Fri.’s Devo - The Evil Kings of Israel

Read: 1 Kings 15L25-17:24; Acts 10:24-48; Psalm 134:1-3; Proverbs 17:9-11 Asa ruled over Judah and Nadab Jeroboam’s son reigned over Israel. After two years, Baasha from the tribe of Issachar assassinated Nadab and became king. He was also evil. He killed all of Jeroboam’s family fulfilling the words of Ahijah the prophet. Baasha was in constant war with Asa. He reigned for 24 years and then God sent the prophet Jehu to tell him that because of his evil ways, he and his descendants would all die in the city and be eaten by the dogs and vultures. *** When Baasha was killed, his son Elah became king. He only reigned two years. He was assassinated by his chariot commander Zimri, while he was at home getting drunk. Zimri immediately killed all of the family of Baasha and even distant relatives and friends. He only reigned seven days because when he proclaimed himself king, his army proclaimed Omri king. Omri led the whole army of Israel to attack Tirzah which was Israel’s capital and where Zimri was. When Zimri realized what was happening, he went into the citadel of the palace and let it burn with him in it. *** Israel was split in their allegiance. Some wanted to make Tibni their king while the other half supported Omri. Omri’s supporters defeated the supporters of Tibni, so Omri became king and Tibni was killed. Asa had been king of Judah for 31 years. *** Omri moved Israel’s capital to Samaria and did more evil than the kings before him had. He reigned 12 years and his son, Ahab succeeded him. Asa was in his 38th year of reign in Judah when Ahah became king in Israel. *** Ahab was the most evil of all of Israel’s kings yet. His wife was Jezebel who introduced the worship of Baal. *** The curse of Jericho fell on Hiel who tried to rebuild Jericho. He lost his first son when he laid the foundation and his youngest son when he set up the gates. This was prophesied by Joshua many years ago. *** God sent Elijah to tell King Ahab that it would not rain for a few years until he gave the word. Then God told Elijah to go and hide by the Brook Kerith near the Jordan. God had commanded the ravens to bring him food. The brook eventually dried up and God sent Elijah to live in the village of Zarephath where a wideow would feed him. *** When he arrived, the widow that was suppose to feed him was gathering sticks for her last meal. Elijah told her to fix him something first and she would always have flour and olive oil. She did and God replenished her flour and oil until the famine was over. *** The widow’s son became sick and died. She asked Elijah if he had come there to kill her son and point out her sins. Elijah took the child’s body and carried him up to his own bed. He cried out to the Lord and stretched himself out on the child three times. The Lord brought the boy back to life and he gave him back to his mother. She now knew that he was sent by God and God spoke through him. *** In Acts, Peter arrived at Cornelius’ house and was greatly welcomed. When Peter realized he was sent to tell Cornelius about Jesus, he shared the whole gospel with him. Cornelius and his friends and family received the message and were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues, praising God. Peter baptized them in water and stayed with them several days. *** Lord, may we not judge who is worthy of knowing you but freely share with all you send us to. May you be glorified in us today.