1 Kings 21:27-29 (NASBStr)
It came about when Ahab heard these words, that he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and fasted, and he lay in sackcloth and went about despondently. Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, “Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the evil in his days, but I will bring the evil upon his house in his son’s days.”
Wow!!! You only have a to read a few chapters about Ahab and Jezebel to know how amazing these few verses are in the story of God's grace. Ahab was a wicked man. His leadership over Israel brought scores of idol worship and mistreatment of man. Ahab is a picture of the worse of sinners. Yet, God's grace postponed Ahab's punishment due to his repentance. God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. It should be noted that God only "postponed" Ahab's discipline. God did not remove it. But, this humility and act of contrition opened the door for a compassionate God and a patient God. God wants man to repent. Even the most wicked man will be given God's grace if they will but repent and know the glory and holiness of God. Pride keeps us from repentance. Satan tries to convince us that God won't forgive so there is no reason to repent. Yet, here we have the perfect example of God's grace in the lives of wickedness. God's grace is an ocean we can't fathom.
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