Be careful what you build on

Every day we’re asking four questions about part of the Bible. Today Bern Leckie answers:

What did I like about today’s passage?

I love these contrasting pictures of two kings whose lives and achievements were built on very different foundations.

Ahab, king of Israel, was an infamous evildoer. There is a lot about him in 1 Kings 18-22, including this neat summary: “There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, urged on by Jezebel his wife.” He built a reputation as a strong leader, someone you wouldn’t want to cross, based on what he or Jezebel were likely to do if you opposed him. He led his country into idol worship with hundreds of prophets who were faced down in a famous contest with Elijah.

Here we learn that Ahab was also using marriage to build alliances, like with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and rebuild his fractured country by encouraging allies to join him in war. He strikes me as someone who was keen to build security, power and an impressive legacy.

But Jehoshaphat’s way of doing things had a different foundation. I love how his commitment to Ahab was faithful, but with a vital condition: “First seek the counsel of the Lord.” As we’ve seen with previous leaders, that makes a huge difference! I love how the faith and wisdom built into Jehoshaphat’s life after habitually seeking God meant that he saw through false prophets right away, even when hundreds of them agreed with each other. Ahab’s folly was proven by his refusal to take the warning from a true prophet, and even though Jehoshaphat was roped into misadventure with Ahab, God responded to Jehoshaphat’s cry for rescue while Ahab died a weird, random, utterly unheroic death.

From these stories, I love the clear message that all the armies and armour in the world can’t deliver the security that faith in God brings.

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

God knows that we get ourselves into trouble from time to time. He can always help us when we turn to him. If seeking God is our top priority, he can build wisdom and good instincts into us so we might avoid some problems, but he gives us freedom to build on our life choices in a difficult and dangerous world. We will always need rescuing at some point!

With faithful people, it seems their greatest achievements might be what they build as a result of God building their hearts and desires. Jehoshaphat found a passion for justice and instructing leaders to teach respect for God. Military victories with God’s help are impressive, but God’s world-changing, peace-bringing kingdom comes through what he does with people whose hearts are faithful to him, willing to love and serve.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

I’m feeling the ongoing practical challenge to stop and consult God more often in work and when making plans. I’d like to encourage others to do the same and see what happens.

Who am I going to share this with?

My family and, hopefully, some people I work with who are open to faith conversations.