*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*
*LET THE WICKED FORSAKE EVIL*
*Scripture Treasure.*
1 Kgs 21:15-19 *And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead.*
*And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.*
*And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,*
*Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which is in Samaria: behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to possess it.*
*And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.*
*Insight and Highlight.*
Let the wicked forsake their ways.
The wicked should count the costs and consequences of their evil ways before they commit them.
*Scripture Commentaries.*
Solomon warns us to think before we act.
There are not more than two end results of our actions; good and bad. We can never achieve the two at the same time.
In business risk portfolio, a good result may follow a bad one or the other way round.
The final end result is either good or bad.
The wicked must understand the principles of retributive justice.
God avenges, and there will always be a day to pay back.
There is retribution that follows and must come as judgment both here on earth and eternally, Gal 6:7, Rev 22:12.
1 Tim 5:24 tells us some people's sins will be made known, exposed, and judged. Their sins will go before them, precede them to judgment.
Some, their sins will follow them.
Ahab's sin was opened beforehand. It went before him, led him to God's judgment.
His sin also followed him in lineage unto his next generation.
In 1 Kgs 21: 21, God said He will take away Ahab's *"....posterity.."* which translates *"...his descendants.*
When wicked people commit evil, it appears sweet to them, but the end is always filled with sorrow.
The psalmist says we must never be carried away, envy, or be afraid of their temporary "victory."
Ps 24: 19 *Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked:*
He says their end in Ps 24:20 *For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.*
It appears from Jesus's words in Rev 22 that some people will ultimately refuse to yield to righteousness.
Rev 22:11a *He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still:....."*
In the same verse, Jesus encouraged the righteous *".....and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.*
There is a curse among many for the wicked. Eccl 8:13 *But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.*
Let us be careful and daily assert as Paul said in Rom 9:1 *I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,*
Ask yourself, "Are my actions, motives, and thoughts right before God?
Choose righteousness today!
*Remorse corner.*
Isaiah 55:7 *Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.*
*Call to Word action.*
Isaiah 1:16 *Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;*
*The Christian clarion duty.*
Think over your actions. They will have consequences. Though your wickedness may be working in your favor, you will regret it at the end!
Prov 20:17 *Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.*
*Prayer.*
Lord, let the hearts of the wicked be turned to You today.
Let the wickedness of the wicked cease in my life, in Jesus name.
Good morning all and have a blessed day today.
God bless you.
Comments