January 13, 2017

THE BLAME GAME

1 Kings 18:17-18 (3 Kingdoms 18:17-18 LXX)

When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Are you the one who is troubling Israel?” Elijah answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but rather you and the house of your father, in that you forsook the Lord your God and followed after the Baals.”

Personal Challenge

Ahab, a corrupt king in the early days of Israel had made some pretty bad choices leading the country into some difficult situations. Since the people had been led so far away from God's path, Elijah was sent as a prophet to preach about their error and show them the right way. When king Ahab finally met up with Elijah, he, of course, blamed Elijah for his troubles. However, Elijah reminded Ahab that it was his choice and his leadership that was causing the issues. Isn't this often the way that it goes with most, if not all, of us? We make choices in our lives. Often they are choices that neglect God and His teachings. Then when the consequences begin to settle in around us, we blame God or someone else for our challenges. The truth is that we should have made better choices, to begin with. For every choice, whether good or bad, there is always one or more consequence sometimes good and sometimes bad. And many times the consequences impact so many other people. Lord, have Mercy! Lord, have Mercy! Lord, have Mercy!