Wickedness and Justice in Politics
Politics have historically involved some wicked people.
Ahab was a wicked King who did evil in the sight of the LORD (1 Kings 16:30). He worshipped idols and “did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all of the kings of Israel who were before him” (I Kings 16:33).
King Ahab took what he wanted and used whatever means necessary to have his way.
At one point he wanted the vineyard of Nabal, the land of Nabal’s family that was an inheritance from God. Nabal was not willing to sell it, even to the king. His response to King Ahab was, “The LORD forbid that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!” (1 Kings 21:3)
The rest of the account is in 1 Kings 21. The King was “displeased,” “sullen” and “vexed” that he didn’t get his way. He wouldn’t even eat because of Nabal’s refusal to sell his vineyard. What a faithless, spoiled rotten brat!
With some conniving and deceit, Queen Jezebel had fraudulent charges brought against Nabal that ended in his being stoned to death so Ahab could take the land.
Obviously the two of them were a wicked pair of rulers. This evil man and evil people in general do not care about others. Not their property, or their families, their feelings, and in this case, not even a man’s life. They want what they want and not to get it leads to frustration and anger and evil responses.
How many times in life (or in a day) do we become frustrated and angry because we don’t get what we want? Though we don’t have the power or influence to have people killed (thank God!), we are just as guilty of sin as Ahab (though I am not letting him off the hook).
Frustration and anger are a result of our pride, believing things should always go our way. These are a faithless response to a change in our circumstances or the expectations of others.
Today, we are suffering under people like Ahab and Jezebel who have “political power” among men. They will do what they need to to get what they want. This affects our wallets, our resources, our emotions, and even relationships.
Humility and peace come from accepting that God is sovereign over every aspect of life, including the political realm. He (apparently) has a plan to change our nation that is hard for us to understand. If we trust Him as the all wise, holy, and providential God, we know His will is good, even if it seems that evil people are prospering now (Psalm 37:7-9) or vying for positions so they can in the future.
We can humbly accept the changes that come and seek His guidance for getting through the times or we can pridefully express sinful frustration and anger, rejecting His sovereign will.
God is faithful to His people. He has given us His Word so we can understand His wisdom, love, justice and mercy. When we respond to Him rather than to what we think things should look like, He will bless our faithfulness and show us more of His grace (James 4:6).
The Lord condemned Ahab to a pretty gruesome ending (1 Kings 21:19) because of his evil ways and the death of Nabal. The Lord shows us in this that He does care about the “little guy” and that He will take vengeance on evil doers (Romans 12:19).
Many may think His treatment of Ahab showed no grace. The truth is that God brought justice and that is what He does (He never changes). His love for His people involves justice on the wicked. Vengeance does not belong to us but we can trust Him (not politicians) for true justice. .
For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off. Psalm 37:28