July 19, 2022

That which has been is what will be. That which is done is what will be done. And there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9

Ahab and Jezebel, the “strange bed partners,” came together in an illicit union of apostate religion and fierce politics. The unprincipled and morally weak King Ahab was easily manipulated by the influential Jezebel. Israel had already been on a downward path under the leadership of previous rulers. Ahab seemed incapable of appreciating the mercies of God, who generously sent His prophets to guide back onto the right course.

Elijah was zealous for the LORD and for how His character was perceived among the people. The extensive system of idolatry and false gods of Jezebel’s culture and background was reinforced by Ahab, who joined in the false worship. The influence over the entire nation was disastrous. The famous showdown on Mount Carmel between Elijah and the prophets of Baal (see 1 Kings 18:20-40) landed him at the top of Jezebel’s list of enemies. On the heels of the great victory at Carmel, Elijah ran for his life.

So it was, when Elijah heard [the still small voice of God], that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” And he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life. [God spoke, saying] I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:13,14,18

The parallels of these characters with today’s developments are striking. A pervading Jezebel-like spirit had brought paganism and idolatry into the midst of God’s people. This was still true when Jesus walked the earth. In later centuries, the medieval church became apostate. In His mercy, God steadily provides for guidance and correction, but beware! A refusal to accept them has a hardening effect on the heart.

Ahab, born into the small nation who possessed the oracles of God, had lifelong opportunity to make the law of God the law of his own heart. Instead, he ushered lawlessness into the nation of Israel through his relationship with Jezebel. North American Protestantism of today parallels Ahab. With the rich heritage provided by the Reformers who discovered Biblical truths and desired to correct error in the church, Protestants have had opportunity to continue on the path of discovery of Biblical truth. But instead of continuation in the pursuit of Biblical truth, God’s people chose to splinter into denominations founded upon various individual Reformers—mere men—in place of Jesus and the continuous pursuit of discovery He has for us in His word. Knowing that we have fallen away from the ideal, many Christians are turning to government to legislate morality back into society (but whose morality?). Ahab and Jezebel are coalescing once again.

And then there is Elijah, with unshaken faithfulness to God who said, “I alone am left.” Beloved, there are growing numbers of people who truly desire to follow the Lamb wherever He goes (Revelation 14:4). Be encouraged in your walk with Him. Honor and obey Him. Share Him with the world!

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:14