Date: June 16, 2020 ()

Bible Text: 1 KGS 21:17-29 |

Series:

Be Perfect as Your Father in Heaven is Perfect...

King Ahab was a horrible sinner. His pride caused the brutal murder of Naboth over a piece of land. God was angry at this heartless ruler and so, to him shall come a horrible punishment for the horrible inequity he had done. The Lord said: “In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, the dogs shall lick up your blood, too.”

The logical thing we can think of readily after knowing this awful crime is revenge. We can’t wait to see Ahab punished. But God suddenly changed his mind when He saw Ahab humbled, tore his garments; put on sackcloth over his bare flesh; fasted, slept in the sackcloth, and went about subdued.

Then the LORD said to Elijah, “Have you seen that Ahab has humbled himself before me? Since he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his time.”

I grew up with a father who has a strict sense of justice. I get what I deserve. In every action there could be a corresponding reaction. I remember one day my father bought me a basketball, and on another occasion a guitar because that’s what he promised me if I did good in school. But there were a number of times also I got awfully punished for not being able to keep up to his expectations. I hate to commit mistakes because I know, my father won’t forgive me - I get the punishments no matter how I plead. I know my father loves me but I never knew a love so attractive and something I don’t want to lose, but the love of Jesus.

Today, Jesus teaches us the love his heavenly Father wants all of us to learn. Unlike any other, this love enables us to go beyond what justice can minimally give. The Father’s love teaches us to love our enemies. Definitely we think this is too much of a forgiveness. But isn’t it precisely called love because it just gives too much? This is the same love that forgives king Ahab in his worst sin. A love such as this is holy and sacred. It can only come from the merciful Father in heaven who also calls us to love the same. What does it mean to us now when Jesus tells us: Be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” It simply means: Forgive and pray for those who hurt you.