That we may know that the sin of a leader can bring disaster on his subjects. Ahab's reign exemplified the evil by which rulers function in reference to their subjects, and the impact their actions can have on their subjects. People copy what their leaders do. They also obey their leaders' commands, sometimes out of fear, intimidation or to curry favour. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan (Proverbs 29:2).

The Bible is replete with examples of disasters brought upon nations as a result of the sins of their leaders. Our world today is in great tumult, confusion, grief and suffering because of the sinful actions and in actions of many leaders.

BAD DEEDS OF AHAB (1 Kings 16:30-33)

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• He did more evil in the sight of the Lord than all the kings of Israel before him (v. 30). Ahab's father, Omri, sinned more than the kings before him but Ahab sinned more than his father. Thus evil became progressively worse in the nation.

• He walked in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Solomon who hated instruction, molded golden calves and offered sacrifices to them(l Kings 12:31-33). Ahab did not learn from the mistakes of his predecessors.

• He married a pagan woman, Jezebel, contrary to the commandment of God that they were not to intermarry with the pagans in the land (v. 31). This marriage alliance was the beginning of his undoing. That is why the Bible warns us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Doing so invariably has disastrous consequences

• He built an altar for Baal and Asherah, and served them (vs. 32, 33). Ahab probably tried to worship both idols and the living God in a syncretistic way as judged by the meanings of the names he gave to his sons ( Ahaziah- The Lord grasps, and Joram —The Lord is exalted). He imported the Phoenician Baal of Jezebel his wife into Israel. He elevated the worship of Baal to an official status.

• He provoked the Lord to anger by serving other gods and goddesses and doing abominable things (verse 33; 21:22). He
  disregarded the warning in Exodus 20: 4, 5 that the Lord is a jealous God.

• He permitted his wife to feed the prophets of Baal and Asherah (18:19) while the whole nation was experiencing famine.
  His wife killed prophets of the living God (1 Kings 18:4, 13), probably to appease Baal so he would send rain; or because these true prophets would not worship her idol.

• Because he refused to follow the law on land ownership (Deuteronomy 17:14-20), he coveted Naboth's vineyard and killed him to get it (1 Kings 21: 1-15). Thus his personal interest overruled the law of the Lord.

• He sold himself to work evil in the sight of God (1 Kings 21:20). He purposefully chose to do evil, despite the teachings to the contrary. He refused to listen to the prophets of God and was led astray by his godless wife.

CONSEQUENCES OF HIS SIN

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Unfortunately the consequences of sin are not always on the sinner alone. Those around him (family members, friends, neighbors or the whole of his community -- like in the case of Achan may be seriously affected.

• Israel experienced drought for three and a half years (1 Kings 17:1; James 5:17). The drought was a divine judgment since the nation had turned to idolatry. Besides, God wanted to make them realize that Baal, the supposed god of fertility and lord of rain,is powerless to give rain.

• Since God was no longer with Israel, He allowed enemies to defeat them (1 Kings 22:29-38), leading to the death of many.

• All of Ahab's great men and close associates, including the priests of Baal, were executed by King Jehu (2 Kings 10:11).

• Disaster was brought on Ahab's house in the days of his son (1 Kings 21:29).

Ahab's family also suffered consequences.

• He died in battle (1 Kings 22: 34-38), Even though he disguised himself when going to battle, his sin still found him out.

-His wife died a disgraceful death (2 Kings 9;30-32) as earlier prophesied by Elijah (I Kings 21:23).

• His children were killed (2 Kings 10:6-8), God used the wicked action of Jehu, the King who succeeded Ahab, to kill all his seventy sons!

• His male line was cut off (21:21). His kingship lineage and ascendancy to the throne ended with him.

DUTIES OF FOLLOWERS

• Work hard to ensure that only godly leaders come to power. Although we must realize and accept that every power or authority is from God, we must prayerfully take part in the process of choosing our leaders. As Christians it is our civic responsibility to vote, and if God so leads, to take an active part in politics.

• Pray for your leaders. The Bible commands us to pray for our leaders so they can fear Him and make the right decisions(l Timothy 2:1-8). This act is largely for our own good.

• Be subject to the governing authorities (Romans 13:1). Every individual, including Christians, must submit to civil government, so far as government does not demand obedience to laws that are contrary to the laws of God (Acts 5:29).
  Even though we may not agree with their rules, opinions or decisions, it is our duty to respect and honour them.

• Even while serving Under ungodly leaders, remain faithful to God like Obadiah (l Kings 18:3-4; Romans 13:1). It is not always easy to obey the authorities in our lives. Do your best to submit to the government -authorities even though you may not agree with everything they do. If they are unjust, remember that they must give an account to God.

CONCLUSION:

God ordained civil government among men in order to prevent anarchy. However when a leader or civil government works against the principle of God, the Christian is not obligåted to do_ihat which can lead t&the loss of his soul.
Godly leaders establish good moral-standards and institute structures that make it Possible to serve God and please Him.