“DESTROYED THEM ALL” [1 Kings 15:29-30]

“As soon as Baasha became king, he struck down the entire household of Jeroboam. He did not leave to Jeroboam anyone that breathed, but destroyed them all according to the word that the LORD had spoken through His servant Ahijah the Shilonite, because of the sins Jeroboam had committed and had caused Israel to commit, and because he had provoked the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger.” vs29-30

God is going to bring judgment against all who are ungodly. He will destroy those who lead His people astray, like Jeroboam. Let us be warned and be very careful.

First, let us learn from the sins of others. Jeroboam and his son were wicked, so God exterminated his whole family.

Paul warns us,

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. [2 Tim 4:2]

We are to preach and teach the word faithfully, no matter the opposition. We must not draw back. We are warned by God that there is a Day of Judgment. Let us be ready by serving His people, putting their need to hear the gospel and His glory above everything.

Secondly, we will be rewarded, if we are faithful. Ahijah brought Jeroboam’s wife bad news concerning the family, but he proved himself a true prophet, which has the HIGH HONOR of speaking for God.

So when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet entering the door, he said, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam! Why are you disguised? For I have been sent to you with bad news.” [1 Kings 14:6]

“He did not leave to Jeroboam anyone that breathed, but destroyed them all according to the word that the LORD had spoken through His servant Ahijah the Shilonite,” [1 Kings 15:29]

Oh, what a privilege it is to have your words come true, when you can quote from Scripture, “It is written,” and then properly explain it. Our Lord said,

“If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.” [John 20:23]

As we go out faithfully preaching Christ, whoever hears us is saved, forgiven of eternal sins, and iniquity will not be held against them. Those who reject our message are rejecting God Himself, and the power of life and death is in our tongue. Like Samuel, everything we say happens because we preach the truth of God’s word, and we have the privilege of being His messengers [1 Sam 3:19].

This honor of boldness, truthfulness, and usefulness is given by the Holy Spirit, and no man takes this upon himself; it is granted by God - not seminaries, churches, parents, or human will power; it is a gift that they can recognize, train, and benefit from, but they CANNOT give. Take your privilege as the highest thing in the world and be steadfast and unmoveable. He is with everyone that He calls unto the end. If you are seeking to please God, then He will help [2 Chron 15:2].

Thirdly, let us be sure of our calling. Jeroboam was unfaithful and punished, Ahijah was faithful and honored, which one are you?

Are you one that believes unto good works, or are you serving yourself? Do you owe God because He had mercy on you, and pour out your life for others?

Paul said,

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.” [2 Tim 4:6]

Or, are you willing, like Jeroboam, to make things “easier” on the people, so you lead them to idolatry, because you only care about your own ease and comfort [1 Kings 12:26-28]?

God establishes true preachers, and He punishes false ones. Let us make our calling and election sure: Let us believe that He has saved us and go out to give Him the glory, no matter what, because our eyes are upon Him, our faith is in Him, and we see things that are invisible: that there is a Day of Judgment coming for our reward!