Mercy Over Judgment

Have you ever looked back on a choice and wondered if you’d ever recover from it? Whether it was something accidental or deeply intentional, moments like these can fill us with shame, regret, and a lingering sense of unworthiness. But Scripture tells a different story, one in which even the most broken people are not beyond God’s reach. In 1 Kings 21, we encounter one of the most evil kings in Israel’s history, yet even he is not beyond the mercy of God.

King Ahab was not just a flawed leader, he was infamous for his rebellion and injustice. Scripture says he “did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him.” Driven by envy and entitlement, he coveted his neighbor Naboth’s vineyard and, through the schemes of his wife Jezebel, had Naboth murdered. Ahab’s unchecked envy, self-pity, and abuse of power led to catastrophic consequences. And yet, God saw it all, and still He extended a call to repentance.

God sends Elijah with a severe word of judgment against Ahab. But something remarkable happens: Ahab tears his clothes, fasts, and humbles himself before God. And instead of swift punishment, God delays judgment. Why? Because mercy always follows humility. God noticed Ahab’s repentance and honored it. This story's shocking and beautiful truth: if there was mercy for Ahab, there is mercy for us. In Jesus, that mercy is not delayed, it’s made complete.

We are often tempted to hide from God when we feel unworthy. But Jesus invites us to come boldly to the throne of grace. There is no sin too dark, no failure too great, no regret too deep that God’s mercy cannot redeem. The same mercy Ahab received is available to us, entirely, freely, and forever through Christ. The only thing that stands in the way is our refusal to receive it. Will you accept it today?

Father, thank You that Your justice is real, but so is Your mercy. Thank you for not treating me as my sins deserve. Help me to humble myself before You, to confess where I’ve gone astray, and to believe that You truly forgive. Teach me to extend that same grace to others, just as You have poured it out on me through Jesus. Amen.