After the
death of Asa dark times once again had a hold on the northern kingdom. Life in Israel was full of betrayal, idolatry, rival
temples, and accumulating evil. It almost seemed that Nadab, Baasha, Elah,
Zimri, Omri, and Ahab were each trying to outdo the wickedness of the previous
generation (vv. 25, 30). Each Israelite king
“did evil in the eyes of the Lord,” provoking Him to anger and judgment (15:26,
30, 34; 16:2, 7, 13, 19, 25, 26, 30, 33).
The
underlying message here is that sin does not go unpunished. In fact, sin
becomes its own punishment. Look at the results of doing evil for these kings:
constant war, numerous plotting and betrayal, rivalry, insecurity, even murder.
Evil begets more evil. Any promise of happiness or pleasure is shattered by the
choice to engage in wickedness. The only way to break the chain is to repent,
turn from your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall (Ezekiel 18:30).
During these dark times, God’s
people desperately needed a true leader, one who would follow the Word of the Lord with all
his heart as king David did. A shining light is about to
appear..........Elijah.
The
Truth
“Remember
therefore from where you have fallen; repent
and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your
lampstand from its place—unless you repent.”
(Revelation 2:5)
