6th.: God Likes a Broken Heart
From 1st Kings 21:
The Israelite King Ahab wanted more property.
He offered money to the owner, but the owner refused
(the owner wanted to keep the property
in the family).
King Ahab went home and pouted.
Queen Jezebel saw King Ahab pouting.
Queen Jezebel framed the property owner, and had him killed.
She then gave the property to King Ahab.
1st Kings 21:17-22 pronounced God’s judgement against King Ahab.
King Ahab’s responded with,
“And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words [the pronouncements of judgement] that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth and went softly.” (1st Kings 21:27)
God saw King Ahab’s humility. God told Elijah the prophet,
“And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, ‘See you how Ahab humbles himself before me. I will not bring the evil in his days, but in his son’s days will I bring the evil upon his house.’” (1st Kings 21:28-29).
God was not going to back down on his judgements against Ahab.
Nevertheless, God showed Ahab mercy by not having Ahab see the
destruction of his whole family.
In a manner of speaking, Ahab’s actions (prayer if you will?) moved God to mercy.
Likewise, if/when we screw up, if we show the proper humility, God will show us mercy.
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17).