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1 Kings 21:27-29, When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly. Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite: “Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son.”

Up until this point, King Ahab has been evil in the sense that he turned away from God and engaged in idolatry.  Now, he is complicit in brutality as well.  When he doesn’t get a nearby vineyard that he desires, he throws a tantrum and allows his wife, Jezebel, to do what she sees fit to ensure the vineyard is his.  Jezebel, with no hesitation or remorse, devises a plan to ensure that the rightful owner of the vineyard is killed.  The vineyard now belongs to King Ahab.

Not surprisingly, this angers the Lord.  God declares that the line of Ahab will be destroyed and that his wife, Jezebel, will be killed and eaten by dogs (which would be considered incredibly horrific because there could be no proper burial).  At this, we see a drastic change in Ahab.  He actually shows remorse.  He puts on sackcloth and fasts; he humbles himself before the Lord.  This appears to be the first positive thing that Ahab has ever done.  God takes notice. 

God decides to push back the destruction of Ahab to future generations.  You see, God always wanted to get Ahab’s attention and have him turn from his evil ways.  He never wanted Ahab to be destroyed, simply transformed into a Godly king like David; he wanted Ahab’s heart to genuinely change.  God is incredibly merciful, always looking for way to redeem, always willing to give second chances.

Let’s pray…Lord, Thank you for your mercy.  Forgive us for our many sins, for the way we fall short over and over again.  Help us change our own hearts so we better reflect you.  May we reflect your mercy, love, and grace, in all we do.  More of you and less of me, Lord Jesus.  Amen.