Brutal Civil War


1 Kings 16:8-28
http://www.biblegateway.com/1 Kings 16:8-28

Today’s reading is simply a history lesson and story of what life is like when you are completely separated from the ways of God. The violent lives of these people are shocking and more than a little frightening. While all of the murders, intrigue, and wrangling for power went on, one can only hope that the lives of the “regular people” were not as tumultuous. Chances are they had to be affected and I feel sorry for them. While ruthless men vie for power, the rest of us pay the price.

What is happening in these 20 verses is going to set the stage for the next great man of God to come along. These evil kings are building the platform upon which will stand the evil King Ahab and the prophet Elijah. The stories of Elah, Omri, and Zimri simply serve to show how Israel is on a very fast trajectory toward disaster. Evil is never content to remain in a static place of neutrality. It always seems to build and build. Just when you think people cannot become worse, they somehow do. So I guess we can take that lesson home today. If you think that allow a “little” evil into your life is okay, read these 20 verses of 1 Kings and you’re realize that simply isn’t possible.

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