April
16
1
Kings 15-17
The
list of evil kings in Judah and Israel is long. "Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father David had
done." (1 Kings 15:11, NIV) Asa is a breath of fresh air in the midst
of the evil that surrounded him. We do not know much about Asa, but we are told
"Asa’s heart was fully committed to
the Lord all his life." (1 Kings 15:14, NIV)
A
few pages later we read of a well known king of Israel. "Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes
of the Lord than any of those before him." (1 Kings 16:30, NIV) God
blesses those who follow Him and He curses those who rebel against Him. God
blessed Asa with success. God brought disaster upon Ahab and made him pay for
his evil actions.
We
don’t like to think about the wrath of God. Sometimes we wonder why God doesn’t
bring His wrath against those who practice evil against society. In the short
run, it seems like the wicked prosper while the good face opposition. But we
can be assured that God knows the score. He knows who is fully committed to Him
and he knows who does evil in His eyes. We will all stand before the judgment
seat of Christ and on that day we will each receive what is due.
Our
reward is not necessarily worldly riches, but eternal wealth is much more
valuable. Ahab is mentioned in portions of seven chapters of the bible, Asa got
16 verses. Asa was commended by God, Ahab was condemned.
Almost the very end of the bible
tells us; "“Behold, I am coming
soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he
has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning
and the End. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the
right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside
are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the
murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. “I,
Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the
Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” The Spirit and
the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty,
let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of
life." (Revelation 22:12-17, NIV)
There
is eternal reward for those who follow and obey the commands of Jesus. Are you
thirsty?
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