“An Aramean soldier, however, randomly shot an arrow at the Israelite troops and hit the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. ‘Turn the horses and get me out of here!’ Ahab groaned to the driver of his chariot. ‘I’m badly wounded!’”
1 Kings 22:34
When the armies of Israel and Judah joined forces to fight the Arameans, Israelite’s King Ahab feared for his life. So, he cunningly instructed Judah’s King Jehoshaphat to wear his kingly robes into battle, making HIM the target. Ahab then disguised himself, assuming he would be safe. However, it only took one random shot from one random soldier to find its way between the joints of King Ahab’s armor, sealing his fate. What an amazing God-directed shot, aimed straight through Ahab’s disguise to pierce his rebellious, idol worshiping heart.
Ahab’s story makes me realize the irony of trying to disguise myself to hide from God. I may cover up the rebellion in my heart. I may assume I will be safe if I look like the crowd, talk like the crowd, and act like the crowd. I may try to blend in unnoticed. However, looking like the crowd did not work for Ahab!
May I never forget that God is a straight shooter! It only takes one arrow from His Word to pierce through my disguise, go directly to my heart, and expose what is there. (Heb. 4:12) But may I also remember that God is not my enemy shooting hateful arrows to destroy me…
God is My Papa…
He shoots arrows of love, to break my disguises and heal my heart!
