TEXT: 2 KINGS 9:8 & 25 NLT
[8] The entire family of Ahab must be wiped out. I will destroy every one of his male descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel.
[25] Jehu said to Bidkar, his officer, “Throw him into the plot of land that belonged to Naboth of Jezreel. Do you remember when you and I were riding along behind his father, Ahab? The Lord pronounced this message against him:
Discussion
Our God is a faithful God. The Lord does not forget our labour of love towards others, and He does not forget to reward wickedness. Every act of kindness we show towards one another is never forgotten by God, and He shall reward everyone according to their works. Today’s devotional is focused on being kind towards one another, especially to those in the vineyard of Christ.
Our Bible text today is a pathetic story about a king who ruled wickedly. Ahab and his wicked wife, Jezebel, took the life of Naboth simply because he refused to sell them his portion of the inheritance. But God did not forget their wickedness. He raised a man called Jehu to ensure that their acts of wickedness were repaid, and all of Ahab’s seventy sons also paid for their father’s wickedness.
For you to understand how gruesome their punishment was, I recommend that you read 2 Kings chapters 9 and 10. When Naboth was unjustly murdered, it seemed as though God did not see what had happened. But when the time came for judgment, God did not spare anyone in Ahab’s household.
It is important to always think about how even the little steps we take could affect another person. Some people use their power and influence to intimidate others, but God sees them, and they shall be rewarded sooner or later.
Just as God can reward wickedness, He can also reward kindness. Abraham showed kindness to visitors by giving them food without knowing that he was entertaining the Lord. God visited him and Sarah, and their season of waiting for a child ended that same day.
Who knows? Maybe a little act of kindness towards another person is all you need for your own problem to be over. Make kindness a part of your life. Don’t let a day go by without being kind to someone. It may be as simple as texting someone who is feeling down, telling someone about the love of Jesus, or giving to someone in need.
Maybe someone reading this devotional today wants to turn away from an act of wickedness or is simply feeling hatred towards someone, with or without a reason. Ask the Lord in prayer today to have mercy on you. Tell the Lord that you repent of your evil ways and that you want Him to take ownership of your thoughts. Then the peace of God shall reign in your heart, in Jesus’ name.
Also, has someone acted wickedly towards you? Commit them to God in prayer and allow Him to reward them accordingly. Allow God to fight the battle for you while you stand back and watch. Don’t try to fight back. God knows how to raise a Jehu when their cup is full.
Declarations:
I shall sow kindness and reap kindness. Only with my eyes shall I see the reward of the wicked, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Psalm 91:8
Light Up Christian Fellowship
