Xanthe Hancox

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. 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.’ But Naboth replied, ‘The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my ancestors.’ 1 Kings 21:1-3

Reading 1 Kings 21, you might be astonished to find that it’s all about greed for land, abuse of power, corruption of the courts, and violence against the poor—things that many of us are all too familiar with.

Naboth does what is right before God despite pressure from a powerful person, King Ahab. In ancient Israel, land was the inheritance of a family, not to be taken from them, but to be passed down from generation to generation. Naboth remained obedient to God and refused to sell his vineyard; and it cost him his life. Queen Jezebel incited some false witnesses to testify against Naboth and claim that he had insulted King Ahad. Naboth was stoned to death.

But God is not absent from even the tiniest act of obedience.  He knows what has happened to Naboth. Not only does God accuse Ahab and Jezebel of their wrongdoing but also took vengeance upon them. We live in a world of many injustices, but God is God of real justice. This passage gives suffering believers great comfort. Though Christians may suffer around the world today, not one single unjust action goes unnoticed by God. The wicked may prosper for a short time in this life, but God will have the last word.

Today, be encouraged to be like Naboth. To stand for and do what's right before God, no matter who may be pressuring you to do otherwise. Even though it may cost us dearly, may we walk in obedience to God, by the power of his Spirit in our lives.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be obedient to you even when the consequences may be horribly unjust. Thank you for reminding me that justice will always be done. Amen