- And the two worthless men came in and sat opposite him. And the worthless men brought a charge against Naboth in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones. 1 Kings 21:13 – For context, Ahab the king wanted Naboth’s vineyard, but Naboth said no. After pouting about it, Ahab’s wife came up with an evil plan to get him the vineyard. She’d pay a couple guys to make false claims about innocent Naboth so the crowds would execute him, giving the king “his” vineyard. Reading a story like this during Holy Week reveals the enemy isn’t too creative with his tactics. Like Naboth, Jesus was innocent yet worthless men made false claims against Him saying He cursed God and the king (Caesar). The crowd, enraged by the accusations, chose to execute Jesus, just like Naboth was in our passage. It’s hard to see the innocent be punished like this in our sinful world, but sadly it’s a reality we exist in. Yet like with Naboth and like with Jesus, know God sees the sin done by the wicked world and He makes things right. In Jesus’ story, yes He was executed for crimes He didn’t commit, but God raised Him from the dead and the wicked who came against Jesus had to face the consequences of their actions. Let Easter be a reminder to you that God sees the wickedness done to the faithful and He brings justice upon those who bring it. Remain faithful then when persecution comes, trust the Lord to handle the revenge, and know those who refuse to come to Jesus for forgiveness of their wickedness are spending an eternity in Hell paying for it themselves. My prayer is though all will embrace the gift of salvation made possible for us through Jesus’ sacrifice. Praise Jesus that sin and death has been defeated. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3065
- 1 Kings 21 Daily DEVO (There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. He acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord cast out before the people of Israel.) And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son’s days I will bring the disaster upon his house.” 1 Kings 21:25-29 – God is not, and was never, a God that waited for a moment to destroy us. Clearly that truth is portrayed within this passage. Ahab, who scripture said sold himself to do what was evil like none other, repented and God immediately turned away from the destruction. God’s not waiting to punish, He’s waiting for us to repent so He can turn and give life! This is the God of the New, and as this passage shows, the Old Testament as well. So know for you or someone you care about God is just waiting for the moment of humbling and repentance. He desires to give love and life to you. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1022
- Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” He answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord.” 1 Kings 21:20 – In this chapter you see how immature and poor of king Ahab was. Ahab requested someone to sell them their vineyard so he could have a vegetable garden. The vineyard owner refuses the offer and the king goes into a spiral of depression. When the queen sees this she reminds him that he is king, and on his behalf, has the vineyard owner killed. Each of these stories are showing how far Israel and King Ahab had gotten from a pursuit of God. In verse 25 we see scripture say no one sold themselves to evil like Abab had. Be wise then the steps you take and the people you bring into your story. We see the kingdom spiral down and people’s lives being destroyed because of the influence of the queen on the king. Is there then anyone in your story today in a seat of influence that is directing you away from Jesus? Is there voices speaking things Jesus wouldn’t say and their actions leading you to things Jesus wouldn’t have you do? See the example of Ahab and Jezebel his queen and how far her influence led him away from the Lord. Be willing to remove bad influences in your story so you can remain faithful to Jesus. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2205
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