1 Kings 21:17-29; Psalm 51; Matthew 5:43-48
“After murdering Naboth, are you now going to take over his ancestral land? In fact, in the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, dogs will lick up your blood also” (1 Kings 21:19). These were the words of Elijah to Ahab. The Bible says as soon as Ahab heard these words, he humbled himself before God and repented. There are two basic lessons here: 1. Our evil deeds carry with them unavoidable punishments, 2. No matter how grevious our sins may be, God’s mercy and forgiveness awaits those who truly repent.
Therefore, anyone who hears God’s warning should repent. The Psalm of today is a plea for mercy, asking God for forgiveness and restoration. Mercy is the nature of God. Ezek18:23 says; God is not interested in the death of a wicked man, rather let him repent and live. In the gospel Jesus says; “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matt.5:44-45).
Today, the desire of most Christians is the death of their enemies or the death of the wicked. While this sounds to logical, Christ invites us to embrace the true nature of Christianity. He says; love your enemies. Beloved, Christianity does not permit killing not even the death of the wicked. In this days of self defense, let us not take lives into our hands.
LET US PRAY
Father, we humbly beseech you that all the sheep who stray out of Your fold may be converted to You. Grant us mercy and grace to fulfill your commands. Amen.
