Sat.’s Devo - Ahab’s Ending

Read: 2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34; Romans 9:25-10:13; Psalm 20:1-9; Proverbs 20:2-3 Asa’s son, Jehoshaphat became king. He honored and worshipped the Lord and rid the land of pagan worship. He fortified Judah against any attacks from Israel. He was very popular with the people so they blessed him with wealth. *** He sent men and priests to teach the people God’s laws. God put fear in the surrounding nations so they wouldn’t attack Judah and his large army. Many of them paid them tribute. *** Jehoshaphat made peace with Ahab of Israel and sealed it with the marriage of his son to Ahab’s daughter. Ahab invited him to a celebration in Israel and when he attended, Ahab talked Jehoshaphat in joining him in fighting to get Ramoth-Gilead back from the Arameans. *** Before they went to battle, Jehoshaphat wanted to find out what God had to say about their venture. All of Ahab’s false prophets said he would have great victory. When Jehoshaphat asked for a prophet of God, Ahab reluctantly had Micaiah brought to them. He complained that Micaiah never told him anything good. *** At first, Micaiah was very sarcastic and dittoed what his prophets said but when Ahab pressed him to tell the truth he told Ahab he had seen a vision of all Israel scattered and their leader killed. He advised him to send his army home in peace and not fight. ***Instead, Ahab had Micaiah arrested and put in prison until he returned. Ahab and Jehoshaphat went to battle, ignoring God’s warning. *** Ahab disguised himself as a regular warrior but was killed when a random arrow hit the crease in his armor. There is nothing random with God. *** In Romans, Paul explained God’s plan for the Gentiles. They were not his chosen people from the start, but He was now choosing them to be his people. This had been prophesied by Hosea and Isaiah. God made salvation possible by faith which is activated by confession from your mouth and evidenced in a changed heart. God accepts all who call upon his name with sincerity and faith. *** Lord, thank you for making salvation open to all who believe. May we cause your first chosen people to want the relationship we have with you. Thank you for saving us.