Introduction: Start by describing the Bible story in 1 Kings 21 as if it was a current story of injustice happening in our time. Mention thereafter that you didn’t take the story from a newspaper, from social media, or from a human-rights magazine; that it was from the Bible.
Illustration: Show a visual of a cherry field and share the story of how our family went cherry picking in Australia and the fun everyone had.
Scripture: Let’s look at 1 Kings 21 today.
Proposition: We need to live courageously by our convictions.
In the Biblical story, Naboth had a beautiful vineyard in Jezreel, close to King Ahab’s winter palace. This was apparently his 2nd palace, with a milder winter climate – (Show a visual of modern Jezreel).
Today, we will highlight 4 thoughts on how this sad story of injustice unfolded and how God responded. So, let’s first look at the main characters in the story.
Ahab —> A wicked, idolatrous, and morally weak king of Israel
Jezebel —> A wicked and strong-willed woman. She hated God and was steeped in witchcraft and the worship of false gods. She also hated God’s prophets.
The Elders and 2 false witnesses —> They were wicked and spineless men
Naboth —> A godly man and a man of conviction
Elijah —> The anointed and bold prophet of God
1 Kings 21:1-2
Ahab began to like and want Naboth’s vineyard in Jezreel and asked for it with some sense of fairness. He wanted it for a vegetable garden, or maybe a herb garden – (Refer to herbal drinks of today that are very popular among health-conscious people. Many such recipes are found on social media). In fact, Ahab was willing to give a better land in exchange, or pay the full value of Naboth’s land. Although it seemed a decent offer, the events that followed when Naboth refused the offer, went horribly wrong, with serious consequences for both families – all because of a plot of land!
1) Ahab’s Covetousness of the Vineyard
Ahab’s response to Naboth’s refusal was childish for a man of his stature (1 Kings21:4). He became sullen and angry, started sulking on his bed, and even stopped eating! The KJV says, “he turned his face away”, probably looking at the wall in disappointment. This was contrary to his belief in Baal theology which said that “might was right”.
Refer at this point to what people might ask someone showing similar behavior in today’s culture. Most probably they would ask questions like: What’s wrong? Are you feeling sick? Are the medical reports bad? Did anyone troll you badly on Facebook? Were you sacked? Did you crash the car? Did you burn the food? etc.
Ahab had now begun to covet Naboth’s vineyard.
Meaning of Covetousness – A strong wish to have something, especially something that belongs to someone else: (Cambridge Dictionary)
The Bible warns that covetousness is like idolatry (Colossian 3:5). Why? Because the love for things slowly begins to control our hearts over our love for God. Covetousness is connected to greed, jealousy, and envy.
In Exodus 20:17, God condemns covetousness. Let’s therefore beware of covetousness. Let’s instead, strive to be (a) generous and (b) content with God’s material blessings towards us, including our money. Someone said, “‘A love for the right use of money and possessions can be the root for much good’.
Illustration : Share an illustration that highlights the danger of coveteousness.
2) The Conviction of a Godly Man – Naboth
Naboth refused to hand over the field to King Ahab. It is believed that Naboth refused the generous offer on a spiritual principle. Why? Because the land was a spiritual, ancestral inheritance; a sacred gift given by God. It could only be sold or leased under very dire circumstances, and that too with specific conditions. It was deeply precious to Naboth and his family. But to Ahab, It was just another possession; probably for a gardening hobby, a commercial venture, or maybe even a place to relax .
* For further reading refer Numbers 36:7 and Ezekiel 46:18
Naboth’s response was precise and clear. He refused, and said, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my ancestors.” (1 Kings 21:3) – Some believe he could have been one of the 7000 that didn’t bow to Baal (1 Kings 19:18).
How important it is for God’s children to live and act with clear conviction. I’m reminded of the lyrics of a popular song from sometime back. It said, “If I listen to your lies, would you say, I’m a man without conviction” – (Karma Chameleon by Culture Club).
In a world that badly lacks conviction, we too need to be steadfast in our convictions. We should refuse to budge or give in to ungodly plans, even if it may benefit us materially or financially. Many temptations come to the Christian, but we should never sell our faith and spiritual heritage for prestige, popularity, or possession. We must protect our spiritual heritage and pass it down to the next generation.
Ahab did the opposite. He suppressed his own convictions because of his greed and because of Jezebel’s influence, even though he probably would have known about what the law said.
Illustration: In chapter 1 of his book, ‘Then Sings My Soul, singer George Beverly Shea shares how he was offered a contract to sing with a famous singing group of that time. This break would have more than doubled his salary, besides bringing him national radio exposure and greater popularity. However, as he looked at some of the lyrics he would have to sing, Beverly Shea decided that he would not be able to sing some of them as a child of God. Hard as it was, he declined the offer. Many would consider that a very poor and foolish decision. But, what happened thereafter?
God honored Beverly Shea’s decision and conviction. He eventually became the featured soloist for the ministry of Billy Graham, singing before millions of people around the world. He received not just national exposure, but international, worldwide exposure as he shared the power of the gospel in song!
3) Jezebel’s Conspiracy Through False Accusations
Jezebel realized what had happened and first insulted her husband. She may have possibly questioned his manliness (1 Kings 21:7), and eventually appealed to his pride and thirst for power. What a difference a godly queen could have made!
Jezebel then intervened in the matter and hatched a diabolical plan. She wrote letters to the elders and nobles in the city under Ahab’s name and seal (1 Kings 21:8). This was plain forgery and they too were complicit in the events that followed. Some commentators feel that Ahab may not have known all the inside details of Jezebel’s plan, but he certainly could have stopped it when he became aware.
Brothers and sisters, let’s be careful that we never encourage or implicate our spouse or children to do anything that is ungodly. The consequences could be dangerously serious! Let’s protect them from ungodly, worldly attractions and desires. Let’s not believe the lie that says, “You can’t enjoy life and be happy without some worldly attractions that may eventually draw us away from Jesus.” The Bible says, “In Your presence is fulness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).
Let’s look at Jezebel’s vicious plot (2 Kings 21:9-10). An idol-worshipping lady who hated God and was totally sold to false gods and witchcraft, used possibly a twisted spiritual and even legal premise to commit perjury and murder! She made it look legitimate because If someone was convicted of certain crimes, their land could be taken over by the crown.
Naboth was therefore killed unjustly but stayed true to his convictions. The message of his death was eventually sent to Jezebel, not to Ahab (1 Kings 21:14)! Let’s now look at how the trial unfolded.
Jezebel – Was responsible for forgery, perjury, and murder
Naboth – Was accused falsely of blasphemy and treason by two scoundrels – “Cursed God and King” (1 Kings 21:13). He was unjustly stoned to death. His sons were also tragically killed (2 Kings 9:26).
Have you been a victim of false accusation? Gossip? Of injustice? Allow the Lord to heal your pain. He will vindicate His children. At the same time, let’s check ourselves. What about our lips? What about the words we speak about others? God holds us accountable for the words we speak. As a Pastor once said, “If we are to gossip, let’s Gossip the Gospel”.
* Illustration: Share a story of an injustice that was done to you or to someone you know and how God intervened and vindicated you.
4) Elijah’s Courageous Confirmation of God’s Response
After Jezebel gave him the sordid news, Ahab shamelessly took the land (1 Kings 21:15-16) which actually implicated him. He could have refused on principle, because of godly conviction. We are reminded that Israel was warned about this danger when they demanded a king (1 Samuel 8:14). Ahab now proved that God’s warning was right and failed the test!
Everything seemed fine thereafter and the vicious plan seemed to have worked, but Ahab didn’t count on God’s justice. He may have even travelled to the vineyard singing “I’m on the top of the world”. He probably would have entered the vineyard enjoying the beauty and aroma of nature, hearing the birds chirping and singing, maybe even to the sound of a nearby brook. He may have started planning how he would cultivate on the land with maybe some vegetables and herbs.
God had other plans however.
God then sent Elijah to confront Ahab in the same vineyard (1 Kings21:17-26). He accused Ahab of murder and robbery (1 Kings 21:19). He boldly told Ahab, “You have sold yourself to do evil” (1 Kings 21:20) and proclaimed God’s judgement (1 Kings 21:21-24). This was a different Elijah to the one who had run away from Jezebel earlier. We need to also note that Ahab was accompanied at that time by two brutal and ruthless men: Jehu and Bidkar, when Elijah confronted him (2 Kings 9:25).
Elijah proclaims God’s justice which was eventually fulfilled (1 Kings 21:19 and 23). Time went by but God’s Word stood. (Ahab may have been terrified whenever a dog barked!). Eventually, Ahab, his son Joram, and Jezebel met violent deaths. (2 Kings 9:24-37). God’s Word never fails!
Sadly, Naboth and his sons paid the supreme price because of the injustice they faced. But their eternal reward is sure because of their convictions. They remained true to their conviction. We don’t understand why some are martyred, and some are not. In the Book of Acts, James was killed, but Peter was saved (Acts 12). But they, and many heroes like them are referred to in Hebrews 11:37 – “They were put to death by stoning” and “were all commended for their faith” (Hebrews 11:39). Read also Matthew 5:10
We should never forget that our God is a God of justice (Luke 18:7). His justice flows from His holiness and righteousness. There is however always a place for repentance and forgiveness. Ahab showed some signs of repentance (I Kings 21:27-29). But maybe it was a short-lived repentance and not fully sincere. The consequences however were still present and judgement was only stayed; not stopped.
God is merciful and waits to forgive and give us His eternal life if we will truly repent before Him today as He brings conviction. Will you open your heart to Him humbly?
Closing:
- Pray for those who have faced injustice.
- Ask any who need to repent to do so as God brings conviction in a time of quiet soul-searching. Share from Ezekiel 33:11, John 3:36 and John 3:17.
For another article with a similar message, click here.
