1 Some time later there was an incident involving a vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. The vineyard was in Jezreel, close to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. 2 Ahab said to Naboth, "Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth."3 But Naboth replied, "The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers." 4 So Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had said, "I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers." He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat. 5 His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, "Why are you so sullen? Why won't you eat?" He answered her, "Because I said to Naboth the Jezreelite, 'Sell me your vineyard; or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard in its place.' But he said, 'I will not give you my vineyard.'"
There was a young man at the movie theatre who went out to get popcorn. Returning he leaned over and asked the woman sitting on the aisle, “Did I step on your feet when I left?”
Ready to accept his apology she smiled and said, “Why as a matter of act, you did.”
“Good,” explained the man squeezing past her, “Then this must be the right row.”
There are a number of people that view their world solely through their own eyes. They are completely oblivious to the concerns and considerations of others. We learn we do not always get our own way.
Failure to control one's desires can lead to falling into the traps of lust, gluttony, laziness, and other vices. Have you ever practiced the discipline of fasting? During this season of Lent many observe 40 days denying themselves some pleasures or habits, reflecting on Jesus’ self-denial and fasting in the wilderness before His public ministry and temptation by Satan.
It is not a bad idea to say no to indulgences. To deny yourself good things helps you more easily deny yourself things that control you. Cultivating discipline in the physical life helps us become disciplined in the spiritual life.
I have been writing about Elijah for the past weeks. Twice more as a prophet from God he pronounces judgments to King Ahab. Kings are not accustomed to being questioned or contradicted. One in such power finds it difficult to say no to his desires and wants for personal gain.
Ahab is frustrated and mopes around the palace. The wicked queen Jezebel notices this. With his consent she uses her powers by committing a crime. Through lying, bribery, and murder the king acquires the land unjustly.
Not only is God a God of forgiveness but also a God of vengeance. Elijah proclaims judgments on King Ahab and Jezebel.
Application: It does us all well to think of areas of our lives where we need to confess and repent our sinful ways and desires. Sin has its consequences sooner or later.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see those areas in my life where I need discipline, teach me diligence and empower me to practice obedience in all I do so that You get the glory.
