Counting Chickens Before They Hatch

O. T. #806 "Counting Chickens Before They Hatch"
August 5, 2016
1 Kings 20-Part 2


LET IT GLOW


When I was little, we had a few hens and roasters in the garage. If we didn't eat up all the eggs, the settin' hens  would remain on their nest of eggs to keep them warm so their chicks would hatch. It was hard to predict how many chicks would actually hatch out. That was because we had an old hound dog that liked to eat eggs. Ahab's enemy sent a threat of his victory over Israel, but Ahab told him, in not so many words, to not count his chickens before they hatched.

Anyone need a victory today? How about a little grace, too? Ahab need both, for a huge army was coming against them.
King Ahab of Israel had armies from 33 kings come against him, to take over his kingdom. Ahab gave his wealth and his family, but refused to give up the possessions of his palace. Now we see the conquest. God stepped in to save the king and his people, but not that they deserved it. No, God had a cause against Syria and the time of her judgment had arrived. He showed grace to Israel.
Ben-hadad sent a message to Ahab threatening him. Ahab sent a message meaning that one should not count their chickens before they hatched. It may not turn out like expect.

Then an unnamed prophet gave Ahab a message from God:
Do you see all these enemy forces? Today I will hand them all over to you. Then you will know that I am the LORD. He would use the troops of the provincial commanders to do it. (verse 13, 14)

Do we seek the Lord for victory over our enemies? He is El Shaddah, the LORD Almighty. Grace is available.

LET IT GROW


So Ahab mustered up the troops of the 232 provincial commanders, as well as 7,000 men from his army. While the Aramean army's 32 kings were relaxing with their drinks in their tents as a premature celebration, Israel approached, ready to fight. As the Israelite soldiers began killing their enemies, it put the Aramean army into a panic and they fled. Ahab destroyed the horses, chariots, and slaughtered a great any Arameans (except King Ben-dad and a few of his charioteers escaped on horses).
This was the first victory. Ahab was told by another prophet to prepare for another battle, for Aram would return in the spring.
Do we prepare for spiritual battle before we leave our house in the morning by putting o the whole armor of God?

LET IT GO

Seek God's grace.

Trust Him for victory today.