When the leader fails to lead, everyone pays a price.

 Read 1 Kings 21. 

This is the story of a pouting king and the consequences of selfish, evil behaviors. 

Underlying principles that Ahab violated:

1. We are to respect the rights of others.

2. We are to respect the heritage of others.

3. We are never to abuse power for personal gain.  That is the definition of extortion.

4. We are to take swift and decisive action when we become aware of wrong doing. 

If the person responsible will not take action, someone else will fill that vacuum and the outcome may not be honorable.

Mistakes and sins committed by Jezebel:

1. She took up another's offense.  She should have reminded her husband that he possessed plenty of food and land already.  She should have been an encourager to him.

2. She took responsibility and authority that did not belong to her.  There was no crisis for her to usurp authority.  She used the king's power to do evil.

3. She lied.

4. She devised an evil scheme, commanded others to participate in murder, and abused the legal system against an innocent man.  Those in charge of such judgments became directly and knowingly involved in the corruption. 

God sent Elijah to condemn these two for what they did.

1. Ahab "sold" himself to do evil. (v.20)

2. Ahab "made Israel sin." (v.23)

3. Ahab allowed Jezebel to incite him to do evil. (v.25) 

Yes, Ahab repented at the news of the impending disasters.  However, God did not change His mind.  He only delayed  implementing a part of the judgment. 

King David wrote wise words for us today-

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)