22. A SPOUSE CAN BE A GREAT BLESSING OR A TERRIBLE CURSE DEPENDING UPON WHOM YOU MARRY.
I Kings 21:25 - " But there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up."
Ahab's wife was a curse to him, encouraging him to proceed further and further into wickedness. Solomon's wives were a curse to him, turning his heart away from the true God and toward lifeless idols (cf. I Kings 11:1-11). These men did not choose wisely in marriage and they suffered. Today, one must both be the right person and choose the right person in order for a marriage to thrive. Ideally, both husband and wife should be strong, faithful Christians who treat each other kindly (cf. Eph. 5:22ff). This will lead to great blessings.
23. EVEN THE MOST WICKED ARE CAPABLE OF GENUINE REPENTANCE.
I Kings 21:26-29:
"And he behaved very abominably in following idols, according to all that the Amorites had done, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. So it was, when Ahab heard those words, that he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his body, and fasted and lay in sackcloth, and went about mourning. And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 'See how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity in his days. In the days of his son I will bring the calamity on his house.'"
There may be some who are so hardened that it is impossible for them to be brought to repentance, but most at least have the capacity to genuinely repent. Ahab was very wicked, though he genuinely repented. Of course, his penitence was short lived. This doesn't mean he wasn't sincere, but lasting repentance requires more than a strong, emotional response.
24. FOOLS DESPISE A MESSENGER OF TRUTH, BUT THE WISE WILL CHANGE.
I Kings 22:8,27,28 - " So the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, 'There is still one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD; but I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.' And Jehoshaphat said, 'Let not the king say such things!'...A nd say, 'Thus says the king: "Put this fellow in prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and water of affliction, until I come in peace."' But Micaiah said, 'If you ever return in peace, the LORD has not spoken by me.' And he said, 'Take heed, all you people!'"
Ahab would not listen to a true messenger from God, citing his hatred for him. He imprisoned Micaiah when he should have heeded him! Despite his strong reply, the disguise he wears into battle exposes his concern for the validity of the prophet's message. Fools today speak against God's servants and God's message, choosing to do things their own way. The wise will listen and obey.
25. GOD'S WILL IS OFTEN ACCOMPLISHED BY MEANS OF THAT WHICH APPEARS RANDOM.
I Kings 22:34 - "Now a certain man drew a bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So he said to the driver of his chariot, 'Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am wounded.'"
His disguise not withstanding, Ahab's time on Earth was up. Although the arrow appeared to be random, was it really? Or, did God guide this arrow? Based on Micaiah's prophesy from earlier in the chapter, I would argue for the latter. God's providence is a powerful and amazing thing to reflect upon, though it is beyond our full comprehension (cf. Rom. 8:28; 11:33).