1 Kings 16:21-34
A Question of Fairness

Pastor Austin began by noting the repetitive nature of much of 1 Kings so far: The account of an evil king’s reign is followed by the description of God’s righteous judgment on him. In this week’s passage, however, we hear about the especially evil reigns of Omri, king of the northern kingdom of Israel, and of his son Ahab but not about God’s judgment on them. Austin asked, Where’s the justice? Why do the wicked prosper? We ask those questions today, perhaps about a circumstance in our own lives or in the life of someone we care about, or about wickedness in our nation and world. Before the Lord, complain to Him (following Jeremiah’s example) about the injustices you see. God appreciates honesty.

I was intrigued by Austin’s explanation of the last verse in the passage about the rebuilding of Jericho, which apparently has nothing to do with King Omri or King Ahab. Over 500 years before, when the walls of Jericho came a’tumbling down, Joshua pronounced God’s curse on anyone who rebuilt the city: At the cost of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest son shall he set up its gates. (Joshua 6:26) In verse 34 of this week’s passage, we see the promise fulfilled. It is a reminder that God does what He says He will do, in His time. He
can be trusted. God’s justice will be done in whatever circumstances trouble you, but you may need to wait until King Jesus returns. Ask the Lord to strengthen all of us as we wait, to keep us from losing heart or changing our theology or abandoning Him altogether.

Austin urged us to think on the “fullness” of the character of God, meaning the full range of His attributes. We like to focus on His compassion and love and mercy and, although we’re offended by the atheists who call God a bully or petty control freak, we avoid thinking of His attributes that have negative connotations, like jealousy or anger or vengeance. Take time today to meditate on the attributes of God that make you uncomfortable; think about how they are related to His holiness and righteousness. Then praise Him for those qualities that make us feel awkward; praise Him in His fullness.

Calvary Family

Thank God for our pastors. These past five weeks without Pastor Dave have shown that we have a deep bench when it comes to preaching. Pray for our pastors. Austin pulled back the curtain a bit on Sunday when he shared that the hurt, brokenness, and sin pastors see up-close – in congregants and in themselves – can be discouraging. Lift up the Tebays as they wrap up their extended time off and prepare to get back in the game.

I think of our Fall FunFest as a way we serve young families in our neighborhood. This fun event provides them with a safe, wholesome, and inexpensive Halloween alternative. It is also an outreach. A number of current Calvary families discovered us through FunFest. This event doesn’t just happen – it requires many helping hands and giving hearts. Especially this year, because more activities will be offered and the hours of the event have been extended. Be praying this week about how you can be involved. For more information and to sign up, go to Calvary's website or stop by the FunFest table in the foyer on Sunday. You can also sign up on the app.

Pray for people among us who suffer from chronic pain. Short-term pain is no fun, but there are those who endure severe pain every day and have for a long time. The sufferers I know rarely complain, so it’s easy for the rest of us to forget what they go through. Ask the Lord in His mercy to ease their pain; if that is not His will, for a reason we can’t understand, ask Him to give them a full measure of fortitude each day.

To contribute a prayer suggestion or request to the prayer blog, reply to this e-mail, turn in a prayer card, or contact the office.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert