1 Kings: Walk Before Me FaithfullySample

As we have come to expect in the Books of Kings, a prophet intervenes with God’s word. Elijah returns to confront Ahab. Though God did not intervene to save Naboth’s life, he intervenes now in judgement. 

Ahab’s words sound like resignation: ‘So you have found me, my enemy!’ (v. 20). Elijah issues God’s judgement: that dogs will lick up Ahab’s blood in the place where they licked up Naboth’s. Just as the dynasties of Jeroboam and Baasha were wiped out, so will the dynasty of Omri, of which Ahab is its current king. Jezebel will also be eaten by dogs. 

Ahab is the most evil king Israel has had to this point (vv. 25–26). His behaviour is likened to the Amorites, inhabitants of Canaan. As God did not spare the Canaanites, nor will he spare Ahab. Though Ahab’s act of penitence is commendable, it is insufficient to cancel out the punishment. Elijah issues a revised sentence. 

A famous sportsman, found guilty of cheating, said he would do anything it takes to earn forgiveness. People have joked that when a husband brings his wife flowers, it is penitence for his adultery. When we sin, we often feel a need to do something to make up for our sin. While restitution or recompense may be appropriate, no act of piety or penitence can wipe out our sin. We cannot undo sin entirely, nor can we earn God’s forgiveness. Ahab certainly cannot bring Naboth back, nor does he even offer recompense to Naboth’s family (compare this with Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1–9). 

There is only one way to cancel sin: by the blood of Jesus shed for us. We may be very familiar with this gospel grace, but we need reminding time and again. Yes, we are called to repent and take responsibility for our sin. Yes, it might well be right to recompense or make restitution. But we cannot undo our sin. We cannot atone for it. Only Jesus can, by his remarkable grace on the cross.

Reflection

What is the difference between remorse and repentance for sin?