1 00:00:00,800 --> 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 00:00:09,119 --> 00:00:14,320 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 --> 00:00:24,480 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: positioned for me to possess. I bind any thoughts that 10 00:00:37,120 --> 00:00:40,320 Speaker 1: would have me act in any deceitful way to obtain 11 00:00:40,440 --> 00:00:44,640 Speaker 1: some one else's inheritance. I declare that what God has 12 00:00:44,680 --> 00:00:48,320 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 00:00:58,880 --> 00:01:02,960 Speaker 1: that any blessing that was wrongfully taken from me be replaced, 16 00:01:03,720 --> 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 --> 00:01:14,560 Speaker 1: that justice is part of your character. Move on my 19 00:01:14,680 --> 00:01:18,839 Speaker 1: behalf today, Lord, so that I can continue to flourish 20 00:01:19,040 --> 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 00:01:31,560 --> 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 00:01:37,959 --> 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 --> 00:01:56,800 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 00:02:01,120 --> 00:02:03,800 Speaker 3: and weary mind was met with the gentle touch of 29 00:02:03,840 --> 00:02:08,919 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 --> 00:02:16,360 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 00:02:24,720 --> 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 00:02:32,800 --> 00:02:35,560 Speaker 4: Hello, this is Jack Graham with today's episode of the 37 00:02:35,600 --> 00:02:38,960 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 --> 00:02:46,560 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 00:02:54,040 --> 00:02:57,919 Speaker 4: and end his misery. But the Lord came to Elijah 43 00:02:58,000 --> 00:03:01,040 Speaker 4: on a mountain and gave him assurance and direc He 44 00:03:01,080 --> 00:03:03,960 Speaker 4: told Elijah that there was a war coming and new 45 00:03:04,040 --> 00:03:06,760 Speaker 4: kings who would help cleanse the land of the worship 46 00:03:06,800 --> 00:03:11,640 Speaker 4: of Bail. He also led Elijah to find a new prophet, Elijah, 47 00:03:12,040 --> 00:03:14,400 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 --> 00:03:22,120 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 00:03:31,160 --> 00:03:33,680 Speaker 4: God will prevail against those who mock his name, and 53 00:03:33,760 --> 00:03:38,280 Speaker 4: Elijah will appear again before Ahab to bring forth God's judgment. 54 00:03:38,720 --> 00:03:41,760 Speaker 4: So get ready and listen now to today's scripture. 55 00:03:43,440 --> 00:03:46,720 Speaker 3: Naboth was tending to the soil of his vineyard. The 56 00:03:46,800 --> 00:03:49,600 Speaker 3: sun was high in the sky, but the breeze provided 57 00:03:49,640 --> 00:03:53,920 Speaker 3: a cool respite from the heat. Naboth smiled and breathed 58 00:03:53,960 --> 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 00:04:01,600 --> 00:04:06,280 Speaker 3: saw vine dressing as his true passion in life. Naboth 61 00:04:06,560 --> 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 00:04:14,040 --> 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 00:04:19,800 --> 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 00:04:26,720 --> 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 00:04:37,000 --> 00:04:40,240 Speaker 3: Naboth could greet the king, he spoke saying, since your 70 00:04:40,360 --> 00:04:42,800 Speaker 3: vineyard is so close to my home, I would like 71 00:04:42,880 --> 00:04:45,200 Speaker 3: to buy it from you. Perhaps I will plant a 72 00:04:45,279 --> 00:04:48,800 Speaker 3: vegetable garden. Of course, I will not leave you empty handed. 73 00:04:49,080 --> 00:04:51,719 Speaker 3: I shall either buy it outright from you or find 74 00:04:51,760 --> 00:04:54,080 Speaker 3: you a better vineyard in a different location. 75 00:04:54,880 --> 00:04:55,960 Speaker 5: Which do you prefer. 76 00:04:57,200 --> 00:05:01,159 Speaker 3: Naboth was surprised at the King's candidness. He bowed his 77 00:05:01,279 --> 00:05:04,320 Speaker 3: head and said, oh, the Lord forbid that I just 78 00:05:04,480 --> 00:05:08,880 Speaker 3: give away the inheritance of my father, grandfather, and great grandfather. 79 00:05:09,560 --> 00:05:13,640 Speaker 3: It has been passed down for many generations. Naboth was 80 00:05:13,680 --> 00:05:17,320 Speaker 3: nervous at the king's response. He had heard stories of 81 00:05:17,360 --> 00:05:21,360 Speaker 3: Ahab's volatility. He prepared himself for a lashing of the 82 00:05:21,400 --> 00:05:27,560 Speaker 3: whip or tongue. However, to Naboth's surprise, Ahab said nothing. Instead, 83 00:05:27,600 --> 00:05:30,760 Speaker 3: he simply walked away with his head held low, like 84 00:05:30,839 --> 00:05:36,039 Speaker 3: a sulking child. Ahab departed. Ahab slammed the door to 85 00:05:36,120 --> 00:05:39,520 Speaker 3: his chambers. His anger burned against Naboth. 86 00:05:40,040 --> 00:05:41,080 Speaker 5: He hated him. 87 00:05:41,440 --> 00:05:44,119 Speaker 3: Food was waiting for him at the table beside his bed. 88 00:05:44,680 --> 00:05:47,680 Speaker 3: He refused it, took off his robe, and laid face 89 00:05:47,760 --> 00:05:51,200 Speaker 3: down on his bed. Jezabel slithered into the room with 90 00:05:51,279 --> 00:05:54,760 Speaker 3: barely a sound. She sat beside Ahab on his bed 91 00:05:54,800 --> 00:05:58,520 Speaker 3: and began stroking his hair. What is the matter, my king, 92 00:05:58,880 --> 00:06:03,200 Speaker 3: she whispered, do you refuse to eat? Ahab rolled over 93 00:06:03,320 --> 00:06:05,960 Speaker 3: on his side to look at her. His eyes were 94 00:06:06,000 --> 00:06:10,839 Speaker 3: red with tears and rage. This small and insignificant vineyard 95 00:06:10,880 --> 00:06:15,000 Speaker 3: truly bothered Ahab. Na both will not sell or trade 96 00:06:15,000 --> 00:06:20,200 Speaker 3: his vineyard to me, Ahab said. Jezebel sighed. She stroked 97 00:06:20,279 --> 00:06:23,360 Speaker 3: Ahab's head. Vexed by her husband's weakness. 98 00:06:23,920 --> 00:06:24,800 Speaker 5: Are you not the king? 99 00:06:25,160 --> 00:06:28,800 Speaker 3: She said sternly. Ahab shrugged and put his face back 100 00:06:28,839 --> 00:06:32,599 Speaker 3: on his pillow. Jezebel rolled her eyes back and twitched 101 00:06:32,600 --> 00:06:35,360 Speaker 3: her neck. She stood to her feet and looked at 102 00:06:35,360 --> 00:06:38,200 Speaker 3: her pathetic husband. When he looked back at her, she 103 00:06:38,320 --> 00:06:41,480 Speaker 3: forced a smile and said, get up and eat something. 104 00:06:42,000 --> 00:06:45,559 Speaker 3: I will go get you Naboth's vineyard. With that word, 105 00:06:45,680 --> 00:06:51,119 Speaker 3: she slowly closed the chamber doors. Jezebel's evil heart knew 106 00:06:51,160 --> 00:06:55,279 Speaker 3: no conviction. She was a brutal and bloodthirsty woman. 107 00:06:56,240 --> 00:06:57,560 Speaker 5: However, she was wise. 108 00:06:57,960 --> 00:07:00,719 Speaker 3: She was tactful and careful to never get her hands 109 00:07:00,760 --> 00:07:05,240 Speaker 3: dirty unless it was absolutely necessary. She gathered together letters 110 00:07:05,279 --> 00:07:08,280 Speaker 3: under Ahab's name and sent them to the elders and 111 00:07:08,320 --> 00:07:12,320 Speaker 3: other leaders around the city, saying, call every citizen to 112 00:07:12,400 --> 00:07:15,880 Speaker 3: a time of fasting. Give Naboth a place of very 113 00:07:15,920 --> 00:07:19,520 Speaker 3: special honor when he is reveling in his newfound glory, 114 00:07:19,840 --> 00:07:23,920 Speaker 3: have two scoundrels accuse him of treason before everyone, hold 115 00:07:24,000 --> 00:07:27,320 Speaker 3: no trial, take him out and stone him to death. 116 00:07:28,360 --> 00:07:30,720 Speaker 3: Jezebel sealed the letters and sent them away. 117 00:07:31,400 --> 00:07:33,200 Speaker 5: In this Jezebel was tactful. 118 00:07:33,760 --> 00:07:36,320 Speaker 3: Not only were the elders the ones to kill Naboth, 119 00:07:36,680 --> 00:07:38,880 Speaker 3: but they will think they are doing so under orders 120 00:07:38,920 --> 00:07:39,440 Speaker 3: of Ahab. 121 00:07:40,040 --> 00:07:42,280 Speaker 5: This is how Jezebel operated. 122 00:07:42,680 --> 00:07:46,720 Speaker 3: She was secretive and outsmarted everyone under and over her 123 00:07:46,760 --> 00:07:51,920 Speaker 3: in command. All that Jezebel ordered had taken place. Naboth 124 00:07:52,040 --> 00:07:55,040 Speaker 3: was elevated to a seat of honor as he gleamed 125 00:07:55,040 --> 00:07:56,560 Speaker 3: with the adoration of his peers. 126 00:07:56,760 --> 00:07:59,320 Speaker 5: He was torn down and brutally stoned. 127 00:08:00,280 --> 00:08:03,520 Speaker 3: Jezebel was not around to hear them, but she assumed 128 00:08:03,600 --> 00:08:07,520 Speaker 3: his screams for mercy were great. She closed her eyes 129 00:08:07,840 --> 00:08:11,720 Speaker 3: and imagined Naboth dying before her. The very thought of 130 00:08:11,760 --> 00:08:15,280 Speaker 3: it made her feel alive. As soon as Jezebel knew 131 00:08:15,400 --> 00:08:19,400 Speaker 3: Naboth was dead, she entered into her husband's chambers. She 132 00:08:19,480 --> 00:08:23,000 Speaker 3: sat beside his bed again and stroked his hair. You 133 00:08:23,040 --> 00:08:27,000 Speaker 3: know the vineyard Naboth refused to sell you. Ahab sat 134 00:08:27,080 --> 00:08:31,080 Speaker 3: up in attention. It is yours now, my king, he 135 00:08:31,240 --> 00:08:34,959 Speaker 3: is dead. Ahab leaped out of his bed in excitement. 136 00:08:35,280 --> 00:08:39,040 Speaker 3: Jezabel watched him dance like a little child. That's who 137 00:08:39,080 --> 00:08:43,400 Speaker 3: he was to her, a simple child. Ahab wasted no 138 00:08:43,520 --> 00:08:46,199 Speaker 3: time and mounted his horse to go and claim the vineyard. 139 00:08:46,679 --> 00:08:50,640 Speaker 3: He rode fast and excitedly. What a pleasant surprise it 140 00:08:50,760 --> 00:08:54,280 Speaker 3: was for him to discover Naboth was dead. He was 141 00:08:54,320 --> 00:08:58,280 Speaker 3: sure his wife arranged something, as she always does. However, 142 00:08:58,320 --> 00:09:01,720 Speaker 3: it benefited Ahab to not ask questions about his wife's methods. 143 00:09:02,559 --> 00:09:05,920 Speaker 3: The wind began to pick up slightly. Evening was only 144 00:09:05,920 --> 00:09:08,200 Speaker 3: a few hours away, and Ahab wanted to get the 145 00:09:08,200 --> 00:09:12,160 Speaker 3: plans started for his new garden. Ahab looked at the land, 146 00:09:12,480 --> 00:09:16,720 Speaker 3: imagining himself like King Solomon, with vast gardens to prove 147 00:09:16,800 --> 00:09:20,360 Speaker 3: his wealth. As Ahab was basking in his victory, he 148 00:09:20,400 --> 00:09:22,840 Speaker 3: saw a dark figure in the corner of his eye. 149 00:09:23,480 --> 00:09:27,440 Speaker 3: Ahab jolted behind him to find Elijah standing ten feet 150 00:09:27,480 --> 00:09:31,000 Speaker 3: away from him. His brow was furrowed and his gaze 151 00:09:31,080 --> 00:09:34,719 Speaker 3: was piercing. Ahab felt the blood leave his face as 152 00:09:34,760 --> 00:09:38,320 Speaker 3: Elijah looked straight through his soul. So it was not 153 00:09:38,480 --> 00:09:41,760 Speaker 3: enough to kill na Bath, Elijah said, now you must 154 00:09:41,840 --> 00:09:46,360 Speaker 3: rob him too. The words shot force like arrows towards 155 00:09:46,440 --> 00:09:50,040 Speaker 3: Ahab's chest. The conviction of the Lord was looking to 156 00:09:50,120 --> 00:09:54,640 Speaker 3: penetrate Ahab's heart. Listen to me, Ahab, because you have 157 00:09:54,720 --> 00:09:57,560 Speaker 3: done this, dogs will lick the blood off your lingering 158 00:09:57,640 --> 00:09:59,360 Speaker 3: corpse on this very ground. 159 00:10:00,400 --> 00:10:01,640 Speaker 5: Ahab did his best not. 160 00:10:01,640 --> 00:10:05,040 Speaker 3: To seem frightened by Elijah. Last time he saw him, 161 00:10:05,160 --> 00:10:09,120 Speaker 3: Elijah was calling down fire from heaven and summoning tempests. 162 00:10:09,880 --> 00:10:13,280 Speaker 3: Ahab stood upright with his shoulders back. So you have 163 00:10:13,400 --> 00:10:17,520 Speaker 3: finally found me, O enemy of mine, Ahab said. He 164 00:10:17,600 --> 00:10:20,920 Speaker 3: forced a sly grin, but had only served to reveal 165 00:10:21,000 --> 00:10:25,319 Speaker 3: his nervousness. It is true, Elijah said, as he took 166 00:10:25,320 --> 00:10:26,120 Speaker 3: a step closer. 167 00:10:26,640 --> 00:10:27,559 Speaker 5: I have come. 168 00:10:27,360 --> 00:10:31,199 Speaker 3: Because you have hored yourself off to evil. The Lord 169 00:10:31,280 --> 00:10:36,240 Speaker 3: is not pleased. Elijah took another step towards Ahab. Ahab's 170 00:10:36,240 --> 00:10:40,120 Speaker 3: heart began to beat faster as Elijah approached him. Elijah 171 00:10:40,120 --> 00:10:43,520 Speaker 3: spoke for the Lord, saying, I will bring destruction upon you. 172 00:10:44,160 --> 00:10:48,400 Speaker 3: I will destroy all of who you are. Your descendants, servants, 173 00:10:48,480 --> 00:10:49,040 Speaker 3: and live. 174 00:10:48,920 --> 00:10:50,160 Speaker 5: Stock will be consumed. 175 00:10:50,800 --> 00:10:54,880 Speaker 3: My anger is targeted towards you, oh Ahab, for you 176 00:10:54,960 --> 00:10:59,480 Speaker 3: have led my children into sin. At this point, Ahab 177 00:10:59,520 --> 00:11:03,880 Speaker 3: was stepping back from Elijah, breathing heavily in fear. Elijah 178 00:11:03,920 --> 00:11:07,439 Speaker 3: was close enough to grab Ahab now. And as for Jezebel, 179 00:11:07,840 --> 00:11:12,240 Speaker 3: your witch queen, Elijah paused dogs will eat her body. 180 00:11:12,280 --> 00:11:15,600 Speaker 3: On the wicked land of Jezreel, all the members of 181 00:11:15,640 --> 00:11:19,720 Speaker 3: your family will be picked apart by vultures. The Lord's 182 00:11:19,760 --> 00:11:23,160 Speaker 3: anger burned against Ahab for allowing his heart to slip 183 00:11:23,200 --> 00:11:24,360 Speaker 3: into complete corruption. 184 00:11:25,080 --> 00:11:25,880 Speaker 5: He had sold. 185 00:11:25,720 --> 00:11:29,120 Speaker 3: Himself to the powers of darkness and allowed Jezebel to 186 00:11:29,160 --> 00:11:30,240 Speaker 3: poison his mind. 187 00:11:31,240 --> 00:11:32,839 Speaker 5: No one else in Israel. 188 00:11:32,520 --> 00:11:36,440 Speaker 3: Had completely given themselves over as he had. However, upon 189 00:11:36,520 --> 00:11:39,600 Speaker 3: hearing this rebuke, the heart of Ahab began to melt. 190 00:11:40,320 --> 00:11:44,000 Speaker 3: He tore his clothing, dressed in burlap, and fasted before 191 00:11:44,040 --> 00:11:47,440 Speaker 3: the Lord. He humbled himself towards the point of poverty 192 00:11:47,800 --> 00:11:51,480 Speaker 3: to prove his sorrow to God. Elijah learned of this, 193 00:11:52,000 --> 00:11:55,480 Speaker 3: and God spoke, saying, do you see how Ahab has 194 00:11:55,520 --> 00:11:59,640 Speaker 3: humbled himself. Although his dynasty will still be cut off, 195 00:12:00,000 --> 00:12:02,760 Speaker 3: we will not deliver my judgment to him while he lives. 196 00:12:03,559 --> 00:12:05,439 Speaker 3: God always honors. 197 00:12:05,040 --> 00:12:06,000 Speaker 5: A repentant heart. 198 00:12:06,480 --> 00:12:09,400 Speaker 3: As far gone as Ahab seemed. There is no one 199 00:12:09,520 --> 00:12:12,920 Speaker 3: so far gone that God will not hear their cries 200 00:12:13,160 --> 00:12:13,720 Speaker 3: for mercy. 201 00:12:16,600 --> 00:12:20,520 Speaker 4: In today's passage, we meet a man named Naboth, who 202 00:12:20,559 --> 00:12:24,440 Speaker 4: owned a vineyard near the palace of King Ahab. The 203 00:12:24,559 --> 00:12:28,640 Speaker 4: King wants Naboth's land for himself, so he tells Naboth 204 00:12:28,720 --> 00:12:31,080 Speaker 4: to sell it to him or trade it for an 205 00:12:31,120 --> 00:12:34,840 Speaker 4: even better plot of ground, But Naboth is unwilling to 206 00:12:34,920 --> 00:12:37,920 Speaker 4: part with his family land that he had inherited from 207 00:12:37,960 --> 00:12:43,880 Speaker 4: his father. Ahab doesn't respond in violence, but he goes 208 00:12:43,920 --> 00:12:47,640 Speaker 4: home and sulks like a child, whining to his wicked 209 00:12:47,679 --> 00:12:51,640 Speaker 4: wife Jezebel, that Nabath refused to give him what he wanted, 210 00:12:52,640 --> 00:12:56,319 Speaker 4: what a weak king he is. But if Ahab was 211 00:12:56,400 --> 00:13:00,120 Speaker 4: unwilling to take what he wanted by force, Jezebel had 212 00:13:00,160 --> 00:13:03,560 Speaker 4: no issue with taking what he wanted and what she wanted, 213 00:13:03,920 --> 00:13:06,840 Speaker 4: so she told Ahab that as ruler of Israel, he 214 00:13:06,880 --> 00:13:09,520 Speaker 4: could have whatever he wanted, and that she would make 215 00:13:09,600 --> 00:13:13,640 Speaker 4: sure that he got the vineyard. She was very cunning 216 00:13:13,679 --> 00:13:16,920 Speaker 4: and knew how she could use deception to accomplish her plan, 217 00:13:17,880 --> 00:13:21,079 Speaker 4: so she wrote letters in Ahab's hand telling the elders 218 00:13:21,080 --> 00:13:23,840 Speaker 4: to call a fast and to put Naboth in a 219 00:13:23,840 --> 00:13:28,520 Speaker 4: place of prominence. This wasn't meant to honor Naboth, but 220 00:13:29,520 --> 00:13:33,319 Speaker 4: bring false charges against him. The punishment would be given 221 00:13:33,400 --> 00:13:37,959 Speaker 4: then and there, a public stoning. Her plan went off 222 00:13:38,200 --> 00:13:42,040 Speaker 4: without a problem, and Naboth was killed by the elders. 223 00:13:42,640 --> 00:13:45,760 Speaker 4: The vineyard Ahab wanted was as good as his now, 224 00:13:45,800 --> 00:13:51,400 Speaker 4: and Jezebel delivered the news to the king. Ahab was overjoyed. 225 00:13:52,320 --> 00:13:56,360 Speaker 4: He knew Jezebel had employed unscrupulous, methis evil methods to 226 00:13:56,440 --> 00:14:00,480 Speaker 4: get him what he desired, but he asked no quoest questions. 227 00:14:01,120 --> 00:14:05,360 Speaker 4: Jezebel was wicked to the core, and our heart was 228 00:14:05,559 --> 00:14:12,400 Speaker 4: on evil continually. Ahab was guilty by compliance, giving consents 229 00:14:12,559 --> 00:14:16,040 Speaker 4: through his silence and his own personal wickedness. And for 230 00:14:16,120 --> 00:14:18,960 Speaker 4: the moment, it seems that the plans of these evil 231 00:14:19,000 --> 00:14:23,360 Speaker 4: people had prevailed. In the Psalms, we read about how 232 00:14:23,440 --> 00:14:27,840 Speaker 4: it seems at times wicked people prevail and boasting their 233 00:14:27,880 --> 00:14:31,960 Speaker 4: triumph over good people. But as the Psalms would proclaim, 234 00:14:32,400 --> 00:14:36,240 Speaker 4: God will always avenge his people, and judgment does come 235 00:14:36,360 --> 00:14:40,080 Speaker 4: in due time. Whatever a man sows, he will reap. 236 00:14:40,920 --> 00:14:44,840 Speaker 4: So as Ahab stood in his vineyard, basking in his conquest, 237 00:14:45,160 --> 00:14:50,720 Speaker 4: a familiar figure approached. It is Elijah, a haveb seemed 238 00:14:50,720 --> 00:14:55,120 Speaker 4: to know that the end was near. His choices had consequences, 239 00:14:56,000 --> 00:14:58,880 Speaker 4: and rather than run, he listened to what God was 240 00:14:58,920 --> 00:15:03,240 Speaker 4: saying through Elijah in First Kings twenty one, twenty and 241 00:15:03,320 --> 00:15:08,280 Speaker 4: twenty one, this is what God says to Ahab, because 242 00:15:08,320 --> 00:15:10,520 Speaker 4: you have sold yourself to do what is evil in 243 00:15:10,600 --> 00:15:13,920 Speaker 4: the sight of the Lord. Behold, I will bring disaster 244 00:15:14,160 --> 00:15:18,200 Speaker 4: upon you. I will utterly burn you up and will 245 00:15:18,200 --> 00:15:21,600 Speaker 4: cut off from Ahab every male bond or free in Israel. 246 00:15:22,840 --> 00:15:25,680 Speaker 4: Elijah went on, telling him that he would take from 247 00:15:25,720 --> 00:15:28,840 Speaker 4: him the kingdom because he had led so many people astray. 248 00:15:30,120 --> 00:15:33,560 Speaker 4: Ahab had given himself over to evil, though he was 249 00:15:33,600 --> 00:15:38,040 Speaker 4: the king of the nation. God would judge both Ahab 250 00:15:38,120 --> 00:15:42,120 Speaker 4: and Jezebel, and their sin would cost them their lives. 251 00:15:42,680 --> 00:15:45,640 Speaker 4: Jezebel would be thrown off a balcony and die and 252 00:15:45,760 --> 00:15:48,560 Speaker 4: be eaten, her blood lapped up by the dogs in 253 00:15:48,680 --> 00:15:52,240 Speaker 4: Jezreel and many others would die there to be eaten 254 00:15:52,280 --> 00:15:56,000 Speaker 4: by dogs or carried away by birds who foolishly turned 255 00:15:56,040 --> 00:16:01,400 Speaker 4: from the Lord. It was surely payday someday for Ahab 256 00:16:01,640 --> 00:16:05,240 Speaker 4: and Jezebel. Ahab was cut to the heart with these 257 00:16:05,280 --> 00:16:07,720 Speaker 4: words and tore his clothes as a sign of mourning 258 00:16:07,800 --> 00:16:13,480 Speaker 4: and repentance. He fasted and wore sackcloth. God seemingly had 259 00:16:13,520 --> 00:16:16,400 Speaker 4: gotten through to him, and the Lord was moved by 260 00:16:16,440 --> 00:16:21,120 Speaker 4: Ahab's humility and contrition. He spoke again through Elijah, telling 261 00:16:21,280 --> 00:16:24,480 Speaker 4: Ahab that his life would be spared because he humbled himself, 262 00:16:24,840 --> 00:16:28,360 Speaker 4: but disaster would still be visited upon his household. The 263 00:16:28,400 --> 00:16:32,280 Speaker 4: stain of his sin would have consequences. You see, the 264 00:16:32,320 --> 00:16:35,720 Speaker 4: Lord is always near to those who seek him. There's 265 00:16:35,800 --> 00:16:40,040 Speaker 4: no lost cause in God's grace, and God stands ready 266 00:16:40,120 --> 00:16:45,480 Speaker 4: to forgive anyone who would earnestly repent and return to him, 267 00:16:45,960 --> 00:16:51,360 Speaker 4: even Ahab, even you and me. Dear God, we thank 268 00:16:51,440 --> 00:16:54,880 Speaker 4: you that you are a God of justice, but that 269 00:16:54,960 --> 00:16:58,200 Speaker 4: you are also a God of great mercy. Thank you 270 00:16:58,280 --> 00:17:02,120 Speaker 4: for your love intended all the way to Jesus and 271 00:17:02,200 --> 00:17:06,440 Speaker 4: his cross and resurrection, and through your grace, amazing as 272 00:17:06,440 --> 00:17:11,480 Speaker 4: it is, we can have forgiveness and eternal life in 273 00:17:11,600 --> 00:17:16,200 Speaker 4: Jesus's name. Amen. Thank you for listening to today's Bible 274 00:17:16,240 --> 00:17:20,399 Speaker 4: in a Year podcast. I'm pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. 275 00:17:20,680 --> 00:17:23,560 Speaker 4: Let me encourage you to download the Prey dot com 276 00:17:23,560 --> 00:17:26,800 Speaker 4: app and always make Bible reading and Bible study a 277 00:17:26,840 --> 00:17:30,800 Speaker 4: priority in your life, along with prayer. If you enjoyed 278 00:17:30,800 --> 00:17:33,680 Speaker 4: this podcast, share it, with someone you love. Let someone 279 00:17:33,720 --> 00:17:37,080 Speaker 4: know because by sharing this podcast you can truly make 280 00:17:37,119 --> 00:17:40,640 Speaker 4: a difference in someone's life. And if you want more 281 00:17:40,680 --> 00:17:43,720 Speaker 4: resources from me, Jack Graham as to how you can 282 00:17:43,760 --> 00:17:47,080 Speaker 4: grow in your Christian life, then go to Jack Graham 283 00:17:47,320 --> 00:17:52,120 Speaker 4: dot org. That's Jack Graham dot org. God bless you.