Scripture
“The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance that was passed down by my ancestors.”
Observation
King Ahab wants to buy a vineyard that is adjacent to his own land. But the owner, Naboth, is not selling because he has a strong connection to the land of his fathers and does not want to part with it.
Ahab goes off to sulk, but his wife Jezebel concocts a scheme whereby two scoundrel falsely accuse Naboth of cursing God and the king.
Naboth is stoned to death and Ahab claims his land.
God tells Elijah about this and directs him to go to confront Ahab. The Lord declares that He will destroy Ahab's family and Jezebel will be killed, her body eaten by dogs at Naboth's land.
Application
Politics and power games can be deadly. When we want something, even for good reasons, we can lose sight of integrity and care for others.
In churches this destructive, undermining, scheming for power is often labelled the Jezebel spirit. It causes destruction and heartbreak the world over.
To follow the way of the Lord, we need to die to our own ambitions and desires, and walk humbly with God, always seeking to love those with whom we disagree.
Prayer
Father, is there any shadow of the Jezebel spirit in me? Please cleanse me of all selfish ambition, pride or desire for power. Teach me to walk humbly with you. Amen.
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Amen!
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