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 --> 00:00:11,960 Speaker 1: fathers unto thee First Kings twenty one. 4 00:00:12,039 --> 00:00:12,200 Speaker 2: One. 5 00:00:14,040 --> 00:00:16,400 Speaker 1: As I sit and ponder on the truths in to 6 00:00:16,480 --> 00:00:20,120 Speaker 1: day's reading of First Kings twenty one, I'm reminded how 7 00:00:20,160 --> 00:00:23,440 Speaker 1: critical it is to operate my life in complete honesty 8 00:00:23,720 --> 00:00:28,720 Speaker 1: and integrity. Through the life of Ahab and Jezebel, I 9 00:00:28,800 --> 00:00:31,600 Speaker 1: will do everything in my power to only go after 10 00:00:31,680 --> 00:00:36,240 Speaker 1: what You've positioned for me to possess. I bind any 11 00:00:36,280 --> 00:00:39,520 Speaker 1: thoughts that would have me act in any deceitful way 12 00:00:39,760 --> 00:00:44,000 Speaker 1: to obtain some one else's inheritance. I declare that what 13 00:00:44,080 --> 00:00:47,640 Speaker 1: God has for me is perfect for every need I 14 00:00:47,680 --> 00:00:51,960 Speaker 1: will ever have. Forgive me for any jealous thoughts and 15 00:00:52,080 --> 00:00:57,360 Speaker 1: actions I may have committed, both knowing and unknowing. In addition, 16 00:00:58,160 --> 00:01:01,640 Speaker 1: I declare that any blessing that was wrongfully taken from 17 00:01:01,680 --> 00:01:05,600 Speaker 1: me be replaced, and that I would receive extra for 18 00:01:05,680 --> 00:01:09,280 Speaker 1: the wrong committed against me. I know you are a 19 00:01:09,520 --> 00:01:12,800 Speaker 1: just God and that justice is part of your character. 20 00:01:13,959 --> 00:01:17,520 Speaker 1: Move on my behalf today, Lord, so that I can 21 00:01:17,600 --> 00:01:21,440 Speaker 1: continue to flourish in the promised place You've prepared for 22 00:01:21,520 --> 00:01:29,480 Speaker 1: me in Jesus name. Amen, thank you for making prayer 23 00:01:29,520 --> 00:01:33,040 Speaker 1: a priority in your day. To learn more about the Bible, 24 00:01:33,360 --> 00:01:37,080 Speaker 1: stay tuned for today's story, brought to you by Bible 25 00:01:37,120 --> 00:01:38,160 Speaker 1: in a Year dot. 26 00:01:37,959 --> 00:01:48,120 Speaker 2: Com Nabeth's Vineyard. 27 00:01:49,400 --> 00:01:52,600 Speaker 3: In our last story, we learned about Elijah meeting with 28 00:01:52,760 --> 00:01:56,800 Speaker 3: God on Mount Sinai. He had fled from Jezebel, the 29 00:01:56,840 --> 00:02:01,080 Speaker 3: witch queen, and was afraid for his life. His troubled 30 00:02:01,120 --> 00:02:03,800 Speaker 3: and weary mind was met with the gentle touch of 31 00:02:03,840 --> 00:02:08,919 Speaker 3: God's presence and direction. The Lord gave guidance to Elijah 32 00:02:08,960 --> 00:02:11,920 Speaker 3: and told him that there was a civil war approaching 33 00:02:11,960 --> 00:02:16,360 Speaker 3: that would topple the kingdom of AaB and Jezebel. Now 34 00:02:16,440 --> 00:02:19,920 Speaker 3: we see Jezebel working behind the scenes to shed blood 35 00:02:20,000 --> 00:02:24,240 Speaker 3: and corruption, and Elijah finally returns to confront the king 36 00:02:24,720 --> 00:02:28,880 Speaker 3: and enact the judgment of God inspired by the book 37 00:02:29,280 --> 00:02:30,400 Speaker 3: The First Kings. 38 00:02:32,800 --> 00:02:35,560 Speaker 4: Hello, this is Jack Graham with today's episode of the 39 00:02:35,600 --> 00:02:38,960 Speaker 4: Bible in a Year. In our last time together, we 40 00:02:39,000 --> 00:02:43,400 Speaker 4: heard how Elijah fled the ruthless and violent queen Jezebel. 41 00:02:44,120 --> 00:02:46,560 Speaker 4: She wanted to kill him for humiliating and killing the 42 00:02:46,560 --> 00:02:50,440 Speaker 4: prophets of her false god, Bail. Elijah was frightened, and 43 00:02:50,480 --> 00:02:54,000 Speaker 4: he became depressed, even asking God to take his life 44 00:02:54,040 --> 00:02:57,919 Speaker 4: and end his misery. But the Lord came to Elijah 45 00:02:58,000 --> 00:03:01,040 Speaker 4: on a mountain and gave him assurance and direc He 46 00:03:01,080 --> 00:03:03,960 Speaker 4: told Elijah that there was a war coming and new 47 00:03:04,040 --> 00:03:06,760 Speaker 4: kings who would help cleanse the land of the worship 48 00:03:06,800 --> 00:03:11,640 Speaker 4: of Bail. He also led Elijah to find a new prophet, Elijah, 49 00:03:12,040 --> 00:03:14,400 Speaker 4: who would learn from him and live with him and 50 00:03:14,520 --> 00:03:18,840 Speaker 4: follow in his footsteps. Today we will return to Ahab, 51 00:03:18,880 --> 00:03:22,120 Speaker 4: the King and the wicked queen Jezebel, and discover how 52 00:03:22,160 --> 00:03:26,560 Speaker 4: God dealt with them for their unrighteousness, unfaithfulness, and sheer evil. 53 00:03:27,360 --> 00:03:31,000 Speaker 4: Jezebel will prove as bloodthirsty and evil as ever, but 54 00:03:31,160 --> 00:03:33,680 Speaker 4: God will prevail against those who mock his name, and 55 00:03:33,760 --> 00:03:38,280 Speaker 4: Elijah will appear again before Ahab to bring forth God's judgment. 56 00:03:38,720 --> 00:03:41,760 Speaker 4: So get ready and listen now to today's scripture. 57 00:03:43,440 --> 00:03:46,720 Speaker 3: Naboth was tending to the soil of his vineyard. The 58 00:03:46,800 --> 00:03:49,600 Speaker 3: sun was high in the sky, but the breeze provided 59 00:03:49,640 --> 00:03:53,920 Speaker 3: a cool respite from the heat. Naboth smiled and breathed 60 00:03:53,960 --> 00:03:54,560 Speaker 3: in deeply. 61 00:03:55,120 --> 00:03:56,400 Speaker 5: He loved his land. 62 00:03:56,960 --> 00:04:00,160 Speaker 3: He loved his vineyard. It had been passed down from 63 00:04:00,200 --> 00:04:03,920 Speaker 3: many generations, and he saw vine dressing as his true 64 00:04:04,000 --> 00:04:08,119 Speaker 3: passion in life. Naboth looked to his left to see 65 00:04:08,120 --> 00:04:12,880 Speaker 3: a massive home in the distance, King Ahab's palace. It 66 00:04:12,960 --> 00:04:15,400 Speaker 3: was ideal for him to be so close to the king. 67 00:04:15,920 --> 00:04:18,919 Speaker 3: It made Naboth feel safe, knowing that the palace guard 68 00:04:19,040 --> 00:04:21,719 Speaker 3: was so close to his little vineyard. As he was 69 00:04:21,760 --> 00:04:24,760 Speaker 3: peering into the distance, he saw a horse approaching with 70 00:04:24,800 --> 00:04:29,120 Speaker 3: a rider from the palace. Upon further inspection, Naboth realized 71 00:04:29,400 --> 00:04:34,400 Speaker 3: that it was King Ahab himself. Flustered, Naboth dusted off 72 00:04:34,400 --> 00:04:37,960 Speaker 3: his clothes and ran towards him. Before Naboth could greet 73 00:04:37,960 --> 00:04:40,960 Speaker 3: the king, he spoke saying, since your vineyard is so 74 00:04:41,080 --> 00:04:43,360 Speaker 3: close to my home, I would like to buy it 75 00:04:43,400 --> 00:04:47,159 Speaker 3: from you. Perhaps I will plant a vegetable garden. Of course, 76 00:04:47,160 --> 00:04:49,720 Speaker 3: I will not leave you empty handed. I shall either 77 00:04:49,760 --> 00:04:52,400 Speaker 3: buy it outright from you or find you a better 78 00:04:52,480 --> 00:04:54,080 Speaker 3: vineyard in a different location. 79 00:04:54,880 --> 00:04:55,960 Speaker 5: Which do you prefer. 80 00:04:57,200 --> 00:05:01,159 Speaker 3: Naboth was surprised at the King's candidness. He bowed his 81 00:05:01,279 --> 00:05:04,320 Speaker 3: head and said, oh, the Lord forbid that I just 82 00:05:04,480 --> 00:05:08,880 Speaker 3: give away the inheritance of my father, grandfather, and great grandfather. 83 00:05:09,560 --> 00:05:13,640 Speaker 3: It has been passed down for many generations. Naboth was 84 00:05:13,680 --> 00:05:17,320 Speaker 3: nervous at the king's response. He had heard stories of 85 00:05:17,360 --> 00:05:21,360 Speaker 3: Ahab's volatility. He prepared himself for a lashing of the 86 00:05:21,400 --> 00:05:27,560 Speaker 3: whip or tongue. However, to Naboth's surprise, Ahab said nothing. Instead, 87 00:05:27,600 --> 00:05:30,760 Speaker 3: he simply walked away with his head held low, like 88 00:05:30,839 --> 00:05:36,039 Speaker 3: a sulking child. Ahab departed. Ahab slammed the door to 89 00:05:36,120 --> 00:05:39,520 Speaker 3: his chambers. His anger burned against Naboth. 90 00:05:40,040 --> 00:05:41,080 Speaker 5: He hated him. 91 00:05:41,440 --> 00:05:44,119 Speaker 3: Food was waiting for him at the table beside his bed. 92 00:05:44,680 --> 00:05:47,680 Speaker 3: He refused it, took off his robe, and laid face 93 00:05:47,760 --> 00:05:51,200 Speaker 3: down on his bed. Jezabel slithered into the room with 94 00:05:51,279 --> 00:05:54,760 Speaker 3: barely a sound. She sat beside Ahab on his bed 95 00:05:54,800 --> 00:05:58,520 Speaker 3: and began stroking his hair. What is the matter, my king, 96 00:05:58,880 --> 00:06:03,200 Speaker 3: she whispered, do you refuse to eat? Ahab rolled over 97 00:06:03,320 --> 00:06:05,960 Speaker 3: on his side to look at her. His eyes were 98 00:06:06,000 --> 00:06:10,839 Speaker 3: red with tears and rage. This small and insignificant vineyard 99 00:06:10,880 --> 00:06:15,000 Speaker 3: truly bothered Ahab. Na both will not sell or trade 100 00:06:15,000 --> 00:06:20,200 Speaker 3: his vineyard to me, Ahab said. Jezebel sighed. She stroked 101 00:06:20,279 --> 00:06:23,360 Speaker 3: Ahab's head. Vexed by her husband's weakness. 102 00:06:23,920 --> 00:06:24,800 Speaker 5: Are you not the king? 103 00:06:25,160 --> 00:06:28,800 Speaker 3: She said sternly. Ahab shrugged and put his face back 104 00:06:28,839 --> 00:06:32,599 Speaker 3: on his pillow. Jezebel rolled her eyes back and twitched 105 00:06:32,600 --> 00:06:35,360 Speaker 3: her neck. She stood to her feet and looked at 106 00:06:35,360 --> 00:06:38,200 Speaker 3: her pathetic husband. When he looked back at her, she 107 00:06:38,320 --> 00:06:41,480 Speaker 3: forced a smile and said, get up and eat something. 108 00:06:42,000 --> 00:06:45,559 Speaker 3: I will go get you Naboth's vineyard. With that word, 109 00:06:45,680 --> 00:06:51,119 Speaker 3: she slowly closed the chamber doors. Jezebel's evil heart knew 110 00:06:51,160 --> 00:06:55,279 Speaker 3: no conviction. She was a brutal and bloodthirsty woman. 111 00:06:56,240 --> 00:06:57,560 Speaker 5: However, she was wise. 112 00:06:57,960 --> 00:07:00,719 Speaker 3: She was tactful and careful to never get her hands 113 00:07:00,760 --> 00:07:05,240 Speaker 3: dirty unless it was absolutely necessary. She gathered together letters 114 00:07:05,279 --> 00:07:08,280 Speaker 3: under Ahab's name and sent them to the elders and 115 00:07:08,320 --> 00:07:12,320 Speaker 3: other leaders around the city, saying, call every citizen to 116 00:07:12,400 --> 00:07:15,880 Speaker 3: a time of fasting. Give Naboth a place of very 117 00:07:15,920 --> 00:07:19,520 Speaker 3: special honor when he is reveling in his newfound glory, 118 00:07:19,840 --> 00:07:23,920 Speaker 3: have two scoundrels accuse him of treason before everyone, hold 119 00:07:24,000 --> 00:07:27,320 Speaker 3: no trial, take him out and stone him to death. 120 00:07:28,360 --> 00:07:30,720 Speaker 3: Jezebel sealed the letters and sent them away. 121 00:07:31,400 --> 00:07:33,200 Speaker 5: In this Jezebel was tactful. 122 00:07:33,760 --> 00:07:36,320 Speaker 3: Not only were the elders the ones to kill Naboth, 123 00:07:36,680 --> 00:07:38,880 Speaker 3: but they will think they are doing so under orders 124 00:07:38,920 --> 00:07:39,440 Speaker 3: of Ahab. 125 00:07:40,040 --> 00:07:42,240 Speaker 5: This is how Jezebel operated. 126 00:07:42,680 --> 00:07:46,720 Speaker 3: She was secretive and outsmarted everyone under and over her 127 00:07:46,760 --> 00:07:51,920 Speaker 3: in command. All that Jezebel ordered had taken place. Naboth 128 00:07:52,040 --> 00:07:55,040 Speaker 3: was elevated to a seat of honor as he gleamed 129 00:07:55,040 --> 00:07:56,560 Speaker 3: with the adoration of his peers. 130 00:07:56,760 --> 00:07:59,320 Speaker 5: He was torn down and brutally stoned. 131 00:08:00,280 --> 00:08:03,520 Speaker 3: Jezebel was not around to hear them, but she assumed 132 00:08:03,600 --> 00:08:07,520 Speaker 3: his screams for mercy were great. She closed her eyes 133 00:08:07,840 --> 00:08:11,720 Speaker 3: and imagined Naboth dying before her. The very thought of 134 00:08:11,760 --> 00:08:15,280 Speaker 3: it made her feel alive. As soon as Jezebel knew 135 00:08:15,400 --> 00:08:19,400 Speaker 3: Naboth was dead, she entered into her husband's chambers. She 136 00:08:19,480 --> 00:08:23,000 Speaker 3: sat beside his bed again and stroked his hair. You 137 00:08:23,040 --> 00:08:25,560 Speaker 3: know the vineyard Naboth refused. 138 00:08:25,080 --> 00:08:27,720 Speaker 5: To sell you. Ahab sat up in attention. 139 00:08:28,440 --> 00:08:33,080 Speaker 3: It is yours now, my king, he is dead. Ahab 140 00:08:33,200 --> 00:08:36,360 Speaker 3: leaped out of his bed in excitement. Jezabel watched him 141 00:08:36,520 --> 00:08:39,880 Speaker 3: dance like a little child. That's who he was to her, 142 00:08:40,559 --> 00:08:44,480 Speaker 3: a simple child. Ahab wasted no time and mounted his 143 00:08:44,559 --> 00:08:47,680 Speaker 3: horse to go and claim the vineyard. He rode fast 144 00:08:48,080 --> 00:08:51,240 Speaker 3: and excitedly. What a pleasant surprise it was for him 145 00:08:51,240 --> 00:08:55,199 Speaker 3: to discover Naboth was dead. He was sure his wife 146 00:08:55,320 --> 00:08:59,360 Speaker 3: arranged something, as she always does. However, it benefited Ahab 147 00:08:59,400 --> 00:09:03,000 Speaker 3: to not ask questions about his wife's methods. The wind 148 00:09:03,040 --> 00:09:06,240 Speaker 3: began to pick up slightly. Evening was only a few 149 00:09:06,280 --> 00:09:09,040 Speaker 3: hours away, and Ahab wanted to get the plans started 150 00:09:09,040 --> 00:09:13,040 Speaker 3: for his new garden. Ahab looked at the land, imagining 151 00:09:13,120 --> 00:09:17,360 Speaker 3: himself like King Solomon, with vast gardens to prove his wealth. 152 00:09:18,080 --> 00:09:20,679 Speaker 3: As Ahab was basking in his victory, he saw a 153 00:09:20,800 --> 00:09:24,400 Speaker 3: dark figure in the corner of his eye. Ahab jolted 154 00:09:24,400 --> 00:09:28,440 Speaker 3: behind him to find Elijah standing ten feet away from him. 155 00:09:28,720 --> 00:09:32,800 Speaker 3: His brow was furrowed and his gaze was piercing. Ahab 156 00:09:32,840 --> 00:09:36,040 Speaker 3: felt the blood leave his face as Elijah looked straight 157 00:09:36,120 --> 00:09:39,120 Speaker 3: through his soul. So it was not enough to kill 158 00:09:39,200 --> 00:09:42,520 Speaker 3: na Bath, Elijah said, now you must rob him too. 159 00:09:43,520 --> 00:09:48,240 Speaker 3: The words shot force like arrows towards Ahab's chest. The 160 00:09:48,280 --> 00:09:51,520 Speaker 3: conviction of the Lord was looking to penetrate Ahab's heart. 161 00:09:52,240 --> 00:09:55,760 Speaker 3: Listen to me, Ahab, because you have done this, dogs 162 00:09:55,800 --> 00:09:58,320 Speaker 3: will lick the blood off your lingering corpse on this 163 00:09:58,679 --> 00:09:59,360 Speaker 3: very ground. 164 00:10:00,400 --> 00:10:01,640 Speaker 5: Ahab did his best not. 165 00:10:01,640 --> 00:10:05,040 Speaker 3: To seem frightened by Elijah. Last time he saw him, 166 00:10:05,160 --> 00:10:09,120 Speaker 3: Elijah was calling down fire from heaven and summoning tempests. 167 00:10:09,880 --> 00:10:13,280 Speaker 3: Ahab stood upright with his shoulders back. So you have 168 00:10:13,400 --> 00:10:17,520 Speaker 3: finally found me, O enemy of mine, Ahab said. He 169 00:10:17,600 --> 00:10:20,920 Speaker 3: forced a sly grin, but had only served to reveal 170 00:10:21,000 --> 00:10:25,319 Speaker 3: his nervousness. It is true, Elijah said, as he took 171 00:10:25,320 --> 00:10:28,480 Speaker 3: a step closer. I have come because you have hored 172 00:10:28,520 --> 00:10:33,080 Speaker 3: yourself off to evil. The Lord is not pleased. Elijah 173 00:10:33,160 --> 00:10:37,079 Speaker 3: took another step towards Ahab. Ahab's heart began to beat 174 00:10:37,200 --> 00:10:41,600 Speaker 3: faster as Elijah approached him. Elijah spoke for the Lord, saying, 175 00:10:41,840 --> 00:10:45,280 Speaker 3: I will bring destruction upon you. I will destroy all 176 00:10:45,360 --> 00:10:49,040 Speaker 3: of who you are. Your descendants, servants, and live. 177 00:10:48,920 --> 00:10:50,160 Speaker 5: Stock will be consumed. 178 00:10:50,800 --> 00:10:54,880 Speaker 3: My anger is targeted towards you, oh Ahab, for you 179 00:10:54,960 --> 00:10:59,480 Speaker 3: have led my children into sin. At this point, Ahab 180 00:10:59,520 --> 00:11:03,880 Speaker 3: was stepping back from Elijah, breathing heavily in fear. Elijah 181 00:11:03,920 --> 00:11:07,439 Speaker 3: was close enough to grab Ahab now. And as for Jezebel, 182 00:11:07,840 --> 00:11:12,240 Speaker 3: your witch queen, Elijah paused dogs will eat her body. 183 00:11:12,280 --> 00:11:15,600 Speaker 3: On the wicked land of Jezreel, all the members of 184 00:11:15,640 --> 00:11:19,720 Speaker 3: your family will be picked apart by vultures. The Lord's 185 00:11:19,760 --> 00:11:23,160 Speaker 3: anger burned against Ahab for allowing his heart to slip 186 00:11:23,200 --> 00:11:26,760 Speaker 3: into complete corruption. He had sold himself to the powers 187 00:11:26,800 --> 00:11:30,240 Speaker 3: of darkness and allowed Jezebel to poison his mind. 188 00:11:31,240 --> 00:11:32,839 Speaker 5: No one else in Israel. 189 00:11:32,520 --> 00:11:36,440 Speaker 3: Had completely given themselves over as he had. However, upon 190 00:11:36,520 --> 00:11:39,600 Speaker 3: hearing this rebuke, the heart of Ahab began to melt. 191 00:11:40,320 --> 00:11:44,000 Speaker 3: He tore his clothing, dressed in burlap, and fasted before 192 00:11:44,040 --> 00:11:47,440 Speaker 3: the Lord. He humbled himself towards the point of poverty 193 00:11:47,800 --> 00:11:51,480 Speaker 3: to prove his sorrow to God. Elijah learned of this, 194 00:11:52,000 --> 00:11:55,480 Speaker 3: and God spoke, saying, do you see how Ahab has 195 00:11:55,520 --> 00:11:59,640 Speaker 3: humbled himself. Although his dynasty will still be cut off, 196 00:12:00,000 --> 00:12:02,760 Speaker 3: we will not deliver my judgment to him while he lives. 197 00:12:03,559 --> 00:12:05,439 Speaker 3: God always honors. 198 00:12:05,040 --> 00:12:06,000 Speaker 5: A repentant heart. 199 00:12:06,480 --> 00:12:09,400 Speaker 3: As far gone as Ahab seemed. There is no one 200 00:12:09,520 --> 00:12:12,920 Speaker 3: so far gone that God will not hear their cries 201 00:12:13,160 --> 00:12:13,720 Speaker 3: for mercy. 202 00:12:16,600 --> 00:12:20,520 Speaker 4: In today's passage, we meet a man named Naboth, who 203 00:12:20,559 --> 00:12:24,440 Speaker 4: owned a vineyard near the palace of King Ahab. The 204 00:12:24,559 --> 00:12:28,640 Speaker 4: King wants Naboth's land for himself, so he tells Naboth 205 00:12:28,720 --> 00:12:31,080 Speaker 4: to sell it to him or trade it for an 206 00:12:31,120 --> 00:12:34,840 Speaker 4: even better plot of ground, But Naboth is unwilling to 207 00:12:34,920 --> 00:12:37,920 Speaker 4: part with his family land that he had inherited from 208 00:12:37,960 --> 00:12:43,880 Speaker 4: his father. Ahab doesn't respond in violence, but he goes 209 00:12:43,920 --> 00:12:47,640 Speaker 4: home and sulks like a child, whining to his wicked 210 00:12:47,679 --> 00:12:51,640 Speaker 4: wife Jezebel, that Nabath refused to give him what he wanted, 211 00:12:52,640 --> 00:12:56,319 Speaker 4: what a weak king he is. But if Ahab was 212 00:12:56,400 --> 00:13:00,120 Speaker 4: unwilling to take what he wanted by force, Jezebel had 213 00:13:00,160 --> 00:13:03,560 Speaker 4: no issue with taking what he wanted and what she wanted, 214 00:13:03,920 --> 00:13:06,840 Speaker 4: so she told Ahab that as ruler of Israel, he 215 00:13:06,880 --> 00:13:09,520 Speaker 4: could have whatever he wanted, and that she would make 216 00:13:09,600 --> 00:13:13,640 Speaker 4: sure that he got the vineyard. She was very cunning 217 00:13:13,679 --> 00:13:16,920 Speaker 4: and knew how she could use deception to accomplish her plan, 218 00:13:17,880 --> 00:13:21,079 Speaker 4: so she wrote letters in Ahab's hand telling the elders 219 00:13:21,080 --> 00:13:23,840 Speaker 4: to call a fast and to put Naboth in a 220 00:13:23,840 --> 00:13:28,520 Speaker 4: place of prominence. This wasn't meant to honor Naboth, but 221 00:13:29,520 --> 00:13:33,319 Speaker 4: bring false charges against him. The punishment would be given 222 00:13:33,400 --> 00:13:37,959 Speaker 4: then and there, a public stoning. Her plan went off 223 00:13:38,200 --> 00:13:42,040 Speaker 4: without a problem, and Naboth was killed by the elders. 224 00:13:42,640 --> 00:13:45,760 Speaker 4: The vineyard Ahab wanted was as good as his now, 225 00:13:45,800 --> 00:13:51,400 Speaker 4: and Jezebel delivered the news to the king. Ahab was overjoyed. 226 00:13:52,320 --> 00:13:56,360 Speaker 4: He knew Jezebel had employed unscrupulous, methis evil methods to 227 00:13:56,440 --> 00:14:00,480 Speaker 4: get him what he desired, but he asked no quoest questions. 228 00:14:01,120 --> 00:14:05,360 Speaker 4: Jezebel was wicked to the core, and our heart was 229 00:14:05,559 --> 00:14:12,400 Speaker 4: on evil continually. Ahab was guilty by compliance, giving consents 230 00:14:12,559 --> 00:14:16,040 Speaker 4: through his silence and his own personal wickedness. And for 231 00:14:16,120 --> 00:14:18,960 Speaker 4: the moment, it seems that the plans of these evil 232 00:14:19,000 --> 00:14:23,360 Speaker 4: people had prevailed. In the Psalms, we read about how 233 00:14:23,440 --> 00:14:27,840 Speaker 4: it seems at times wicked people prevail and boasting their 234 00:14:27,880 --> 00:14:31,960 Speaker 4: triumph over good people. But as the Psalms would proclaim, 235 00:14:32,400 --> 00:14:36,240 Speaker 4: God will always avenge his people, and judgment does come 236 00:14:36,360 --> 00:14:40,080 Speaker 4: in due time. Whatever a man sows, he will reap. 237 00:14:40,920 --> 00:14:44,840 Speaker 4: So as Ahab stood in his vineyard, basking in his conquest, 238 00:14:45,160 --> 00:14:50,720 Speaker 4: a familiar figure approached. It is Elijah, a haveb seemed 239 00:14:50,720 --> 00:14:55,120 Speaker 4: to know that the end was near. His choices had consequences, 240 00:14:56,000 --> 00:14:58,880 Speaker 4: and rather than run, he listened to what God was 241 00:14:58,920 --> 00:15:03,240 Speaker 4: saying through Elijah in First Kings twenty one, twenty and 242 00:15:03,320 --> 00:15:08,280 Speaker 4: twenty one, this is what God says to Ahab, because 243 00:15:08,320 --> 00:15:10,520 Speaker 4: you have sold yourself to do what is evil in 244 00:15:10,600 --> 00:15:13,920 Speaker 4: the sight of the Lord. Behold, I will bring disaster 245 00:15:14,160 --> 00:15:18,200 Speaker 4: upon you. I will utterly burn you up and will 246 00:15:18,200 --> 00:15:21,600 Speaker 4: cut off from Ahab every male bond or free in Israel. 247 00:15:22,840 --> 00:15:25,680 Speaker 4: Elijah went on, telling him that he would take from 248 00:15:25,720 --> 00:15:28,840 Speaker 4: him the kingdom because he had led so many people astray. 249 00:15:30,120 --> 00:15:33,560 Speaker 4: Ahab had given himself over to evil, though he was 250 00:15:33,600 --> 00:15:38,040 Speaker 4: the king of the nation. God would judge both Ahab 251 00:15:38,120 --> 00:15:42,120 Speaker 4: and Jezebel, and their sin would cost them their lives. 252 00:15:42,680 --> 00:15:45,640 Speaker 4: Jezebel would be thrown off a balcony and die and 253 00:15:45,760 --> 00:15:48,560 Speaker 4: be eaten, her blood lapped up by the dogs in 254 00:15:48,680 --> 00:15:52,240 Speaker 4: Jezreel and many others would die there to be eaten 255 00:15:52,280 --> 00:15:56,000 Speaker 4: by dogs or carried away by birds who foolishly turned 256 00:15:56,040 --> 00:16:01,400 Speaker 4: from the Lord. It was surely payday someday for Ahab 257 00:16:01,640 --> 00:16:05,240 Speaker 4: and Jezebel. Ahab was cut to the heart with these 258 00:16:05,280 --> 00:16:07,720 Speaker 4: words and tore his clothes as a sign of mourning 259 00:16:07,800 --> 00:16:13,480 Speaker 4: and repentance. He fasted and wore sackcloth. God seemingly had 260 00:16:13,520 --> 00:16:16,400 Speaker 4: gotten through to him, and the Lord was moved by 261 00:16:16,440 --> 00:16:21,080 Speaker 4: Ahab's humility and contrition. He spoke again through Elijah, telling 262 00:16:21,280 --> 00:16:24,480 Speaker 4: Ahab that his life would be spared because he humbled himself, 263 00:16:24,840 --> 00:16:28,360 Speaker 4: but disaster would still be visited upon his household. The 264 00:16:28,400 --> 00:16:32,280 Speaker 4: stain of his sin would have consequences. You see, the 265 00:16:32,320 --> 00:16:35,720 Speaker 4: Lord is always near to those who seek him. There's 266 00:16:35,800 --> 00:16:40,040 Speaker 4: no low's cause in God's grace, and God stands ready 267 00:16:40,120 --> 00:16:45,480 Speaker 4: to forgive anyone who would earnestly repent and return to him, 268 00:16:45,960 --> 00:16:51,360 Speaker 4: even Ahab, even you and me. Dear God, we thank 269 00:16:51,440 --> 00:16:54,880 Speaker 4: you that you are a God of justice, but that 270 00:16:54,960 --> 00:16:58,200 Speaker 4: you are also a God of great mercy. Thank you 271 00:16:58,280 --> 00:17:02,120 Speaker 4: for your love intended all the way to Jesus and 272 00:17:02,200 --> 00:17:06,440 Speaker 4: his cross and resurrection, and through your grace, amazing as 273 00:17:06,440 --> 00:17:11,480 Speaker 4: it is, we can have forgiveness and eternal life in 274 00:17:11,600 --> 00:17:16,200 Speaker 4: Jesus's name. Amen. Thank you for listening to today's Bible 275 00:17:16,240 --> 00:17:20,399 Speaker 4: in a Year podcast. I'm Pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. 276 00:17:20,680 --> 00:17:23,919 Speaker 4: Let me encourage you to download Theprey dot com app 277 00:17:24,359 --> 00:17:27,399 Speaker 4: and always make Bible reading and Bible study a priority 278 00:17:27,440 --> 00:17:31,560 Speaker 4: in your life, along with prayer. If you enjoyed this podcast, 279 00:17:31,600 --> 00:17:34,639 Speaker 4: share it with someone you love. Let someone know, because 280 00:17:34,680 --> 00:17:37,680 Speaker 4: by sharing this podcast, you can truly make a difference 281 00:17:37,680 --> 00:17:41,680 Speaker 4: in someone's life. And if you want more resources from me, 282 00:17:41,880 --> 00:17:44,239 Speaker 4: Jack Graham as to how you can grow in your 283 00:17:44,320 --> 00:17:48,640 Speaker 4: Christian life, then go to Jack Graham dot org. That's 284 00:17:48,760 --> 00:17:51,560 Speaker 4: Jack Graham dot org. God Bless you. 285 00:17:56,880 --> 00:18:00,720 Speaker 5: This episode is sponsored by Meta Share and Innovatorative Healthcare 286 00:18:00,720 --> 00:18:05,880 Speaker 5: solution for Christians to save money without sacrificing quality. 287 00:18:06,240 --> 00:18:08,640 Speaker 6: Welcome to the Pray News podcast, where hope is our 288 00:18:08,640 --> 00:18:13,000 Speaker 6: only bias. Each day, we'll unpack the most prominent stories 289 00:18:13,040 --> 00:18:16,639 Speaker 6: happening in the news and offer a Christian perspective. We 290 00:18:16,680 --> 00:18:19,200 Speaker 6: won't shy away from the hard topics, and we won't 291 00:18:19,240 --> 00:18:22,840 Speaker 6: dilute the hopeful message of Christ. This is more than 292 00:18:22,840 --> 00:18:24,960 Speaker 6: a daily brief on the news. It's a way to 293 00:18:25,000 --> 00:18:29,480 Speaker 6: be informed and transformed. Listen to Prey News on the 294 00:18:29,480 --> 00:18:33,640 Speaker 6: iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.