"Ahab begins by sparing his enemy (1 Kgs 20:31-34) and will end by destroying his people (v.42). Dr D. R. Davis (p.291) sums up Ahab's reign very well and foretells exactly how it will all pan out.
In the spiritual life, great care has to be taken on a daily basis NOT to allow the enemy to get a foothold in our lives. If we sow to the flesh we will, from the flesh reap destruction. There is an inevitability about how we live, for to live is to sow. The moment we allow the enemy of our souls house-room in our lives, at that moment he begins to control us. Indeed, the very best place for any enemy to destroy his enemy is from the inside.
The case of Northern Ireland is a prime example of this principle being worked out. Our politicians have welcomed the enemy of our country (the IRA) into the very government and legislative centre of our country, and these people (the IRA) are working steadily to dismantle everything we regard as dear to us, not least our link with Great Britain in the United Kingdom. The enemy is working from the inside, and what is very sad and indeed inexcusable is the fact that most of those who are there are prepared to tolerate this cancer and pretend it does not exist. No one wants to take decisive action to rid our land of its enemies. No surgery will be performed to remove the cancer from the government and the land.
Ahab was the political leader of Israel. Political leaders have an awesome responsibility to do what is right in the eyes of God. Ahab's policy stands as a clear example and warning of what happens when we depart from God's revealed word. Leadership is a responsible role. When leadership goes wrong, the people are destroyed. Look how many countries are in deepest turmoil because of a failure in leadership. Spare the enemy and you'll destroy the people.
Church leaders occupy a similar position in principle. You can always tell when the church has been left without leadership - its members do that which is right in their own eyes. When the church welcomes the enemies of Christ into leadership, ought we to be surprised when they say publicly that they support same-sex marriages? When the church elects as leaders/elders those whose language is appalling as well as those who are well-known womanisers, then you know the enemy is at large within her ranks. Where the church does what it pleases in defiance of the Word of God, and allows the enemies of the Gospel to hold leadership roles in her, the people will be destroyed. Spare the enemy and you'll destroy the people.
We must learn from this and take the spiritual lesson with utmost seriousness. The enemy will come to us uninvited, and his presence with us will be unwelcome. That is how he works. But never let it be said that we welcomed the enemy into our lives. That would be spiritual suicide. It is easier to let him in than it is to drive him out again. So keep the door of your heart and mind locked to the devil. Give him 'not an inch.' Drive him from you by the power of the Spirit of God. Plead the fact that you are covered by the precious blood of Christ. Put on the whole armour of God so that you will be able to withstand him when the evil day comes (Eph.6:10-18). And that 'evil day' that Paul writes about is the day when Satan attacks your soul and mind and body. Spare the enemy and you'll destroy yourself.
Stand fast, dear friends. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. He's a defeated enemy, and you can remind him of that fact. And rejoice.
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