Today’s reading: 1 Kings 22:1-12
After Ahab repents before God, Israel enters a three year period where there is no conflict or war with surrounding nations. But at some point during this peaceful time, Ahab becomes discontent and irritated that Syria still controls Ramoth-gilead. So much so that he wants to go to war to regain it. Now seeing that Ahab had recognized God and repented to Him, you’d think that he would want to seek God’s direction about going to war. But that’s not what we see. In fact, Ahab wouldn’t have sought God at all if it hadn’t been for Jehoshaphat (the king of Judah who followed God) insisting that God be consulted.
The phrase “old habits die hard” came to my mind as I took in and tried to imagine this scenario. While Ahab had repented of his sinful ways three years earlier, there is no evidence that he did anything to grow or nurture his relationship with God after that point. As a result, we see a turning back to old ways of self-focused thinking and behavior.
Is getting to know God better and cultivating your relationship with Him a priority for you? Why is this important? Tami
Source: Tami’s Blog
