We have never done so many bad things that God abandons us; we always get chances to come back. He delays judgement and offers grace. Jesus came to save sinners, not good people; whatever you have done, Jesus’ sacrifice is enough to pay for all your sins. All you need to do is repent and believe. What a wonderful truth that is!
By the time King Ahab came to the throne in 1 Kings 16, the northern kingdom of Israel had been rebelling against God for many years. Ever since King Jeroboam set up golden calves and a new system of worship, king after king after king continued in their evil ways. King Omri was the worst of all; at least until his son Ahab became king.
Ahab was the worst king in a long line of terrible kings. Where Jeroboam set up golden calves and told the people this was the worship of the true God, Ahab imported the worship of Baal. The official religion was based around pagan temples, shrine prostitution, and calling on Baal and Asherah to provide rain and prosperity. Ahab even married a foreign princess who was a devoted worshipper of Baal.
If you were God, what would you do?
