ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
April 10, 2021
Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-2
Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.”
Thought for the Day: Phil Driscoll is a trumpet player and a songwriter. He has a song entitled, “Don’t Dance With The Devil,” and the chorus has the line: “Don’t dance with the devil. He’ll make a fool out of you.” Well King Ahab danced, maybe not with the devil, but with a not so good person by the name of Jezebel. Ahab not only danced with her, but married her. Whenever people choose to get married, there is some give and take. There will probably be some changes required for both folks, but any relationship that requires a person to give up their values should be questioned. My spouse has made me a better person. My values have not changed. Instead, she has helped me to understand those values on a deeper level, to see the implications of those values in so many new ways. This isn’t suggesting that certain values and beliefs should go unchanged forever. There are times when someone helps us to see how our so-called values are unhealthy or destructive, but changing on a whim for the sake of a relationship should always be done with caution. King Ahab was willing to go all in at the expense of everything he had previously claimed to believe. This rarely ends well.
Prayer: Help me to remain faithful to you, Lord God, and to the values and ideals you call me to live. I seek your assistance when I am distracted or find myself chasing something that undercuts the basics of a life that honors you. Amen.
