God Calls Us to Repentance - I Kings 16-18 and Luke 22:47-71

Many of us know the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel, and his challenge to the prophets of Baal. However, we don't think of the circumstances. Why did God call Elijah to do that at that time? The reason is clear, as we read the preceding chapters, isn't it? After Jeroboam things had just become worse in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. One king was assassinated. Then, there was a civil war. There was division among the people, and things became worse and worse, until Ahab became king. The fact is Ahab was about as bad as it could get. Between him and his wife, Jezebel, they turned the whole country to worship Baal. There was only a small remnant left worshiping God. What did God do? Did He just destroy them at that point? He did not bring destruction until He had called them to repent. That is what Elijah was doing by proclaiming the drought and fighting the prophets of Baal. God was giving them another chance to turn to Him. It is not God's heart to destroy us, but if we reject His clear calls to repentance, He has to punish us. What could have been more clear than the fire coming down on Mount Carmel? God is so gracious. We must listen to Him and respond.

In Luke 22 we see the heart of Jesus in this way. When Judas betrayed Him, He did not condemn Judas. He spoke tenderly to him. His heart was broken that he would betray Him. Then, when Peter denied Him three times, Luke tells us that Jesus turned and looked at him. That is all it took. Peter went out and wept bitterly. What was that look? It was a call to Peter to think about what he had just done and to repent. I believe if we are sensitive, we will see Jesus looking at us often. We will hear His still small voice calling us to Him. He does not want us to have to receive the wages of sin. He wants us to be freed from His wrath by confessing our sin and repenting.

Tomorrow, I intend to read I kings 19-20 and Luke 23:1-25.