You Shall Know by Experience
King Ahab was notably one of the most wicked kings Israel had ever seen, but he knew by experience that the Lord is the one true living God.
In fact, the practice of Baalism (the detestable idol worship of Baal) become increasingly more widespread during his reign! However, despite his idol worship he still knew by experience that the Lord is God.
“Ahab the son of Omari did evil in the sight of the Lord more than all [the kings] who were before him” 1 Kings 16:30
“Then a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel and said, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Have you seen all this great army? Behold, I will hand them over to you, and you shall know [without any doubt] that I am the Lord” 1 Kings 20:13
“A man of God approached and said to the king of Israel. “Thus says the Lord ‘Because the Arameans have said “The Lord is a god of the hills, but He is not a god of the valleys” I will give the great army into your hand, and you shall know [by experience] that I am the Lord” 1 Kings 20:28
You see, friends, Ahab was wicked as wicked could be, but even he had the opportunity to see and know for himself that the Lord is God; but with that knowing, it then becomes a choice. Will you choose to follow Him? Or will you choose to exchange the truth of what you have experienced for a lie?
Romans 1:18-25 AMP
“For [God does not overlook sin and] the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who in their wickedness suppress and stifle the truth, because that which is known about God is evident within them [in their inner consciousness], for God made it evident to them. For ever since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through His workmanship [all His creation, the wonderful things that He has made], so that they [who fail to believe and trust in Him] are without excuse and without defense. [Ps 19:1-4; Eph 2:10] For even though they knew God [as the Creator], they did not honor Him as God or give thanks [for His wondrous creation]. On the contrary, they became worthless in their thinking [godless, with pointless reasonings, and silly speculations], and their foolish heart was darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory and majesty and excellence of the immortal God for an image [worthless idols] in the shape of mortal man and birds and four-footed animals and reptiles.”
Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their own hearts to [sexual] impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them [abandoning them to the degrading power of sin], because [by choice] they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. [Jer 2:11]”
Ahab had had multiple experiences in which he KNEW by EXPERIENCE that the Lord is God; though he still chose to exchange the truth of God for a lie. Friends, if you’ve had that experience and you know that the Lord is God, do not be like Ahab and STILL exchange the truth of God, the truth of His Word and the truth of his presence for a LIE. Because at the end of the day, whether you choose to follow the Lord or not, you will know by experience that He alone is God.
No matter who you are, no matter what you choose to believe, you WILL know by experience that the Lord is God.