Troubler of Israel

1 Ki. 18:17; Acts 17:6

Elijah had predicted a drought and there was drought throughout the land. After at least three years (cf. 1 Ki. 18:1), Elijah and king Ahab met. When Ahab saw Elijah, he exclaimed, “Is it you, you trouble of Israel?” (1 Ki. 18:17). Ahab never saw himself.

The early church also suffered countless hardships and persecutions. When Paul and Silas went to Thessalonica, they were accused of being “people who have been turning the world upside down” (Acts 17:6). The jealous Jews did not know that it was them who created troubles.

Ahab accused Elijah and did not want to admit his own mistakes and sins in forsaking the commandment of the LORD and following the Baals (1 Ki. 18:18).

Till today, believers, Christians, servants of the LORD, even the Church itself has been accused of so many things: both from the outside and the inside.

The ‘trend’ today seems to be to pin on the church every bad things that our societies face today; and that too,  mostly from church members themselves. The Church has been assigned the nickname ‘troubler of our societies’ and of turning our values upside down. Indeed, the church today has been beset with different ills. The Pastors, Elders, and Christians in general are not perfect. It is the main target of the Enemy and has always faced societal wraths and accusations.

But then, it would also wise to remember that it is also possible to be in the position of Ahab and the jealous Jews who never saw their own sins and shortcomings.

Where do we stand?