Saturday, June 5, 2010

1 Kings--Part 13--The Message of Naboth's Vineyard

1 Kings 21

There is a reason why this account is placed in God’s Holy book.
Because it reveals evil unleashed, we should take a careful look.
First we see Naboth, a devout Jew, who was faithful to the Law.
Then Ahab and his malevolent queen, both with character flaws.

Naboth carefully tended his vineyard located next to the King.
Ahab thought, “What a bountiful garden this plot of ground would bring.”
“Naboth,” he said, “I want your ground. I’ll give you another field.”
But such a transaction would violate the Law so Naboth would not yield.

Ahab knew that Naboth was right, but he didn’t care at all.
It was no concern to him if he violated the law.
He went home and lay on his bed, pouting like a child.
He told his story to Jezebel and it really go her riled.

Jezebel abused her office and plotted with those in power.
They proclaimed a public fast to meet at a certain hour.
When Naboth arrived they said to him, “We have a charge to bring.
These men here will testify that you have cursed God and the king.”

Thus poor Naboth was falsely accused by those who had hardly known him.
Having been charged with blasphemy, the people were led to stone him.
This is how Ahab obtained the land and prepared it for his use,
But God in heaven saw their lie and moved to reveal the truth.

Elijah the prophet came to the king who had gone to take possession.
He said, “God has seen your pouting heart and Jezebel’s evil aggression.
Remember what happened to the heirs of Jeroboam and Baasha too?
God has pronounced the very same judgment on Jezebel and you.”

Ahab and Jezebel clearly stand for the destruction of evil unleashed.
As long as the devil has a clear hand, his evil will never cease.
Only the Spirit in the church has restrained him until this hour.
Oh what horror the world will face when the devil consolidates power!

The Bible tells us there is a time when peace on earth will end.
Jesus will come to get his church; to heaven the saints will ascend.
The Spirit’s power resident within will no longer restrain sin’s flood.
Now is the time to accept your salvation won by the Savior’s blood.

Look to the Lord, believe Him in faith; trust Him for saving grace.
Do not think the goodness of man is sufficient to embrace.
You are a sinner as all of us are. None of us deserve salvation.
The Lord is coming and you are lost, so end your procrastination.

© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved

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