BOLD GRACE

1 Kings 21

Years ago I was having a really rough day, and one of my errands for the morning included returning some overdue books to the public library.  How could I be so irresponsible that I couldn’t even get books back to the library on time?  I approached the desk completely irritated with myself and asked the librarian how much money I owed.  After scanning the books and checking her computer she replied happily, “You owe nothing.  You have grace.”

“I have what?”  I asked incredulously.

“Grace,” she repeated.  “There is an automatic three-day grace period for all books.  Have a nice day!”

The public library’s three days of grace had quite an impact on me – it made my day!  How much more should I embrace and extend the grace of God which is eternal?

1 Kings 21 contains a perfect example of God’s bold grace.  This chapter could be a college course entitled GRACE 101.  If an understanding of God’s unmerited favor is needed, you are in the right place.  There are four main aspects to this story that apply to each one of us.

1.       GOD SEES OUR SIN (Read 1 Kings 21:1-16)

a)                  a)     Ahab’s Sin

The chapter opens with the phrase, “Some time later there was an incident…” (verse 1).  All it takes is one incident to invite multiple temptations to sin in our life.  We must enter this lesson (and every lesson) with a desire to learn about ourselves and not simply point fingers at the failures of the main characters.  Ahab’s incident may seem so foreign to us (I can’t imagine killing someone over a piece of property!), yet sin is sin.  Sin brings pain, destruction, and death in many ways.  Let’s keep our hearts open and aware.  Unfortunately, we may be more like Ahab than we think.

Ahab’s request actually seemed rather reasonable and fair.  He was not demanding Naboth just hand over the vineyard.  Ahab bargained and even explained his land use plan!  The problem erupted when Naboth would not sell.  While Ahab was willing to pay a generous price, he was not amenable to being refused.

Naboth’s refusal was scriptural.  When God divided up the land in Joshua’s day, the provisions of Leviticus applied which included protecting land within the family unit (see Leviticus 25).  Ahab wasn’t interested in God’s Word, though, he was interested in fulfilled expectations.

Beware of incidents that evolve because of ungodly expectations!  So often we presume upon people and situations in ways that are totally contrary to God’s best.  We must hold every hope and dream before the Lord and trust God to open and close the appropriate doors.  I have learned to appreciate closed doors as much as open ones!  Sin often manifests itself because we have determined an outcome before we consulted God.  Then when the unexpected result materializes, like Ahab, we become “sullen and angry…sulking and [refusing] to eat” (verse 4).

b)                           

                         b)    Jezebel’s Sin

When sin takes hold, rest assured someone will always arrive to encourage our downfall.  For Ahab, as always, Jezebel barrels in.  While she doesn’t approve of his sulking, she fertilizes his anger and resentment and then promises, “I’ll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite” (verse 6).

Her subsequent manipulation and deceit shock many, but how often do we resort to the same tactics to get our way?  There are spouses who regularly manipulate each other for unholy reasons, co-workers who lie and cheat for their personal gain, and movies made that celebrate theft and murder. 

One of the more frightening aspects of this particular episode is Jezebel’s bold use of godly principles (fasting, blasphemy, stoning) to perform such a wicked act.  Unfortunately, the enemy often perverts the truths of God to advance sin.  We must examine religious exercises for God’s will above all else.   Naboth’s death was not God’s plan or His best as Jezebel and many others well knew.

c)                   c)   Elders’ and Nobles’ Sin

While Jezebel instigated the entire event, cooperation was required.  Argument can be made that the elders and nobles had no choice except to obey her letters, but there is always a choice.  Their participation affirmed and “gave legs to” Jezebel’s sin.  Whose sin are we submitting to and encouraging?

d)                  d)   The Scoundrel’s Sin

Liars in God’s Word are nothing new.  I only pray lying never becomes easy for me.  For these two it seemed to be a way of life, their native language.  What language are you speaking?

e)                   e)  The People’s Sin

I marvel that not one person stood up to defend Naboth.  The people embraced the lies and showed no hesitation in condemning an innocent man.  How often do we render an opinion without the facts?  Who needs our support today?

God sees all of our sin, yet He loves us in the midst of it and always provides a way out.  What sin is contaminating your world today?

2.       GOD DELIVERS THE REBUKE (Read 1 Kings 21:17-26)

God brings truth to Ahab through His Word and his prophet.  The last time we saw these two together Ahab was following Elijah’s instructions and enjoying the end of the drought.  Now that Ahab is in the middle of sin, he once again resents Elijah’s presence.

We often avoid those who are close to God when we are in a place of disobedience.  Who have you been avoiding recently?  Why?

Likewise God’s Word is less appealing to us when we know it will point to our mistakes and failures.  We must remember that God sends rebuke and correction because He loves us and wants to set us free from that which would destroy us.  How much time have you spent in God’s Word lately?  What is He speaking to your heart?  How are you responding?

3.       GOD DESIRES REPENTANCE (Read 1 Kings 21:27)

After reading verses 25 and 26 repentance seems unavailable, but that is the beauty of this story!  Repentance is always available!!!  While Ahab displayed his repentance through fasting and wearing sackcloth, God looks at the heart.  I was shocked at how many commentaries dismissed this verse as anything less than true repentance.  Verses 28 and 29 make it clear, “he humbled himself.”  And God took notice.

4.       GOD EXTENDS GRACE (Read 1 Kings 21:28-29)

I love God’s question to Elijah, “Have you noticed?” (verse 29).  Our God notices everything!  While that fact can be disturbing when we are in sin, the opposite is true as well.  Be encouraged that God is taking notice of every aspect of your life.  He cares about you and has wonderful plans for you.  And when He notices a change of heart toward His Kingdom, He extends His grace and mercy.

What a mighty God we serve!  To go from verse 25 to verse 29 in this chapter is the greatest miracle of God’s Kingdom:  His grace is available to all, no matter the circumstances.

Do you know someone who thinks their sin is so awful that God could never forgive?  Take them to 1 Kings 21!  Show them God’s own statement that Ahab was the most wicked king Israel ever had (verses 25-26).  Then take them to the last three verses and the miracle of repentance and grace!  There is no greater love story, and it was written for us all!

In what way do you need a fresh extension of God’s grace?  Would you humble yourself before Him today?

How can you extend God’s grace to someone else in need today?

God’s Bold Grace is your gift to receive and to give.  Enjoy!