1 Kings 21:27-29 (ESV) -- And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son’s days I will bring the disaster upon his house.”

There are people in life that we see do awful and terrible things that we hope get what they deserve. We want to see people pay for their atrocities, injustices, and wickedness. This is a completely natural and right thing to feel. We are wired to long for justice. This internal longing comes from being made in the image of a God who is just. We are reflections of His character. But God is not only just. He is merciful. Sometimes that mercy surprises us. 

We read in 1 Kings 21:27-29, “And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, ‘Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son’s days I will bring the disaster upon his house.’”

Ahab was a wicked king. His deeds were an affront to God and His people. His wife was even worse and he did nothing to deter her. God pronounces a judgment of imminent death on Ahab for murdering a man to steal his property. When Elijah delivers the message, Ahab’s heart was contrite. He mourned his sin and God’s judgment. Then we read in our passage the LORD’s response to Ahab. Mercy. 

God is moved by humility and repentance of Ahab. He responds the same way today with us. God’s heart is moved by humility and repentance. He loves a contrite heart. What sins do you need to confess today? What sins do you need to let your heart have contrition for before the LORD? Get on your face today and tell the LORD your sins and plead for His mercy. Even Ahab was spared when God saw his response. He will be moved to mercy by yours as well.

Reflection & Journal:
- What message does Elijah reveal to Ahab?
- Why does Ahab’s forgiveness from God shock us? What does this reveal about the depths of God’s mercy?
- How should this lead you to contrition and repentance today? What would you say to someone who believes they are beyond God’s mercy?

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