(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Kings 16:1-28)

In today’s Scripture, we see evil continuing to build in Israel. Yet, while evil increases, there is an opposite movement taking place through the Lord’s word and judgment continuing to remove these evil kings from power.

Baasha’s household, who conspired against Nadab to come to power, was dealt with in the same way, with Zimri conspiring against his son Elah.

For some reason, I imagine God as a giant vacuum cleaner or a water filter, cleaning up the pollution that has infiltrated His creation. Yes, this makes light of the situation, but at the same time, it provides a visual reminder that the Lord is the force who has the final say.

I remember several conversations I had with someone about how the Lord could allow the Jews to suffer through the Holocaust. Yes, evil continues to build, even in our not-so-distant past, and it will continue into our future.

However, we also know that Hitler did not have the final word. His regime came to an end, but God did not. Even after such terrible evil, the Lord continues His work, and the gospel continues to be proclaimed in Germany and throughout the world.

As much as we read in today’s Scripture about kings who led Israel astray and did evil in the sight of the Lord, we also read that they “slept with their fathers,” meaning that their reign came to an end and was not forever.

Until Jesus comes again, we will not experience continual, unending peace and love in this world. Yet through all the evil that has come and gone, the Lord remains, His word remains, and His love remains.

As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:8,

“Love never fails.”

Love never fails is not ultimately about emotions or human relationships. It is about God’s heart, His will, and His plan for His creation. Love never fails because God never fails, for God is love.

This is a reminder for us today as we face the evil and unfaithfulness of this generation. Just as God’s love remained in the midst of Israel’s rebellion and even through the crucifixion of Christ, His love did not fail. Rather, He brought life through His Son’s death and resurrection.

Love never fails means that there will continue to be challenges, not only for this generation but also for future generations, until Jesus comes again. Yet in Him we can trust, not only for today or tomorrow, but for all eternity.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: 1 Kings 16