Memory Verse: But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Ephesians 5:3 KJV

King Ahab was influenced by the wickedness of his wife Jezebel. Yet he was not without sin. He did more to provoke God to anger than all of his predecessors (I Kings 21:25). Ahab had a pity party when Naboth refused to gave him the vineyard he had inherited from his fathers. It was likely the most important possession of his lineage, which sustained his family for generations.

Ahab was King of Israel. He was already wealthy. There was no need to take from Naboth any thing. It was covetousness that would not allow him to be content. What a marvel that a man of stature may be jealous of a person of low estate. (But the favor of God brings honor to the lowly in the eyes of men.)

Ahab could not handle being told No. Not only was he all distressed over someone else enjoying the blessing of goodly land, he was even willing to have Naboth deposed, and disposed of like a statue rather than a man. Ahab could have instructed Jezebel to do nothing. Perhaps the vineyard would have become of Ahab’s possession by other, non-violent means. Yet, Ahab was not of sound mind. Therefore, the words of Jezebel seemed good to him, though she was a worker of iniquity.

Jezebel orchestrated the release of Naboth’s vineyard by having him falsely accused of blasphemy and killed. Ahab then arose as Jezebel commanded and went to possess the vineyard of Naboth as an innocent King with lordship over “abandoned” property. But the blood of Naboth cried out from the ground as did the blood of Able who was slain by his own brother. Jealousy is cruel.

Food For Thought

Consider Galatians 6:7

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (KJV)

Often this scripture is used to affirm the “just deserts” waiting for those who commit sin – as did Ahab and Jezebel. God cursed them for shedding innocent blood and other deeds.

Galatians 6:7 also proclaims the inheritance of the servants of the Lord. When the just sow righteousness, they are planting seeds too – paying forward the blessing of the Lord in their lives and the lives of others. If therefore a person is jealous of the blessing in your path, he or she may be coveting the fruit of a your righteous tree. If you see the favor of God on your brother or sister, do not seek his or her portion, but be glad that God’s willingness to bless is confirmed; and rather praise Him because He is no respecter of persons. What He did for one, He can do for any. God has a blessing with your name on it.

Song Of The Day

Shenica Graham is the author of RMC online and the Seeds of Promise series. Read her devotionals and go behind the music at wiseeku.wordpress.com. Subscribe to her Examiner column on Spiritual Living. Download her music app. Become a sponsor.

||||||