And behold, a prophet came near to Ahab king of Israel and said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will give it into your hand this day, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” (I Kings 20:13 ESV)
A Two-Edged Sword
Think for a moment about peanuts. If a host informs me, “It our party we will have peanuts!” I would be glad. I enjoy a good peanut, particular when presented in the shell. But if you heard that announcement, but are allergic to peanuts, you would not be glad. You might become disappointed, or worried, or even angry.
Peanuts are a two-edged sword. Depending on who you are, peanuts are good news or bad news.
The prophet comes in to this story and announces to Ahab that when Ahab’s army defeats the enemy army, Ahab will know that the Lord is the Lord!
And for some people that would be good news. The Lord is gracious, loving, and necessary. To KNOW Him is comforting, helpful, and necessary.
But knowing Him is not enough.
If we do not learn what He first teaches us, then knowing who He is actually becomes bad news.
If we not learn of His holiness and our brokenness, then knowing who He is actually becomes bad news.
.
If we do not learn of His sovereignty and our need for submission to Him, then knowing who He is actually becomes bad news.
When Ahab saw the power of God… it was not good news.
When the faithful of Israel saw the power of God… they rejoiced.
Is God Himself your Good News?