The Daily Word: Thursday, June 17th, 2021
1 Kings 18:1-46
Acts 11:1-30
Psalm 135:1-21
Proverbs 17:12-13
For full text click here.
Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed the Baals.” – 1 Kings 18:17-18
Ahab was a wicked king who despised God. Elijah was a righteous prophet who loved and feared God! Needless to say, they had a few run-ins. Ahab had abandoned God and made no attempt to follow Him; so Elijah would often show up and rebuke Ahab for the wicked way he was leading Israel.
When Ahab saw Elijah, he was not happy. “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” he asked. But Elijah was not the troubler of Israel. Elijah just delivered God’s word! Ahab was the troubler of Israel, because he ignored the word of God. Ahab was trying to blame Elijah for his own sin! His life would have been easier if Elijah – representative of the word of God – was not around. But it was not Elijah’s fault. It was Ahab’s fault! And if you’re unhappy or convicted, it’s not God’s word’s fault! The fault is your own. You – not the word – need to change!
The “troubler” is not the one who sticks to God’s word. The troubler is the one who strays far from it! I promise you this: life becomes simpler when you stick to the word of God, no matter what.
Prayer:
Lord, give me conviction to stand on Your word! I confess there are moments when I think it would be easier if I lived my own life, instead of following Your word. Catch me in those moments. Convict me in those moments! Remind me that it is my portion and my joy to live for You, because of all You have done for me, in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.