Can The Lord Be Quieted?

Bobservations Column

By Pastor Bob Lawrenz

In our reading this morning, we are reminded of that false prophetess, Jezebel, wife of King Ahab, who was a King of Israel for 22 years, reigning from Samaria, (see John 4:9). King Ahab did more to anger the Lord than all the kings that went before him. Among other things (SO MANY other things) Ahab married Jezebel, the daughter of the King of the Zidonians (City of Sidon), of the Philistine tribes.

This “Power Couple” were exceedingly wicked. 1 Kings 21:25 says this of them: “But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.” It is one thing to marry unwisely, and another thing to marry unwisely and get thoroughly caught up in the sin, wickedness, and idolatry of the world.

What we know from Scripture is that God will not always supply grace, particularly to His enemies and His children that align themselves to them. God’s boundless grace and forgiveness has its limits towards those that refuse His Word, His Counsel, and His Law(s). Accordingly, Isaiah 55:6, “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” Clearly, at some point, the Lord will withdraw Himself from those that resist Him.

The horrors of Jezebel’s death can be read in 2 Kings 9. God did not let her live, due specifically to what she was modeling for the northern Tribes. The wife of their King was steeped in all the idolatrous practices of her family, the Philistines.

Jeremiah’s prophecy against the Philistines is our study in Jeremiah 47 today. The cities of Tyre and Sidon will be chewed up as Jezebel, with nothing left of them. The parallels of Jezebel and the Philistines are uncanny. Have you met a Philistine... ever in your lifetime?

Take heed!

Damascus, Syria is fulfilling a prophet’s warnings today in the media:

“The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.”  - Isaiah 17:1 -

“Seek ye the Lord, while He may be found; call ye upon Him while He is near.”
~ Isaiah 55:6 ~

Today's Audio Message: "Can The Lord Be Quieted?"

When God sends judgment it is always just! God is not a warmonger who arbitrarily takes out his frustration out on innocent people, as some have suggested. Nor are the judgments of God some meaningless whim. He doesn’t just suddenly decide to move against people based upon prejudice or revenge. The Creator of all things and Sovereign over all will not allow rebellion against His word, nor His name to be polluted. He is the Judge of men and nations, the self-revealed God wields unlimited authority and power. He will not share His kingdom and His glory with the false gods made by man. He will not tolerate their sin, idolatry and wickedness. God who is merciful will reason with man to repent and turn to Him, but He will not strive with them forever. He promises blessings to those who receive His Word, and judgement to those who reject Him.

The sword of the Lord now comes against the Philistines just as he came against the Egyptians in the previous chapter. They had long been a thorn in Israel’s side, a warring and a wicked people. And we know that those who touch God’s children, touch the apple of His eye. The sword of the Lord cuts deep reminding all people that His power and authority is unmatched, His enemies will fall. It is a stunning and powerful reminder of the sovereignty of God over both his people, but also, everyone else in the world. When he commands one army to defeat another, it happens exactly as He said it would.

All of man’s lofty ideas are nothing compared to God who is all-wise, merciful and just. He calls all men to repentance and to put their trust in Him. God is not willing that any should perish. His abundant grace provides us space to repent, but when we refuse to do so and reject His word, judgement falls upon all those who align themselves against Him.