“And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth” (1 Kings 18:1).
The perception of God before many is often warped, leading to a drastic substandard in the quality of life. An appropriate knowledge of His attributes of mercy and judgement, love and temperance often go a long way to determining man’s prosperity, spiritual renaissance and economic well-being.
In the preceding chapter, God had decided to shut the heavens against rainfall because of the sinful and backslidden state of the nation of Israel. In the third year, God mercifully and graciously decided to send rain again. But this was not without repentance. The nation needed to retrace her steps to the Lord in repentance and brokenness. Consequently, the Lord told Elijah, “Go shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth”, a veiled but pungent instruction to Elijah to declare to Ahab his sin, that of his father’s house, and of the nation of Israel.
It is folly for anyone to think that he can continue to live in sin while enjoying God’s goodness. Such folks clearly have a perverted understanding of who God really is. Those who take Him for a father Christmas who caresses all who come to Him and soft-gloves their acts of misdemeanor will be shocked to discover God’s anger and judgement against them ultimately.
God’s gracious hands are still outstretched to the sinner; He promises to send down rain of righteousness, abundance and prosperity once the sinner returns in repentance and penitence. Open your heart to Him in self-abasement and faith if you have gone into sin and disobedience and make appropriate restitution. If you don’t, you will be like the proverbial fool who is penny wise and pound foolish. If, however, your relationship with God is intact, you must believe Him for showers of blessings. He will not fail.
Thought for the day: True repentance begets the milk of God’s kindness
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