2 Kings 1:16: “Then [Elijah] said to [King Ahaziah], ‘Thus says the LORD: “Because you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, is it because there is no God in Israel to inquire of His word? Therefore you shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.” ‘ “

July 26th, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

When King Ahaziah (Ahab’s son) fell and was injured, he sent men to inquire of a false god whether or not he would recover. At the Lord’s direction, the prophet Elijah intercepted the men and sent them straight back to the king with a message from the Lord. Ahaziah insisted that Elijah come to him himself. So Elijah faithfully went and personally delivered the same message to the king that he had already sent by the servants: because the king had sought a false god, he would die.

This man of God was not afraid to speak the Lord’s message to any person, no matter what station in life they held. Most of us are uncomfortable confronting anyone, but even more so someone above us. One reason we dislike it is that it reminds us of our own sins, which keep trying to overtake our lives. But it’s actually good to remember our shortcomings because it keeps us humble. Ahaziah chose to ignore the Lord’s message of confrontation and conviction delivered to him by Elijah, and it cost him his life. How we need to heed God’s word and embrace His conviction in our hearts.

There is an old story from the early missionary days in the southwest that encourages us to remember the grace we’ve been extended. After living many years in sin, a Native American chief was led to Jesus Christ by a missionary. A few days later, some of the missionary’s friends asked the chief to explain the change in his life. Because he was young in the Lord and was just learning the English language, he wasn’t really able to describe his inner feelings. But he noticed an earthworm on the ground and was suddenly inspired. He reached down, picked up the little worm, and placed it on a pile of leaves. Then, to the surprise of those watching, he lit a match and touched it to the leaves. He watched them smolder and burst into flames. But just as the flames were working their way up to the center, where the worm lay, the old chief plunged his hand into the burning pile and snatched out the worm. Safely holding the worm gently in his hand, he gave this testimony to the grace of God: “Me that worm!”

“Thank You, LORD, that You still forgive humble sinners who come to You today. And we do come, in Jesus’ name.”