

-We are only safe from satan's snares when we seek wisdom from God only-Ahaziah-son Ahab and Jezebel,followed after his parent's ways and in the end he was not saved-that's the power of influence.But him not being saved not because he did not know God-he had seen the power of God BUT he still decided his doom.Each person chooses his fate.It's rather wise to seek Counsel from your Maker-first- as opposed to parents-especially ungodly ones.

-God likenes idolatry/apostasy as whoredom.Yes,it's from the Bible.And it makes me wonder:Do I declare to love God yet commit adultery?

-Vengeance belongs to God ALONE!Our battle is against self.As the title implies Ahab's house was totally destroyed by Jehu for idolatry and killing of God's prophets.There will always be those who oppose God's servants and should not suprise us at all.1 John 2:6 says we are to walk like Jesus has,meaning as we do so,we'll face the same challenges he went through.Even so,we are NOT to be discouraged.God,in his own time will deal with our enemies.In the meantime we are not to hoarder hatred towards them BUT love.Jesus commands us to love and to pray for them-Matthew 5:44.Prayer does go a long way-who knows-they might make to Heaven!

-It's also worth noting that anyone who opposes us because of the gospel is opposing God Himself;and whoever seeks to harm us touches the apple of God's eyes-Zechariah 2:8.There's NO USE of getting worked by such.Yes,it hurt BUT the Holy Spirit will comfort us.As Pul notes,all true followers of God will suffer persecution-2 Timothy 3:12.

-Athaliah,Jezebel's daughter also followed suit in her mother's footsteps and I'm tempted to believe most daughters reflect their own mothers.This puts a sacred duty on mothers.Also,as young women we should set the standard for the little girls.I conclude,a woman(or man) that is NOT submitted to God and who pays no attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit is dangerous and s/he should avoided-unless to lead her Heavenward.

-Lastly,the every seed of Ahab's seed was destroyed by Jehu like God had said.This reminds of an event that's soon to come when Jesus shall come back and after a millenium,sin and sinners will be no more(consult the Book of Revelation).The Great Controversy,page 678,chapter 42:"The great controversy is ended.Sin and sinners are ended.May we(I) be counted amongst those who will not be destroyed and will eat in the tree of Life.Jezebel and Ahab had the chance to repent,and like them,we have that chance too and God is able to save us.

-Just a quick note about Jehu's position-as Christ's followers we are called to repair the breach.we are called to destroy all the idol altars and to lead others to Christ.May we be faithful in fulfilling our God-given mission.Be blessed.