1 Kings 16:8-20
One Week Is Enough

More evil and turmoil in the Northern Kingdom of Israel! King Elah, who should have been on the battlefield but instead was drunk in the capital, is murdered by a mid-level military officer, thus fulfilling the prophecy against Elah’s father, Baasha. (16:3-4) The murderous traitor Zimri reigns as king only seven days before committing suicide in the face of certain overthrow. He spends that week killing every family member and friend of Elah and his father Baasha. Pastor Anthony was particularly struck by the extreme brevity of Zimri’s reign.

Anthony raised the question: Was it fair for God to hold Zimri accountable as an evil king given that he reigned only seven days? His answer was yes – one week was enough. That week was a “screenshot” of Zimri’s life that revealed him as a murderer and idolator with no regard for authority or respect for human life. Anthony urged each of us to think back over the last week. What do the words I spoke, the things my eyes looked on, the works of my hands, the meditations of my heart reveal about me? Would I be content if that screenshot was used to summarize my priorities, write my epitaph? May the Holy Spirit convict us and lead us to repentance where needed. Lord, help me, help us, follow Jesus more fully and faithfully this week. Our mortal lives are fleeting! Every week matters.

In case anyone doubted that one week is a large enough sample to be representative of a life, Anthony reviewed the final week of Jesus’ life on earth – from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Sunday to teaching in the temple on Tuesday to his humble servant-leadership on Thursday, to his death on the cross on Friday. What he did that week clearly showed who he was and what he was like. Praise King Jesus, whose one-week screenshot is such a stark contrast to that of the evil king Zimri, and pledge allegiance to him. That would be an excellent way to start each day this week.

Calvary Family

I have been impressed by the richness of the lyrics of some of the new songs we’ve been singing, such as “Christ Our Wisdom” and "Sing" (which we sang for the first time on Sunday). Thank God for the leaders of our worship team and their devotion to truth-saturated songs that are also singable and memorable. Thank Him for all the team members, up front and in the sound booth, who use their gifts and sacrifice their time to serve in this crucial ministry. Ask Him to encourage and bless each one.

It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees. My small group is studying Psalm 119 this week, and when I read this verse, I thought of the men in our TLC house. They are learning the ways and decrees of God as they work to overcome addiction and the afflictions it brings. Lift them up to God’s throne of power and grace.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert

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