1 Kings 20:42–43 (ESV): “42 And he said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall be for his life, and your people for his people.’ ” 43 And the king of Israel went to his house vexed and sullen and came to Samaria.”
Sorrow and sadness aren't true signs of repentance. That’s worldly sorrow. God's sorrow produces repentance which means it causes a change of action. Worldly sorrow says, “I'm sorry I got caught.” Godly sorrow says, “I'm sorry I sinned.” Know the difference.
Ahab was instructed by Elijah to go up against Ben-hadad, the king of Syria. The army of Israel defeated them twice. Ben-hadad fled to the city of Aphek. His men told him to plead with Ahab for mercy. Ahab allowed Ben-hadad to live despite God’s instructions. God then sent a certain man from the sons of the prophets to Ahab to condemn him for being disobedient. Ahab was vexed and sullen, but he was not repentant.
How do you respond when you are busted for being disobedient to God? Are you angry and annoyed that you got caught? Your response says a lot about what is going on in your heart. God confronts us because He desires that we would repent. Only Godly sorrow will lead to true repentance. Don't be sorry you got caught. Be sorry you sinned against God. That is the only kind of sorrow that will produce change! However, it's best to be obedient, then you don't have to worry about it. Amen?
Father, forgive us for our blatant disobedience at times. Keep our hearts soft that we might be sorry for sinning and not sorry we got caught. In Jesus name, we pray, amen.
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