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In Order. Out Smart Out Maneuver

June 29. 1 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 18

 

One of the greatest lies, both the people of God and others fall for, is to believe that in some way, we are capable of outsmarting and outmaneuvering the Lord. 

Ahab wants Micaiah to tell him “nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord.”  But when this truth is not what Ahab wants to hear, he puts Micaiah in prison and makes plans to outsmart or outmaneuver this truth.  What is the result?  The truth occurs, with the death of Ahab.

Now, think about how many times we hear these words, “He or she is in a better place” when someone meets the same fate as Ahab and all individuals – death. 

But here is the truth of the Lord.

 

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

17 "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

 

Like Ahab, some individuals have not believed the truth, and no maneuvering can change the real truth that he or she is not in a better place.

Then there are the lives of those who do believe, desiring to experience the abundant life that Jesus promised when He said,

 

“I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

 

But here is the truth of the Lord.

 

John 15:9 "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.

10 "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

11 "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

 

Like Ahab, some believers have not believed this truth, and no maneuvering can change the real truth that he or she is not experiencing the abundant life.

Many times the “secret” to avoiding disasters in our life is to step back and learn from the mistakes of others.  In this case, to honestly see if we are being like Ahab.  That in some way we are, in fact, trying to outsmart or outmaneuver the Lord. 

The truth is, keeping His commandments and abiding in His love is a far better way of living life than trying to outsmart or outmaneuver the Lord. 

Robert McClendon

Bob McClendon grew up in Pennsylvania, spent most of his adulthood in Colorado, and is now ready to learn how to be a Texan. He married his high school sweetheart, Tracy, in 1975. They have two...more