READ: 1 Kin. 18:1-6: … Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth …
Elijah was called by the LORD to announce to King Ahab a great drought as a covenant curse over idolatry in Israel. God’s punishment involved a prolonged drought and famine.
That was about three years ago. Now the time comes that the LORD wants to end the drought, but repentance is necessary for that. God lets Elijah know that he must go to Ahab to tell him that God will bring rain.
This prophetic word is not forced but comes from God’s sovereign good pleasure. The hunger was certainly severe, even in the vicinity of Ahab’s residence, Samaria (verse 2). Yet we hear nothing of repentance from Ahab or the people.
David also faced the punishment of famine (2 Sam. 21:1). However, David acknowledged that this famine came as a judgment from the LORD as punishment for sin. David then sought God’s face and took measures to set right a blood guilt on Saul’s part. In this case, God was entreated to show favour on the land (2 Sam. 21:14).
But how different is Ahab: while David did not know that the sin was there, Ahab is all too aware of his sin, yet hardens his heart. Moreover, he is not concerned for the people but only worried about his horses and mules (verse 5), which must give him prestige as king. He sets himself to save them if possible.
Even the head of the palace staff, Obadiah, must help him. He does not care for his people, let alone his relationship with God. Ahab is completely lost, seeking only himself.
In contrast to the godless Ahab stands the faithful Obadiah. He cares for the oppressed remnant of the church in those days (verse 3a, 4). That remnant includes 100 prophets of the LORD who have fled from Jezebel and are provided with bread and water by him. In this, we see the hand of the LORD preserving His church.
Is there reason for repentance when experiencing disasters?
Sing: Ps. 75:3,4