”Covetousness Doesn’t Come Cheap”
Scripture Text: ‘’ I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen’’. (Ezekiel 20:41 KJV)
Jezebel was the ancient Israel princess. Jezebel marries King Ahab; she turns King Ahab away from God and turns him toward the idol god Baal. King Ahab was one of the most mischievous and self-centered kings in the Old Testament. Naboth was an owner of a piece of property. Naboth had a fine looking vineyard. King Ahab desired to have the beautiful vineyard. Naboth inherited this land from his father. Under the Jewish law, he couldn’t turn away from the land or sell it to anyone. King Ahab told Naboth he would pay any price for this piece of land. He wanted to plant a vegetable garden since the vineyard was so close to his house. Naboth told King Ahab the vineyard is not for sale. Naboth said,’’ This vineyard is my inheritance.” ‘’This vineyard has been in my family for generations.” The definition of inheritance is a: the act of inheriting property b: the reception of genetic qualities by transmission from parent to offspring (Merriam-Webster). King Ahab went back to his house. King Ahab was so depressed; he turns down food to eat, he is lying on his bed with his face toward the wall. King Ahab’s wife Queen Jezebel wrote all kinds of letters to the leaders in the city. She told them by orders to find someone to lie against Naboth. Queen Jezebel wanted someone to tell lies against him, and that Naboth commits blasphemy against God and King Ahab. Queen Jezebel becomes aware that Naboth and his sons are dead. She was so excited that her husband King Ahab would finally have this beautiful garden he wanted so badly. Elijah the prophet of God went and spoke to King Ahab. Elijah said, ‘‘God has seen what Queen Jezebel your wife has done’’. ‘’There is a great punishment for you and your wife’’, ‘’you’ve sold yourself for evil and you will pay’’. ‘’And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dog lick thy blood, even thine’’ (1 Kings 21:19 KJV). King Ahab thought to himself that he had the vineyard for such a cheap price. It cost him and his wife everything. We all have experienced some sort of pleasant to unpleasant feelings. Our society is so messed up. We have to stop looking for what we don’t have. We need to help all we can. I know for myself it makes my heart full of joy when I can help others. No money can buy a person with a servant’s heart. A servant’s heart compels you to go when really you want to stay. Let’s all help one another on this road we are traveling. Be a friend. Stay Encouraged.
By: Lynne Conley
