BOLD PURSUIT (1 KINGS 19-20) Posted 3.20.08
GOD PURSUES NON-BELIEVERS
1 Kings 20
This chapter is quite a testimony to God’s love for all mankind. His pursuit of non-believers is compelling and inspiring. He chases those who deny Him because He loves them, and He does so boldly!
The Christian community has developed many different forms of evangelism throughout the years, and in 1 Kings 20 God challenges us with fresh ways of introducing Him to others.
GOD PURSUES NON-BELIEVERS THROUGH OBVIOUS SUPERNATURAL VICTORIES
(Read 1 Kings 20:1-21)
God loves impossible odds. As you read this account please take note of the statistics. We have an unprovoked attack underway, thirty-three kingdoms working together against one; 7,232 soldiers fighting tens of thousands of the enemy, and an opponent with more advanced equipment (primarily horses and chariots, which Israel did not have) and advantage in every human and physical way.
Hollywood did not invent the underdog story. God did! God loves to leave no doubt that He was completely involved in certain events. Circumstances such as those Ahab and the Israelites faced seem to be one of His favorite scenarios.
God makes the most of every opportunity. Let’s not forget that the protagonist here (Ahab) is a man who has not only shunned God but actively engaged in and encouraged the worship of false gods. Often it takes breathtaking miracles to turn someone’s eyes to the Lord. How can God use you to introduce His miracle-working power into someone’s life?
In this story God used an unnamed prophet. After Ahab’s dilemma became all-consuming, God pursued his attention through a prophet with a message. God had a plan for victory, and Ahab received every word. He then asked appropriate questions and followed every directive with great success.
Notice the missing person in this story. Jezebel. Once again, God knows the most productive time in Ahab’s spirit is when he is apart from her evil influence. Everyone has times when they are more teachable than others. We must learn to capitalize on those moments.
A friend of mine found that co-workers were much more receptive to the gospel when she had individual time with them rather than in group settings. Another friend discovered sharing spiritual experiences in her neighborhood craft group seemed to be less threatening for the ladies than when she was alone with them. When is the best time to share the Lord with the non-believers in your life? How are you making the most of those opportunities?
God loves to include the non-believer in the process. Notice how God gave detailed instructions but Ahab and his men still had to enter in to the plan. They participated fully in all God was doing. There is a big difference between hearing about what God can do and actually experiencing it. Invite the non-believers in your life to join in! How? Offer to pray with them immediately when they share a need or dilemma in their life rather than waiting until you are home alone. Share your experiences and ask their input. Keep the lines of communication open and welcoming.
Ahab and the Israelites “overpowered the horses and chariots and inflicted heavy losses on the Arameans” (verse 21). They followed God’s directions and were blessed!
Every day we meet people who face circumstances as dire as Ahab’s – hopeless, overmatched, and incredibly needy. We as believers hold the same answer the prophet held for Ahab – we know the God who moves in the supernatural. We have so much to offer! What is God doing to pursue non-believers through your life?
GOD PURSUES NON-BELIEVERS THROUGH HIS WORD (Read 1 Kings 20:22-27)
While the victory was wonderful, God was quick to tell them this battle was not the end. The prophet encourages them to continue obeying God’s word and to prepare throughout the next year for another attack. Not the news I would have wanted to hear, but what a gift to know in advance. Ahab’s compliance is nothing short of miraculous.
For an entire year he will live his life according to God’s plans. I imagine it was a blessed year! We have no record of Jezebel’s interference or objection. Ahab was hooked on God’s Word! He knew he was hearing truth. God loves to share His truth with non-believers. How is He using you in that way?
GOD PURSUES NON-BELIEVERS BY REVEALING THE TRUTH OF WHO HE IS
(Read 1 Kings 20:28-30)
These three simple verses speak volumes. God was ready to expose the lies of the enemy and reveal Himself in a fresh way to Ahab and all of Israel.
The Arameans made up the lies about God to try to rationalize that first loss to Israel. Their lack of fear in facing God’s people again is astonishing and foolish but shows truth about the enemy. He does not give up easily and loves to convince people he is stronger than he is.
Our job is to represent God in truth and allow Him to show Himself strong through our lives. Non-believers will take notice, and God will be glorified. In this battle God revealed Himself by defeating one hundred thousand soldiers with 7,232 men! Then just to make a final point, God expels another 27,000 by simply toppling a wall. He left no doubt who the One true God was after this event. He can do the same through your life. Will you let Him?
GOD PURSUES NON-BELIEVERS THROUGH REBUKE, DISCIPLINE, CORRECTION, AND PUNISHMENT (Read 1 Kings 20:31-43)
Evangelism through rebuke is by far my least favorite, and I believe it may be God’s least favorite as well, but unfortunately, at times, it is the only way. After a year of seeking God’s best, experiencing two miraculous victories, and participating in obvious supernatural intervention, Ahab still chose to turn his back on the Lord.
When Ben-Hadad and his men tried to manipulate the grace of God, lied to Ahab, and succeeded in enticing him to allow Ben-Hadad to live, God had had enough. Ahab knew God wanted Ben-Hadad executed, but Ahab settled for economic stimulus instead.
We can shake our heads at pitiful Ahab, but how often do we neglect God’s best for a “good business deal” or for a chance to “get ahead”?
The man’s death in verses 35-36 may seem random and unfair, but we must remember that God knows the whole story. The prophet was walking in God’s anointing and the man wanted no part of it, which brought destruction upon his life. Ahab’s similar resistance will bring destruction to his world as well.
God presents a powerful visual to Ahab through the prophet, very similar to the illustration Nathan gave David when he was confronting him about his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12). However, the outcomes of these two stories were complete opposites.
While David immediately repented of his sin, verse 43 records that Ahab’s response was, “Sullen and angry, the king of Israel went to his palace in Samaria.” Ahab chose pouting over repenting. He could not bring himself to admit his sin and seek God’s forgiveness.
What about you and those around you? What non-believers is God pursuing through your life? How are you responding?
This weekend as we celebrate the miracle of Christ’s death and resurrection, this message is more powerful than ever. We serve a God who pursues believers and non-believers alike. He loves us with a passion we will never understand but can be the blessed recipients of if we will simply respond to His pursuit with joy.
Who can you share God’s love with today?