Trouble Maker of Israel | Elijah Part 3 - 1 Kings 18 Sermon

Trouble Maker of Israel - Elijah Part 3

1 Kings 18

Let’s take a closer look at King Ahab, the son of King Omri. In 1 Kings 16:25, we learn about King Omri, who is described as an “evil king in the sight of God.” While the Bible doesn’t go into great detail about him, it makes one thing clear—he was more evil than any king before him. That’s a reputation no one would want, especially in the eyes of God.

This legacy of evil kings was passed down to King Ahab, who was raised by one of the most wicked kings in Israel’s history. Fast forward to 1 Kings 18, where we see a dramatic conflict between King Ahab and the prophet Elijah—a battle between an evil king empowered by demonic forces and a righteous prophet empowered by God. It’s a spiritual and physical battle, reminding us of what Paul says in Ephesians 6:12:
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Parenting Matters

The story of King Omri and King Ahab highlights the critical role of parenting. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” But King Omri failed to raise his son in the ways of the Lord. Instead, he passed down pride, rebellion, and idolatry.

Pride was at the heart of King Omri’s failure. He forgot that the kingdom he ruled wasn’t his—it was God’s. He was merely a steward, yet he acted as if he were the ultimate king. This pride led to the neglect of God’s Word and the rejection of His authority.

Imagine how different the story of Israel would have been if King Omri had chosen to follow God’s commands and raise his son to do the same. As parents, we must understand the impact of our choices on future generations. Proverbs 29:17 reminds us:
“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.”

God’s Sovereignty in Painful Seasons

In 1 Kings 18, we see God working through Elijah to confront King Ahab. Why didn’t God speak directly to Ahab? Perhaps He did, but Ahab was so far from God that he couldn’t hear Him. So, God used Elijah as His spokesperson, just as He uses people today to reach others.

To get Ahab’s attention, God caused a three-year drought—a powerful statement to a king who worshiped Baal, the supposed god of rain and fertility. This drought wasn’t just a punishment; it was a message: “I am the Lord of the water, the rain, and the crops that grow.”

Baal, a key figure in Canaanite and Phoenician religion, was worshipped as the god of fertility and weather, particularly responsible for rain and storms. Known as the "Lord of Rain and Dew," he was believed to provide the life-giving moisture essential for agriculture in the region. Some scholars associate Baal with the Babylonian god Marduk and the Assyrian deity Hadad due to their overlapping roles. In Canaanite mythology, Baal held dominion over the heavens and was revered as the god of the sun, thunder, rain, fertility, and the growth of crops.

God often uses painful seasons to draw us back to Him. When we choose to go our own way, we walk the path that leads to death. Yet, even in our rebellion, God shows mercy. Despite Ahab’s wickedness, God eventually allowed rain to fall again—not because of Ahab’s actions, but because of God’s goodness and sovereignty.

This is a reminder of why evil people sometimes receive blessings like wealth, power, and success. It’s not a reflection of their righteousness but of God’s common grace and mercy. However, God will also use hardships—like droughts or storms—to get our attention.

A Modern-Day Elijah?

In 2022, Winter Storm Elliot swept through the Midwest, one of the worst storms in recent history. The name “Elliot” comes from “Elijah” and means “Yahweh is my God.” Is it possible that God was using this storm to speak to the Midwest? Cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis have been in the news for riots, violence, and corruption. Could this storm have been a warning, much like Elijah’s confrontation with Ahab?

God still sends “Elijahs” today—people who are called to speak truth and call others back to Him. Are we listening?

The Real Trouble Maker of Israel

In 1 Kings 18, Ahab calls Elijah the “Trouble Maker of Israel.” But was Elijah really the troublemaker? No, the real troublemaker was King Omri. His pride, rebellion, and idolatry set the stage for Ahab’s wicked reign and the suffering of Israel.

Omri’s failure to follow God had a ripple effect:

  • Ahab’s marriage to Jezebel, one of the most wicked women in the Bible.
  • The rise of Baal worship in Israel.
  • The deaths of 450 prophets of Baal.

When we reject God and His ways, we not only harm ourselves but also those around us. Omri’s legacy of rebellion led to a nation in chaos.

Lessons from Elijah and Ahab

  1. God Uses Pain to Get Our Attention:
    Just as the drought was meant to turn Ahab’s heart back to God, our hardships often serve as wake-up calls.
  2. Parenting Shapes Generations:
    The choices we make as parents have lasting consequences. Let’s raise our children to know and follow Jesus.
  3. God’s Sovereignty Is Unshakable:
    Even in the midst of rebellion, God’s mercy and grace are evident. He is always in control, working to reveal His glory.

Final Thoughts

The story of Elijah and Ahab reminds us of the importance of surrendering to God. Ahab took the throne; God took the water. When we try to sit on the throne of our lives, we only find chaos and destruction. But when we let God take His rightful place, we find life, peace, and purpose.

So, ask yourself: Who is sitting on the throne of your life? Are you following the path of pride like Omri and Ahab, or are you surrendering to God’s will like Elijah?

It’s time to get off the throne and let God reign. Only then can we experience the fullness of His grace and glory.