Ahab’s Last Chance

INTRODUCTION.

A.        The one thing you and I do not know is whether or not this moment will be our last chance to repent and change.

B.        Every Christian should live this moment as if it were his last. If you need to repent and change, then repent and change. If you are serving your heavenly Father, then continue doing so.

C.        There are several Bible characters who did not take advantage of their last chance. Once such character was Ahab, king of Israel.

I.         AHAB’S HISTORY.

            A.        Ahab, the son of Omri, reigned over Israel for twenty-two years, B.C. 873-851. Abah’s reign was filled with wickedness. 1 Kings 16:30 reads, “And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord above all that were before him.”

            B.        Let us consider Abah’s fall.

                        1.         Ahab married a wicked woman. (1 Kings 16:31)

                        2.         Ahab worshiped the false god Baal. (1 Kings 16:31-33)

                        3.         Jezebel massacred or cut off prophets of the Lord. (1 Kings 18:4)

                        4.         Ahab rejected the victory of Elijah over the prophets of Baal. (1 Kings 18:20-40)

                        5.         Jezebel and Ahab conspired against and murdered Naboth to obtain Naboth’s vineyard. (1 Kings 21:1-16)

            C.        Ahab was repentant for a while.

                        1.         After Ahab took Naboth’s vineyard, Elijah prophesied against Ahab. (1 Kings 21:17-26)

                        2.         Ahab repented and the Lord spared him. (1 Kings 21:27-29)

II.       AHAB REJECTED HIS LAST WARNING. (1 Kings 22:1-40)

            A.        When Ahab was preparing to go to war with the king of Syria, he asked Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, to join him. The king of Judah agreed but asked Ahab to inquire of the Lord first.

            B.        Ahab asked his own prophets about his plans and they said, “Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.” (1 Kings 22:6) Jehoshaphat then asked Ahab to consult a prophet of the Lord. Ahab, reluctantly, sent for and asked Micaiah, a prophet of the Lord.

            C.        Micaiah told Ahab that if he went to battle, he would not return alive. Micaiah said to Ahab, “I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: And the Lord said, These have no master: Let them return every man to his house in peace.” (1 Kings 22:17) Micaiah’s answer angered Ahab.

            D.        Ignoring Micaiah’s warning, Ahab and Jehoshaphat went to war with the king of Syria. To help protect himself, Ahab disguised himself so as not to look like a king. Although the Syrian soldiers were unable to find Ahab, a soldier mortally wounded Ahab. The Syrian soldier drew a bow at random. The bow struck Ahab between the joints of his armor. Ahab later died, as prophesied by Micaiah.

III.      WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM AHAB’S LAST CHANCE?

            A.        Do not reject what could be your last chance to repent of your sins.

                        1.         Ahab had several opportunities to repent and chance. While Ahab did repent on one occasion, his repentant attitude did not last. When Ahab’s last chance came along, he rejected it.

                        2.         Every Christian living in sin has had many opportunities to change and obey. If you are living in sin, have you been rejecting your opportunities to change? Only God knows whether or not this sermon will be your last chance to repent and change.

                        3.         The Bible teaches that we will not receive a second chance after death. (Hebrews 10:26-27)

            B.        Do not ignore the Truth.

                        1.         Ahab knew that Micaiah would speak only the truth. Ahab knew the truth. Ahab blatantly ignored the warning and chose to listen to the false prophets.

                        2.         There are many Christians who know the truth, but choose to ignore and reject it.

                        3.         If we reject Jesus Christ and His words, then we reject the words of God. Let it also be understood that those words we reject will judge us in the last day. (John 12:48)

            C.        No one will be able to escape the judgment of the Lord.

                        1.         Ahab tried to disguise himself in order to escape his punishment. Ahab was unable to run from the Lord.

                        2.         If you are living your life in sin, running from the Lord, rest assured that you will not be able to escape the Lord’s judgment. (Hebrews 2:1-4) Therefore, repent today.

CONCLUSION.

A.        What are you going to do with what could be your last chance? Rather than waiting for your last chance, make the decision to obey God’s word today.

B.        If you are not a Christian, then take this opportunity to become one.

C.        If you are a Christian with unforgiven sin, then take this time to repent and turn your life back to the Lord.

Ahab’s Last Chance - May 2, 2004 - File # 843

by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK