1 00:00:00,760 --> 00:00:05,720 Speaker 1: Let us pray, and Naboth said to Ahab, the Lord 2 00:00:05,760 --> 00:00:08,960 Speaker 1: forbid it that I should give the inheritance of my 3 00:00:09,080 --> 00:00:14,319 Speaker 1: fathers unto thee First Kings twenty one three. As I 4 00:00:14,360 --> 00:00:17,160 Speaker 1: sit and ponder on the truths in to day's reading 5 00:00:17,239 --> 00:00:20,720 Speaker 1: of First Kings twenty one, I'm reminded how critical it 6 00:00:20,840 --> 00:00:24,439 Speaker 1: is to operate my life in complete honesty and integrity. 7 00:00:25,960 --> 00:00:29,080 Speaker 1: Through the life of Ahab and Jezebel, I will do 8 00:00:29,160 --> 00:00:32,240 Speaker 1: everything in my power to only go after what You've 9 00:00:32,320 --> 00:00:37,040 Speaker 1: position for me to possess. I bind any thoughts that 10 00:00:37,120 --> 00:00:40,280 Speaker 1: would have me act in any deceitful way to obtain 11 00:00:40,400 --> 00:00:44,640 Speaker 1: some one else's inheritance. I declare that what God has 12 00:00:44,640 --> 00:00:48,279 Speaker 1: for me is perfect for every need I will ever have. 13 00:00:49,960 --> 00:00:52,839 Speaker 1: Forgive me for any jealous thoughts and actions I may 14 00:00:52,840 --> 00:00:58,840 Speaker 1: have committed, both knowing and unknowing. In addition, I declare 15 00:00:58,840 --> 00:01:02,960 Speaker 1: that any blessing that was wrongfully taken from me be replaced, 16 00:01:03,680 --> 00:01:06,600 Speaker 1: and that I would receive extra for the wrong committed 17 00:01:06,640 --> 00:01:10,840 Speaker 1: against me. I know you are a just God and 18 00:01:10,959 --> 00:01:14,520 Speaker 1: that justice is part of your character. Move on my 19 00:01:14,680 --> 00:01:18,800 Speaker 1: behalf today, Lord, so that I can continue to flourish 20 00:01:19,000 --> 00:01:25,679 Speaker 1: in the promised place You've prepared for me in Jesus name. Amen, 21 00:01:28,080 --> 00:01:30,800 Speaker 1: Thank you for making prayer a priority in your day. 22 00:01:31,520 --> 00:01:35,040 Speaker 1: To learn more about the Bible, stay tuned for today's story, 23 00:01:35,600 --> 00:01:38,160 Speaker 1: brought to you by Bible in a Year dot. 24 00:01:37,920 --> 00:01:48,120 Speaker 2: Com Nabeth's Vineyard. 25 00:01:49,400 --> 00:01:52,600 Speaker 3: In our last story, we learned about Elijah meeting with 26 00:01:52,760 --> 00:01:56,760 Speaker 3: God on Mount Sinai. He had fled from Jezebel, the 27 00:01:56,840 --> 00:02:01,080 Speaker 3: witch queen, and was afraid for his life. His troubled 28 00:02:01,080 --> 00:02:03,800 Speaker 3: and weary mind was met with the gentle touch of 29 00:02:03,840 --> 00:02:08,880 Speaker 3: God's presence and direction. The Lord gave guidance to Elijah 30 00:02:08,960 --> 00:02:11,920 Speaker 3: and told him that there was a civil war approaching 31 00:02:11,960 --> 00:02:16,400 Speaker 3: that would topple the kingdom of AaB and Jezebel. Now 32 00:02:16,440 --> 00:02:19,920 Speaker 3: we see Jezebel working behind the scenes to shed blood 33 00:02:20,000 --> 00:02:24,240 Speaker 3: and corruption, and Elijah finally returns to confront the king 34 00:02:24,680 --> 00:02:28,880 Speaker 3: and enact the judgment of God inspired by the book 35 00:02:29,280 --> 00:02:30,400 Speaker 3: The First Kings. 36 00:02:32,760 --> 00:02:35,560 Speaker 4: Hello, this is Jack Graham with today's episode of the 37 00:02:35,560 --> 00:02:38,920 Speaker 4: Bible in a Year. In our last time together, we 38 00:02:39,000 --> 00:02:43,400 Speaker 4: heard how Elijah fled the ruthless and violent queen Jezebel. 39 00:02:44,120 --> 00:02:46,520 Speaker 4: She wanted to kill him for humiliating and killing the 40 00:02:46,560 --> 00:02:50,440 Speaker 4: prophets of her false god, Bail. Elijah was frightened, and 41 00:02:50,480 --> 00:02:54,000 Speaker 4: he became depressed, even asking God to take his life 42 00:02:54,000 --> 00:02:57,919 Speaker 4: and end his misery. But the Lord came to Elijah 43 00:02:57,960 --> 00:03:01,040 Speaker 4: on a mountain and gave him assurance and direc He 44 00:03:01,080 --> 00:03:03,919 Speaker 4: told Elijah that there was a war coming and new 45 00:03:04,040 --> 00:03:06,720 Speaker 4: kings who would help cleanse the land of the worship 46 00:03:06,800 --> 00:03:11,920 Speaker 4: of Bail. He also led Elijah to find a new prophet, Elijah, 47 00:03:12,000 --> 00:03:14,360 Speaker 4: who would learn from him and live with him and 48 00:03:14,520 --> 00:03:18,840 Speaker 4: follow in his footsteps. Today we will return to Ahab, 49 00:03:18,880 --> 00:03:22,119 Speaker 4: the King and the wicked queen Jezebel, and discover how 50 00:03:22,160 --> 00:03:26,560 Speaker 4: God dealt with them for their unrighteousness, unfaithfulness, and sheer evil. 51 00:03:27,360 --> 00:03:31,000 Speaker 4: Jezebel will prove as bloodthirsty and evil as ever, but 52 00:03:31,120 --> 00:03:33,680 Speaker 4: God will prevail against those who mock his name, and 53 00:03:33,760 --> 00:03:38,240 Speaker 4: Elijah will appear again before Ahab to bring forth God's judgment. 54 00:03:38,720 --> 00:03:41,720 Speaker 4: So get ready and listen now to today's scripture. 55 00:03:43,400 --> 00:03:46,720 Speaker 3: Naboth was tending to the soil of his vineyard. The 56 00:03:46,760 --> 00:03:49,600 Speaker 3: sun was high in the sky, but the breeze provided 57 00:03:49,640 --> 00:03:53,880 Speaker 3: a cool respite from the heat. Naboth smiled and breathed 58 00:03:53,920 --> 00:03:58,040 Speaker 3: in deeply. He loved his land. He loved his vineyard. 59 00:03:58,520 --> 00:04:01,520 Speaker 3: It had been passed down from many generations, and he 60 00:04:01,560 --> 00:04:06,280 Speaker 3: saw vine dressing as his true passion in life. Naboth 61 00:04:06,520 --> 00:04:09,200 Speaker 3: looked to his left to see a massive home in 62 00:04:09,240 --> 00:04:14,000 Speaker 3: the distance, King Ahab's palace. It was ideal for him 63 00:04:14,000 --> 00:04:16,760 Speaker 3: to be so close to the king. It made Naboth 64 00:04:16,839 --> 00:04:19,719 Speaker 3: feel safe, knowing that the palace guard was so close 65 00:04:19,760 --> 00:04:23,080 Speaker 3: to his little vineyard. As he was peering into the distance, 66 00:04:23,160 --> 00:04:26,080 Speaker 3: he saw a horse approaching with a rider from the palace. 67 00:04:26,680 --> 00:04:33,040 Speaker 3: Upon further inspection, Naboth realized that it was King Ahab himself. Flustered, 68 00:04:33,240 --> 00:04:36,880 Speaker 3: Naboth dusted off his clothes and ran towards him. Before 69 00:04:36,960 --> 00:04:40,240 Speaker 3: Naboth could greet the king, he spoke saying, since your 70 00:04:40,320 --> 00:04:42,800 Speaker 3: vineyard is so close to my home, I would like 71 00:04:42,839 --> 00:04:45,200 Speaker 3: to buy it from you. Perhaps I will plant a 72 00:04:45,279 --> 00:04:48,799 Speaker 3: vegetable garden. Of course, I will not leave you empty handed. 73 00:04:49,080 --> 00:04:51,679 Speaker 3: I shall either buy it outright from you or find 74 00:04:51,720 --> 00:04:55,240 Speaker 3: you a better vineyard in a different location. Which do 75 00:04:55,360 --> 00:05:00,520 Speaker 3: you prefer. Naboth was surprised at the King's candidness. He 76 00:05:00,640 --> 00:05:03,840 Speaker 3: bowed his head and said, oh, the Lord forbid that 77 00:05:03,960 --> 00:05:07,719 Speaker 3: I just give away the inheritance of my father, grandfather, 78 00:05:07,839 --> 00:05:12,080 Speaker 3: and great grandfather. It has been passed down for many generations. 79 00:05:12,920 --> 00:05:16,640 Speaker 3: Naboth was nervous at the king's response. He had heard 80 00:05:16,680 --> 00:05:21,120 Speaker 3: stories of Ahab's volatility. He prepared himself for a lashing 81 00:05:21,160 --> 00:05:25,799 Speaker 3: of the whip or tongue. However, to Naboth's surprise, Ahab 82 00:05:25,880 --> 00:05:29,360 Speaker 3: said nothing. Instead, he simply walked away with his head 83 00:05:29,400 --> 00:05:35,560 Speaker 3: held low, like a sulking child. Ahab departed. Ahab slammed 84 00:05:35,560 --> 00:05:39,520 Speaker 3: the door to his chambers. His anger burned against Naboth. 85 00:05:40,000 --> 00:05:41,080 Speaker 2: He hated him. 86 00:05:41,440 --> 00:05:44,080 Speaker 3: Food was waiting for him at the table beside his bed. 87 00:05:44,640 --> 00:05:47,640 Speaker 3: He refused it, took off his robe, and laid face 88 00:05:47,760 --> 00:05:51,159 Speaker 3: down on his bed. Jezabel slithered into the room with 89 00:05:51,279 --> 00:05:54,760 Speaker 3: barely a sound. She sat beside Ahab on his bed 90 00:05:54,760 --> 00:05:58,520 Speaker 3: and began stroking his hair. What is the matter, my king, 91 00:05:58,880 --> 00:06:03,359 Speaker 3: she whispered, you refused to eat. Ahab rolled over on 92 00:06:03,440 --> 00:06:06,240 Speaker 3: his side to look at her. His eyes were red 93 00:06:06,279 --> 00:06:11,240 Speaker 3: with tears and rage. This small and insignificant vineyard truly 94 00:06:11,360 --> 00:06:15,080 Speaker 3: bothered Ahab. Na both will not sell or trade his 95 00:06:15,160 --> 00:06:21,040 Speaker 3: vineyard to me, Ahab said. Jezebel sighed. She stroked Ahab's head. 96 00:06:21,279 --> 00:06:24,800 Speaker 3: Vexed by her husband's weakness. Are you not the king? 97 00:06:25,160 --> 00:06:28,800 Speaker 3: She said sternly. Ahab shrugged and put his face back 98 00:06:28,839 --> 00:06:32,599 Speaker 3: on his pillow. Jezebel rolled her eyes back and twitched 99 00:06:32,600 --> 00:06:35,320 Speaker 3: her neck. She stood to her feet and looked at 100 00:06:35,320 --> 00:06:38,159 Speaker 3: her pathetic husband. When he looked back at her, she 101 00:06:38,279 --> 00:06:41,480 Speaker 3: forced a smile and said, get up and eat something. 102 00:06:41,960 --> 00:06:45,560 Speaker 3: I will go get you Naboth's vineyard. With that word, 103 00:06:45,640 --> 00:06:51,119 Speaker 3: she slowly closed the chamber doors. Jezebel's evil heart knew 104 00:06:51,120 --> 00:06:56,600 Speaker 3: no conviction. She was a brutal and bloodthirsty woman. However, 105 00:06:56,680 --> 00:06:59,880 Speaker 3: she was wise. She was tactful and careful to never 106 00:07:00,080 --> 00:07:03,919 Speaker 3: get her hands dirty unless it was absolutely necessary. She 107 00:07:04,040 --> 00:07:07,400 Speaker 3: gathered together letters under Ahab's name and sent them to 108 00:07:07,440 --> 00:07:11,160 Speaker 3: the elders and other leaders around the city, saying, call 109 00:07:11,240 --> 00:07:15,080 Speaker 3: every citizen to a time of fasting. Give Naboth a 110 00:07:15,120 --> 00:07:18,360 Speaker 3: place of very special honor when he is reveling in 111 00:07:18,400 --> 00:07:21,680 Speaker 3: his new found glory, have two scoundrels accuse him of 112 00:07:21,720 --> 00:07:26,280 Speaker 3: treason before everyone, hold no trial, take him out and 113 00:07:26,360 --> 00:07:30,160 Speaker 3: stone him to death. Jezebel sealed the letters and sent 114 00:07:30,240 --> 00:07:34,480 Speaker 3: them away. In this Jezebel was tactful. Not only were 115 00:07:34,480 --> 00:07:37,120 Speaker 3: the elders the ones to kill Naboth, but they will 116 00:07:37,160 --> 00:07:40,160 Speaker 3: think they are doing so under orders of Ahab. This 117 00:07:40,720 --> 00:07:45,240 Speaker 3: is how Jezebel operated. She was secretive and outsmarted everyone 118 00:07:45,400 --> 00:07:49,800 Speaker 3: under and over her in command. All that Jezebel ordered 119 00:07:49,840 --> 00:07:53,280 Speaker 3: had taken place. Naboth was elevated to a seat of 120 00:07:53,320 --> 00:07:56,560 Speaker 3: honor as he gleamed with the adoration of his peers. 121 00:07:56,760 --> 00:08:01,120 Speaker 3: He was torn down and brutally stoned. Jezebel was not 122 00:08:01,240 --> 00:08:04,400 Speaker 3: around to hear them, but she assumed his screams for 123 00:08:04,520 --> 00:08:09,120 Speaker 3: mercy were great. She closed her eyes and imagined Naboth 124 00:08:09,280 --> 00:08:12,320 Speaker 3: dying before her. The very thought of it made her 125 00:08:12,360 --> 00:08:16,400 Speaker 3: feel alive. As soon as Jezebel knew Naboth was dead, 126 00:08:16,680 --> 00:08:20,240 Speaker 3: she entered into her husband's chambers. She sat beside his 127 00:08:20,320 --> 00:08:23,680 Speaker 3: bed again and stroked his hair. You know the vineyard 128 00:08:23,760 --> 00:08:27,720 Speaker 3: Naboth refused to sell you. Ahab sat up in attention. 129 00:08:28,440 --> 00:08:33,079 Speaker 3: It is yours now, my king, he is dead. Ahab 130 00:08:33,200 --> 00:08:36,400 Speaker 3: leaped out of his bed in excitement. Jezabel watched him 131 00:08:36,480 --> 00:08:39,880 Speaker 3: dance like a little child. That's who he was to her, 132 00:08:40,520 --> 00:08:44,440 Speaker 3: a simple child. Ahab wasted no time and mounted his 133 00:08:44,520 --> 00:08:47,679 Speaker 3: horse to go and claim the vineyard. He rode fast 134 00:08:48,040 --> 00:08:51,199 Speaker 3: and excitedly. What a pleasant surprise it was for him 135 00:08:51,240 --> 00:08:55,160 Speaker 3: to discover Naboth was dead. He was sure his wife 136 00:08:55,280 --> 00:08:59,360 Speaker 3: arranged something, as she always does. However, it benefited Ahab 137 00:08:59,400 --> 00:09:02,959 Speaker 3: to not ask questions about his wife's methods. The wind 138 00:09:03,040 --> 00:09:06,240 Speaker 3: began to pick up slightly. Evening was only a few 139 00:09:06,240 --> 00:09:09,040 Speaker 3: hours away, and Ahab wanted to get the plans started 140 00:09:09,040 --> 00:09:13,040 Speaker 3: for his new garden. Ahab looked at the land, imagining 141 00:09:13,120 --> 00:09:17,320 Speaker 3: himself like King Solomon, with vast gardens to prove his wealth. 142 00:09:18,080 --> 00:09:20,640 Speaker 3: As Ahab was basking in his victory, he saw a 143 00:09:20,760 --> 00:09:24,360 Speaker 3: dark figure in the corner of his eye. Ahab jolted 144 00:09:24,400 --> 00:09:28,439 Speaker 3: behind him to find Elijah standing ten feet away from him. 145 00:09:28,720 --> 00:09:32,800 Speaker 3: His brow was furrowed and his gaze was piercing. Ahab 146 00:09:32,840 --> 00:09:36,040 Speaker 3: felt the blood leave his face as Elijah looked straight 147 00:09:36,120 --> 00:09:39,120 Speaker 3: through his soul. So it was not enough to kill 148 00:09:39,200 --> 00:09:42,520 Speaker 3: na Bath, Elijah said, now you must rob him too. 149 00:09:43,520 --> 00:09:48,200 Speaker 3: The words shot force like arrows towards Ahab's chest. The 150 00:09:48,280 --> 00:09:51,480 Speaker 3: conviction of the Lord was looking to penetrate Ahab's heart. 151 00:09:52,240 --> 00:09:55,760 Speaker 3: Listen to me, Ahab, because you have done this, dogs 152 00:09:55,760 --> 00:09:58,320 Speaker 3: will lick the blood off your lingering corpse on this 153 00:09:58,640 --> 00:10:02,560 Speaker 3: very ground. Ahab did his best not to seem frightened 154 00:10:02,559 --> 00:10:06,120 Speaker 3: by Elijah. Last time he saw him, Elijah was calling 155 00:10:06,200 --> 00:10:11,000 Speaker 3: down fire from heaven and summoning tempests. Ahab stood upright 156 00:10:11,040 --> 00:10:14,440 Speaker 3: with his shoulders back. So you have finally found me, 157 00:10:14,600 --> 00:10:18,840 Speaker 3: O enemy of mine, Ahab said. He forced a sly grin, 158 00:10:19,080 --> 00:10:23,720 Speaker 3: but had only served to reveal his nervousness. It is true, 159 00:10:24,120 --> 00:10:26,920 Speaker 3: Elijah said, as he took a step closer. I have 160 00:10:27,000 --> 00:10:30,840 Speaker 3: come because you have hored yourself off to evil. The 161 00:10:30,920 --> 00:10:35,000 Speaker 3: Lord is not pleased. Elijah took another step towards Ahab. 162 00:10:35,720 --> 00:10:39,360 Speaker 3: Ahab's heart began to beat faster as Elijah approached him. 163 00:10:39,559 --> 00:10:42,920 Speaker 3: Elijah spoke for the Lord, saying, I will bring destruction 164 00:10:43,120 --> 00:10:46,040 Speaker 3: upon you. I will destroy all of who you are. 165 00:10:46,600 --> 00:10:51,640 Speaker 3: Your descendants, servants and livestock will be consumed. My anger 166 00:10:51,720 --> 00:10:55,360 Speaker 3: is targeted towards you, oh Ahab, for you have led 167 00:10:55,400 --> 00:10:59,960 Speaker 3: my children into sin. At this point, Ahab was stepping 168 00:11:00,120 --> 00:11:04,280 Speaker 3: back from Elijah, breathing heavily in fear. Elijah was close 169 00:11:04,360 --> 00:11:08,000 Speaker 3: enough to grab Ahab now. And as for Jezebel, your 170 00:11:08,040 --> 00:11:12,320 Speaker 3: witch queen, Elijah paused, dogs will eat her body. On 171 00:11:12,360 --> 00:11:15,840 Speaker 3: the wicked land of Jezreel, all the members of your 172 00:11:15,880 --> 00:11:20,120 Speaker 3: family will be picked apart by vultures. The Lord's anger 173 00:11:20,240 --> 00:11:23,400 Speaker 3: burned against Ahab for allowing his heart to slip into 174 00:11:23,440 --> 00:11:26,880 Speaker 3: complete corruption. He had sold himself to the powers of 175 00:11:26,960 --> 00:11:31,480 Speaker 3: darkness and allowed Jezebel to poison his mind. No one 176 00:11:31,559 --> 00:11:36,080 Speaker 3: else in Israel had completely given themselves over as he had. However, 177 00:11:36,200 --> 00:11:39,600 Speaker 3: upon hearing this rebuke, the heart of Ahab began to melt. 178 00:11:40,320 --> 00:11:44,000 Speaker 3: He tore his clothing, dressed in burlap, and fasted before 179 00:11:44,040 --> 00:11:47,440 Speaker 3: the Lord. He humbled himself towards the point of poverty 180 00:11:47,760 --> 00:11:51,480 Speaker 3: to prove his sorrow to God. Elijah learned of this, 181 00:11:51,960 --> 00:11:55,440 Speaker 3: and God spoke, saying, do you see how Ahab has 182 00:11:55,520 --> 00:11:59,640 Speaker 3: humbled himself, Although his dynasty will still be cut off, 183 00:12:00,000 --> 00:12:02,760 Speaker 3: Well not deliver my judgment to him while he lives. 184 00:12:03,559 --> 00:12:07,480 Speaker 3: God always honors a repentant heart. As far gone as 185 00:12:07,520 --> 00:12:11,079 Speaker 3: Ahab seemed. There is no one so far gone that 186 00:12:11,120 --> 00:12:13,680 Speaker 3: God will not hear their cries for mercy. 187 00:12:16,559 --> 00:12:20,480 Speaker 4: In today's passage, we meet a man named Naboth, who 188 00:12:20,559 --> 00:12:24,440 Speaker 4: owned a vineyard near the palace of King Ahab. The 189 00:12:24,559 --> 00:12:28,600 Speaker 4: King wants Naboth's land for himself, so he tells Naboth 190 00:12:28,679 --> 00:12:31,080 Speaker 4: to sell it to him or trade it for an 191 00:12:31,120 --> 00:12:34,840 Speaker 4: even better plot of ground. But Naboth is unwilling to 192 00:12:34,880 --> 00:12:37,920 Speaker 4: part with his family land that he had inherited from 193 00:12:37,920 --> 00:12:43,880 Speaker 4: his father. Ahab doesn't respond in violence, but he goes 194 00:12:43,920 --> 00:12:47,640 Speaker 4: home and sulks like a child, whining to his wicked 195 00:12:47,679 --> 00:12:51,640 Speaker 4: wife Jezebel, that Navath refused to give him what he wanted, 196 00:12:52,640 --> 00:12:56,320 Speaker 4: what a weak king he is. But if Ahab was 197 00:12:56,400 --> 00:13:00,120 Speaker 4: unwilling to take what he wanted by force, Jezebel had 198 00:13:00,160 --> 00:13:03,520 Speaker 4: no issue with taking what he wanted and what she wanted, 199 00:13:03,880 --> 00:13:06,840 Speaker 4: so she told Aheb that as ruler of Israel, he 200 00:13:06,840 --> 00:13:09,520 Speaker 4: could have whatever he wanted, and that she would make 201 00:13:09,600 --> 00:13:13,600 Speaker 4: sure that he got the vineyard. She was very cunning 202 00:13:13,679 --> 00:13:16,880 Speaker 4: and knew how she could use deception to accomplish her plan, 203 00:13:17,840 --> 00:13:21,079 Speaker 4: so she wrote letters in Ahab's hand telling the elders 204 00:13:21,080 --> 00:13:23,800 Speaker 4: to call a fast and to put Naboth in a 205 00:13:23,840 --> 00:13:28,520 Speaker 4: place of prominence. This wasn't meant to honor Naboth, but 206 00:13:29,520 --> 00:13:33,319 Speaker 4: bring false charges against him. The punishment would be given 207 00:13:33,360 --> 00:13:37,960 Speaker 4: then and there, a public stony. Her plan went off 208 00:13:38,200 --> 00:13:42,000 Speaker 4: without a problem, and nay, both was killed by the elders. 209 00:13:42,640 --> 00:13:45,720 Speaker 4: The vineyard Ahab wanted was as good as his now, 210 00:13:45,800 --> 00:13:51,400 Speaker 4: and Jezebel delivered the news to the king. Ahab was overjoyed. 211 00:13:52,320 --> 00:13:56,360 Speaker 4: He knew Jezebel had employed unscrupulous, methis evil methods to 212 00:13:56,400 --> 00:14:00,480 Speaker 4: get him what he desired, but he asked no quoest questions. 213 00:14:01,080 --> 00:14:05,320 Speaker 4: Jezebel was wicked to the core, and our heart was 214 00:14:05,559 --> 00:14:12,400 Speaker 4: on evil continually. Ahab was guilty by compliance, giving consents 215 00:14:12,559 --> 00:14:16,040 Speaker 4: through his silence and his own personal wickedness. And for 216 00:14:16,120 --> 00:14:18,960 Speaker 4: the moment, it seems that the plans of these evil 217 00:14:18,960 --> 00:14:23,400 Speaker 4: people had prevailed. In the Psalms, we read about how 218 00:14:23,440 --> 00:14:27,840 Speaker 4: it seems at times wicked people prevail and boasting their 219 00:14:27,880 --> 00:14:31,960 Speaker 4: triumph over good people. But as the Psalms would proclaim, 220 00:14:32,400 --> 00:14:36,200 Speaker 4: God will always avenge his people, and judgment does come 221 00:14:36,360 --> 00:14:40,080 Speaker 4: in due time. Whatever a man sows, he will reap. 222 00:14:40,880 --> 00:14:44,840 Speaker 4: So as Ahab stood in his vineyard, basking in his conquest, 223 00:14:45,160 --> 00:14:50,680 Speaker 4: a familiar figure approached. It is Elijah, a haveb seemed 224 00:14:50,720 --> 00:14:55,120 Speaker 4: to know that the end was near. His choices had consequences, 225 00:14:55,960 --> 00:14:58,880 Speaker 4: and rather than run, he listened to what God was 226 00:14:58,920 --> 00:15:03,240 Speaker 4: saying through Elijah in First Kings twenty one, twenty and 227 00:15:03,320 --> 00:15:08,280 Speaker 4: twenty one, this is what God says to Ahab, because 228 00:15:08,320 --> 00:15:10,520 Speaker 4: you have sold yourself to do what is evil in 229 00:15:10,560 --> 00:15:13,920 Speaker 4: the sight of the Lord. Behold, I will bring disaster 230 00:15:14,160 --> 00:15:18,200 Speaker 4: upon you. I will utterly burn you up and will 231 00:15:18,200 --> 00:15:21,600 Speaker 4: cut off from Ahab every male bonder free in Israel. 232 00:15:22,840 --> 00:15:25,640 Speaker 4: Elijah went on, telling him that he would take from 233 00:15:25,720 --> 00:15:28,800 Speaker 4: him the kingdom because he had led so many people astray. 234 00:15:30,120 --> 00:15:33,560 Speaker 4: Ahab had given himself over to evil, though he was 235 00:15:33,600 --> 00:15:38,040 Speaker 4: the king of the nation. God would judge both Ahab 236 00:15:38,120 --> 00:15:42,120 Speaker 4: and Jezebel, and their sin would cost them their lives. 237 00:15:42,640 --> 00:15:45,640 Speaker 4: Jezebel would be thrown off a balcony and die and 238 00:15:45,720 --> 00:15:48,560 Speaker 4: be eaten, her blood lapped up by the dogs in 239 00:15:48,680 --> 00:15:52,200 Speaker 4: Jezreel and many others would die there to be eaten 240 00:15:52,240 --> 00:15:56,000 Speaker 4: by dogs or carried away by birds who foolishly turned 241 00:15:56,000 --> 00:16:01,400 Speaker 4: from the Lord. It was surely payday someday for Ahab 242 00:16:01,640 --> 00:16:05,240 Speaker 4: and Jezebel. Ahab was cut to the heart with these 243 00:16:05,240 --> 00:16:07,720 Speaker 4: words and tore his clothes as a sign of mourning 244 00:16:07,800 --> 00:16:13,440 Speaker 4: and repentance. He fasted and wore sackcloth. God seemingly had 245 00:16:13,520 --> 00:16:16,400 Speaker 4: gotten through to him, and the Lord was moved by 246 00:16:16,400 --> 00:16:21,080 Speaker 4: Ahab's humility and contrition. He spoke again through Elijah, telling 247 00:16:21,280 --> 00:16:24,480 Speaker 4: Ahab that his life would be spared because he humbled himself, 248 00:16:24,840 --> 00:16:28,360 Speaker 4: but disaster would still be visited upon his household. The 249 00:16:28,400 --> 00:16:32,280 Speaker 4: stain of his sin would have consequences. You see, the 250 00:16:32,320 --> 00:16:35,720 Speaker 4: Lord is always near to those who seek him. There's 251 00:16:35,800 --> 00:16:40,040 Speaker 4: no lost cause in God's grace, and God stands ready 252 00:16:40,080 --> 00:16:45,280 Speaker 4: to forgive anyone who would earnestly repent and return to him, 253 00:16:45,920 --> 00:16:51,360 Speaker 4: even Ahab, even you and me. Dear God, we thank 254 00:16:51,400 --> 00:16:54,880 Speaker 4: you that you are a God of justice, but that 255 00:16:54,960 --> 00:16:58,200 Speaker 4: you are also a God of great mercy. Thank you 256 00:16:58,280 --> 00:17:01,880 Speaker 4: for your love in it all the way to Jesus 257 00:17:02,000 --> 00:17:06,080 Speaker 4: and his cross and resurrection, and through your grace, amazing 258 00:17:06,240 --> 00:17:10,600 Speaker 4: as it is, we can have forgiveness and eternal life 259 00:17:11,359 --> 00:17:15,800 Speaker 4: in Jesus' name. Amen. Thank you for listening to today's 260 00:17:15,840 --> 00:17:20,399 Speaker 4: Bible in a Year podcast. I'm pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. 261 00:17:20,680 --> 00:17:23,520 Speaker 4: Let me encourage you to download the Prey dot com 262 00:17:23,560 --> 00:17:26,800 Speaker 4: app and always make Bible reading and Bible study a 263 00:17:26,840 --> 00:17:30,760 Speaker 4: priority in your life along with prayer. If you enjoyed 264 00:17:30,800 --> 00:17:33,600 Speaker 4: this podcast, share it with someone you love. Let someone 265 00:17:33,720 --> 00:17:37,080 Speaker 4: know because by sharing this podcast, you can truly make 266 00:17:37,119 --> 00:17:40,640 Speaker 4: a difference in someone's life. And if you want more 267 00:17:40,680 --> 00:17:43,679 Speaker 4: resources from me, Jack Graham as to how you can 268 00:17:43,720 --> 00:17:47,080 Speaker 4: grow in your Christian life, then go to Jack Graham 269 00:17:47,320 --> 00:17:52,120 Speaker 4: dot org. That's Jack Graham dot org. God bless you.