by Josie Hills

In today’s verses, I see that wickedness is repaid by the Lord, and that true humility receives God’s mercy. The story starts out fairly with Naboth standing for integrity in not selling ‘the inheritance of his fathers’. Do you know people who get exploited because of their unwillingness to compromise their integrity? It happens all the time.

Ahab the King of Israel sought advice from his wife (not a bad idea) but he didn’t seek out the Lord. He acted like a spoiled brat sulking when he didn’t get his way. Have I ever done that? Finding that her husband wouldn’t take charge and make it happen—what an embarrassment to her—she took over. Her deceit went to the extent of having Naboth killed for her own gain.

Elijah (the prophet) gives a nasty sentence from the Lord vs. 20. Ahab knew he had sinned against God and Naboth. He sees himself as if a mirror held up to his face calling Elijah “enemy”. Because he was king, his actions had lead the nation of Israel astray as well.

Is it easy to turn over to God payment for evil we see in life? I have to say that is a tough one. I have witnessed mercy in my own life when there has been humility and repentance on my part. Have you? Do I welcome God’s word in the Old Testament to teach me today? May you hear God’s voice ‘for you’ today in these scriptures.

Your fellow traveler,
Josie