Sermon Snippet – One of the Few – Part IV
INTRODUCTION – Even though the prophet Elijah felt that he was all alone as a man of faith in Israel, God assured him that there was still a tiny minority of believers (I Kings 19:14-18). These included the government official Obadiah (I Kings 18:1-16), the prophet Elisha (I Kings 19:19-21), and an unnamed prophet who was a strong witness in a wicked society (I Kings 20:1-30). I Kings 20:35-43 introduces another believer, the smitten prophet.
1. THIS PROPHET’S REQUEST WAS UNUSUAL
(verses 35-37) – This man’s request was unusual but essential, for he was to be a living illustration of Ahab’s foolishness and negligence in releasing the king of Syria from captivity. What seemed to be a shrewd treaty (verse 35) was really disobedience to God, a disobedience which would negatively impact the entire nation of Israel. This unnamed prophet needed to look as though he had been in the battle in order to gain admittance into Ahab’s presence. The refusal of the first “neighbor” to strike the prophet was also disobedience (he was also a prophet, a man of God, and should have obeyed). His hindering of the plan of God resulted in his own death. The second fulfilled God’s purpose. Proverbs 27:6 states, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” If I asked you to tell me all of my faults, you would likely be hesitant, for you would like to get home today. There are certain people to whom I listen carefully; they have credibility and speak not in anger but in love. Others do not merit our attention. For example, I am not going to waste my time listening to someone who trashes me by calling me garbage. “The kisses of an enemy are deceitful”; so are “the wounds” of an enemy!
2. SERVING GOD IS CHALLENGING
(verses 38-41) – Not all of us will be called to be physically wounded, of course. However, just as this smitten prophet suffered pain, we will hurt as we struggle to be faithful. Many will scoff, and people that we dearly love will show little or no spiritual awareness. II Timothy 3:12 promises, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” It was a challenge for this wounded prophet to approach an angry King Ahab, who had absolute power in the realm (even the mighty Elijah had been intimidated). Still, the prophet delivered the message, even though he had no assurances from God that he would walk away from Ahab unpunished – or would even walk away at all.
3. GOD’S MERCIES ARE REAL
(verses 42-43) – We opened the service with a hymn by Robert Grant that includes the line, “Thy mercies how tender! How firm to the end!” God’s message to Ahab was not a pleasant one, but He had not abandoned Ahab, even though Ahab had abandoned Him. Furthermore, judgment was not immediate, for Ahab “went to his house” (verse 43). Thus, God was tender with this wicked king. He was also firm, for judgment would come upon Ahab if he did not repent. Ahab’s sullen and seething attitude indicated that he was settled in his opposition to God and His goodness.
CONCLUSION – Ahab was graciously granted another three years of life. He had every opportunity to repent, to turn from his selfish, vicious way of living; but there is no indication in Scripture that he did repent. Each one of us has that opportunity today because of the tender mercies of God. “Great are Thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to Thy judgments” (Psalm 119:156). We are made eternally alive through faith in God the Son, Jesus Christ, Who was “smitten of God” (Isaiah 53:4). May each of us trust in Him alone for eternal salvation, and may we increasingly appreciate His tender mercies in this tough old world.