There’s a disturbing story in 1 Kings 21 of a guy named Naboth whose vineyard appealed to the evil king Ahab. It wasn’t like the king was short of real estate. He just wanted to add it to his vast collection of properties. The rich and powerful are used to getting what they want when they want it. So, Ahab offered to buy the land, but as the plot had been in the family for generations, Naboth refused to sell. So, the impudent king went home and sulked. His evil wife, Jezebel hatched a devious plan to have Naboth murdered and confiscate land. If they couldn’t get it the easy way they’d resort to the hard way.
As you might imagine, when she carried out the homicidal plan, God was infuriated and ordered the prophet Elijah to rebuke the king, and warn him of impending judgment to him and his family for murder and theft. It seems he (God) doesn’t like it much when the powerful exert their strength over the weaker. Justice is kind of a big thing to him. If he doesn’t balance the scales in this life, he most certainly and decidedly will in the next.
On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face. (Psalm 11:6-7)
Does any of this sound even vaguely familiar?
barney wiget 