♬ Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #286 Come Into My Heart, Blessed Jesus (#218 in previous version)

Many people think that they will find happiness once they have power. Power without the Gospel, however, is the shortcut to the path of destruction. King Ahab in the Bible becomes a king without having received God’s blessings and faces suffering. Anyone can enjoy the blessings that Obadiah or Elijah received if he or she receives God’s grace. What must we realize through King Ahab?

1. We must not underestimate the world

King Ahab rose to the throne, experienced the power of the world and was aware of the taste of all the riches and glories as he enjoyed great wealth. Once King Ahab came into possession of power and wealth, 850 false prophets fawned over him and praised him. King Ahab underestimated the world and believed that he could do all things with his power. However, King Ahab lacked God’s blessings.

2. We must not envy the world

Even having witnessed God’s power many times, King Ahab did not receive God’s grace and did not experience the power of the Gospel as he was amidst the culture of idolatry. King Ahab had everything in the world and yet lacked the true blessings that God bestows and ultimately failed. We are God’s children, and yet there are times when we envy all the riches and glories of the world. However, children of God have the blessings that surpass the things of the world. We just need to restore the power and blessings of God, which Elijah and Elisha experienced.

3. We must not fear the world

The power of God comes upon the children of God. The world is not a frightening place for the children of God who receive the answer of enjoying the power that God gives to them. Elijah boldly confronted King Ahab, and Obadiah lent a helping hand to the true prophets and Elijah even though he was a servant of King Ahab. They did not defy God by believing in their own power. They only looked to God’s power and blessings. There is no need for the people of God to fear the world.

Forum Topic

Jesus Christ is the eternal blessing and omnipotent power. Let us meditate on how we should enjoy and experience the power given to the children of God who accept Jesus Christ in their hearts.