Ever hear about Ahab?

Not the best role model in scripture. Maybe you’re more familiar with the name of his wife?

Jezebel?

Under their rule prophets were murdered, idol worship abounded, of him is said:

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 behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols, like the Amorites the Lord drove out before Israel. 1 Kings 21:25-26

A man who sold himself to evil and is described as vile. That’s a pretty strong description don’t you think?

Certainly not a flattering one.

Growing up in church you hear about evil Ahab, though he is always overshadowed by his wife. She gets the honor of having a whole spirit of evil associated with her. A spirit of harlotry, debauchery, the “Spirit of Jezebel.”

But the end of Ahab’s story might surprise you.

Ahab has just basically murdered a man so he could have his vineyard, and the Prophet Elijah has come to tell Ahab about what God has decided to do with him.

Ahab said to Elijah, “So you have found me, my enemy!” “I have found you,” he answered, “because you have sold yourself to do evil in the eye of the Lord. He says, ‘I am going to bring disaster on you. I will wipe out your descendants and cut off from Ahab every last male in Israel- slave or free.’ Dogs will eat those belonging to Ahab who die in the city, and the birds will feed on those who die in the country.” 1 Kings 21:20-21,24

Fitting end for the murderer of God’s Prophets.

But it doesn’t stop there.

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.” 1 Kings 21:27-29

Wait. What?

Grace?

For Ahab?

“Wait!” Our hearts cry for justice yells, “Wait! You can’t give HIM grace! He’s a murderer! He’s a butcher! He killed people just because they followed God! He killed people just because he wanted some grapes!”

I’m glad that our standards for grace are not God’s standards for grace.

It’s a thought that I will always be thankful for, even as I can’t comprehend it, that God will extend grace to ANYONE who humbles themselves before Him. As long as it is a true genuine heart and not an act, His grace is always available.

But even for Ahab?

Yes even for Ahab.

And even for you.

~Joy Aletheia Stevens

Photo Credit: Blue grapes by Roberto Verzo  (CC BY 2.0)