TEXT:1 KINGS 16 : 29 – 21 : 26.
PREACHER: REV. DR. WILLY MUTISO.
INTRODUCTION:
Marriage is life’s big business. Marriage makes the two become one. Marriage changes people forever. It has been said, “Marry a chicken, follow the chicken; marry a dog, follow the dog.” The decision is irreversible, the damage is irreparable, and one’s destiny is initiated. Israel was split into two kingdoms after the death of King
Solomon. David’s descendants reigned in the long-lasting southern kingdom of Judah. The kingdom of Israel was ruled by 9 dynasties until the fall of Israel to Assyria in 722/721 BC. King Ahab of the kingdom of Israel was the son of the third dynasty’s founder king. Ahab was famous for his marriage alliances with other nations for diplomatic reasons. His marriage to Jezebel turned things upside down for the two kingdoms. The southern kingdom was affected by Ahab and Jezebel because their daughter was Athaliah who was given in marriage to the southern kingdom. She was as idolatrous as her mother Jezebel. Ahab and Jezebel were powerful, vicious, and anti-God. Why is interfaith marriage against God’s will? Let us learn:
Two lives are incompatible and inseparable (1 Kings 16:29-33).
Ezra was very much opposed to interfaith marriage (Ezra 9).
Missionary dating or proselyte dating in the hope of converting an unbelieving spouse is unwise, unrealistic, and is a sign of unbelief.
Interfaith marriage leads to loss of faith, regular absence from church,clash of schedules, priorities, and interests.
Marrying a non-believer is not an opportunity issue, but an obedience issue.
Women are usually the victims of interfaith marriages.
Interfaith marriages and national days of prayer are against God’s will (2 Cor. 6:14-16).
Marrying a non-believer is a short-term resolve, but a long-term pain and disobedience before the living God.
Ahab did foolish, abominable, and blasphemous things in God’s eyes. He married the idolatrous and evil Jezebel.
She was a Sidonian. Through her influence, Ahab set up an altar for Baal thus provoking the Lord to anger (1 Kings 16:33).
As soon as she was married, she had a stable of 850 prophets (450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah). All these prophets ate at her table (1 Kings 18:19).
The renowned prophets of Jehovah had to hide themselves in caves (1 Kings 18:3-4; 19:2).
Jezebel influenced Ahab in politics, religion, morality, and ethics.
Jeroboam had built two golden calves so that Israel would not come to Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:28).
Two lives are invested and influenced (1 Kings 21:1-13).
Be careful what you wish for.
Interfaith marriage is not only a clash of beliefs but also a conflict of values.
It is very difficult for marriage to withstand faith, value, personality, moral, and ethical conflicts.
Ahab wished to possess Naboth’s vineyard.
He thought of personal convenience, but Naboth spoke of family treasure.
Naboth’s vineyard belonged to the family having been entrusted to him by God.
Naboth did not want to dispossess the family. He knew God’s policy for land: “Every tribe their land, each family a parcel.”
However, Jezebel had other ideas, differing values, and other opinions.
She challenged the king: “Are you not the king? Are you not the chief? Do you give orders or follow orders?”
For Jezebel, to kill was normal. She could not be stopped. She planned and executed Naboth’s death.
Ahab took the land; Naboth was dead!
Two lives are interrogated and indicted (1 Kings 21:15-26).
Ahab had a choice, but he sided with Jezebel his wife and not with the truth.
Elijah the prophet chided Ahab for killing Naboth and anticipated seizure of the vineyard.
The indictment was swift, serious, and surprising: “You have sold yourself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord” (v.20).
Jezebel was the mastermind and the brain, but Ahab was the beneficiary.
Ahab invited this upon himself through marriage to a heathen wife and her evil practices.
Ahab sold himself to do evil; he sold his character and soul.
We provoke God to anger in 3 ways:
- sin (1 Kings 16:2),
- the works of our hands (1 Kings 16:7),
- and worshipping idols (1 Kings 16:13-26).
CONCLUSION:
Interfaith marriage is a sin of disobedience, pride, and ignorance.
The prime victims are those arrogant, aging, lonely, and young in faith. If you are dating a non-believer, stop it today! Missionary dating and marriage does not work!
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