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a simple desire

1 Kings 21:1-29 (JDV)

1 Kings 21:1 Some time passed after these events. Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard; it was in Jezreel next to the palace of King Ahab of Samaria.
1 Kings 21:2 So Ahab spoke to Naboth, saying, “Give me your vineyard so I can have it for a vegetable garden, since it is right next to my palace. I will give you a better vineyard in its place, or if you prefer, I will give you its value in silver.”
1 Kings 21:3 But Naboth said to Ahab, “I will never give my fathers’ inheritance to you.”
1 Kings 21:4 So Ahab went to his palace resentful and angry because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had told him. He had said, “I will not give you my fathers’ inheritance.” He lay down on his bed, turned his face away, and didn’t eat any food.
1 Kings 21:5 Then his wife Jezebel came to him and said to him, “Why is your breath so stubborn that you refuse to eat?”
1 Kings 21:6 “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite,” he replied. “I told him: Give me your vineyard for silver, or if you wish, I will give you a vineyard in its place. But he said, ‘I won’t give you my vineyard! ‘”
1 Kings 21:7 Then his wife Jezebel said to him, “Now, exercise your royal power over Israel. Get up, eat some food, and be happy. For I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
1 Kings 21:8 So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal. She sent the letters to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city.
1 Kings 21:9 In the letters, she wrote: Proclaim a fast and seat Naboth at the head of the people.
1 Kings 21:10 Then seat two wicked men opposite him and have them testify against him, saying, “You have cursed God and the king!” Then take him out and stone him to death.
1 Kings 21:11 The men of his city, the elders and nobles who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had sent word to them, just as it was written in the letters she had sent them.
1 Kings 21:12 They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth at the head of the people.
1 Kings 21:13 The two wicked men came in and sat opposite him. Then the wicked men testified against Naboth in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones.
1 Kings 21:14 Then they sent word to Jezebel: “Naboth has been stoned to death.”
1 Kings 21:15 When Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite who refused to give it to you for silver, since Naboth isn’t alive, but dead.”
1 Kings 21:16 When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite to take possession of it.
1 Kings 21:17 Then the word of Yahveh came to Elijah the Tishbite:
1 Kings 21:18 “Get up and go to meet King Ahab of Israel, who is in Samaria. He’s in Naboth’s vineyard, where he has gone to take possession of it.
1 Kings 21:19 Tell him, ‘This is what Yahveh says: Have you murdered and taken possession? ‘ Then tell him, ‘This is what Yahveh says: In the place where the dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, the dogs will also lick up your blood! ‘”
1 Kings 21:20 Ahab said to Elijah, “So, my enemy, you’ve found me, have you?” He replied, “I have found you because you devoted yourself to do what is evil in Yahveh ‘s sight.
1 Kings 21:21 This is what Yahveh says: ‘I am about to bring disaster on you and will eradicate your descendants: I will wipe out all of Ahab’s males, both slave and free, in Israel;
1 Kings 21:22 I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam son of Nebat and like the house of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have angered me and caused Israel to sin.’
1 Kings 21:23 Yahveh also speaks of Jezebel: ‘The dogs will eat Jezebel in the plot of land at Jezreel:
1 Kings 21:24 Anyone who belongs to Ahab and dies in the city, the dogs will eat, and anyone who dies in the field, the birds will eat.'”
1 Kings 21:25 Still, there was no one like Ahab, who devoted himself to do what was evil in Yahveh ‘s sight, because his wife Jezebel incited him.
1 Kings 21:26 He committed the most detestable acts by following idols as the Amorites had, whom Yahveh had dispossessed before the Israelites.
1 Kings 21:27 When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put sackcloth over his body, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around subdued.
1 Kings 21:28 Then the word of Yahveh came to Elijah the Tishbite:
1 Kings 21:29 “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? I will not bring the disaster during his lifetime, because he has humbled himself before me. I will bring the disaster on his house during his son’s lifetime.”

a simple desire

The tragedy that cursed Ahab’s house and ended up costing Naboth his life began as a simple desire. Pride, a feeling of entitlement, and weakness combined within Ahab. Jezebel did his dirty work for him, but God held him accountable for it. His repentance afterward held off his punishment, but there are always consequences when a person puts his desires first.

LORD, help us to keep our simple desires in check. Keep us from dishonoring you out of selfishness.

Books by Jefferson Vann

• 148 Days with the Coming King is a compelling devotional journey designed to inspire spiritual growth and reflection over a period of 148 days. Throughout this transformative experience, readers will engage with profound insights, reflective prompts, and meditative practices aimed at deepening their understanding of faith. It includes a full new translation of Matthew’s Gospel.

• An Advent Christian Systematic Theology (volume 1) – This book is the first volume in a comprehensive series exploring the doctrinal foundations and theological interpretations of the Advent Christian denomination, aiming to provide readers with an in-depth understanding of its unique beliefs and practices as they relate to systematic theology. This volume introduces the study, and answers questions about God and how he has revealed things to humans. It also includes an appendix of selected articles on the exclusive immortality of God.

• An Advent Christian Systematic Theology (volume 2) – A comprehensive exploration of doctrines and theological concepts within the Advent Christian tradition, this volume offers readers insights into historical context, biblical references, and practical applications for contemporary faith practice. Whether for personal study or academic research, it serves as a valuable resource for understanding the depth and richness of Advent Christian theology. This volume specifically covers the doctrine humanity and sin. It also includes an appendix on human mortality and on the intermediate state.

• An Advent Christian Systematic Theology (Volume 3) – This volume is part of a comprehensive series that delves deeper into the systematic theology from an Advent Christian perspective, providing insightful analysis and interpretation of theological concepts, offering both historical context and contemporary relevance for readers interested in the rich tradition of Advent Christian beliefs and practices. This volume treats the doctrines concerning Christ, the Holy Spirit, Angels and Demons, Salvation and the Church.

• An Advent Christian Systematic Theology (Volume 4) – This volume represents a comprehensive exploration of the theological tenets unique to the Advent Christian denomination. It delves deeply into topics such as salvation, the nature of God, and eschatology, offering readers an in-depth understanding of Advent Christian beliefs. Essential for both scholars and laypeople interested in systematic theology, this work is a crucial addition to any theological library. This volume treats the doctrine of eschatology and includes indices on the resurrection and final punishment.

• Another Bible Commentary – This commentary offers insightful interpretations and detailed analysis of all the biblical texts, making it valuable for both scholars and readers seeking to deepen their understanding of scripture. The author, Jefferson Vann, has crafted a resource that blends traditional biblical scholarship with contemporary relevance, appealing to a broad audience interested in theological studies and practical application of biblical principles in everyday life.

• Devotions from Exodus – A profound collection that offers rich reflections and spiritual insights, ideal for both personal contemplation and group study, leading readers through the important themes and lessons within the Book of Exodus, promoting a deeper understanding of faith and divine guidance. It includes a new translation from the original Hebrew.

• Devotions from Leviticus – A comprehensive devotional that deeply explores themes found in the book of Leviticus, offering insights and reflections to guide personal spiritual growth and understanding of biblical principles in everyday life. . It includes a new translation from the original Hebrew.

• Devotions from Mark’s Gospel – A comprehensive and inspiring collection of spiritual reflections and meditations based on the Gospel of Mark, aimed at deepening one’s faith and understanding of the teachings of Jesus. This work can serve as a valuable resource for personal study, group discussions, or devotional reading, encouraging readers to engage more deeply with the scriptures and apply their lessons to daily life. It includes a new translation from the original Greek.

• finding gold in Genesis – This fascinating book delves deep into the transformative messages within the Book of Genesis, providing readers with practical insights and a fresh perspective on biblical stories, making it an invaluable resource for personal growth and spiritual enrichment. . It includes a new translation from the original Hebrew.

• The Coming King – This book offers a profound insight into the themes and messages found within the text of Matthew’s Gospel. It serves not only as a translation but also as an illuminating commentary that guides readers through the intricate layers of meaning and interpretation, making it an essential read for anyone interested in biblical studies and spiritual growth. . It includes a new translation from the original Greek.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #1 – This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through years within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from October 2019 to October 2020.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #2– This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through generations within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from September to December 2020.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #3 – This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through generations within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from January to April 2021.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #4 – This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through generations within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from April to August 2021.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #5 – This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through generations within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from August to November 2021.

• Words from the Collector is a captivating exploration of the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes. It includes a new translation and devotional commentary of the book. The Collector is Solomon as an old man, who collected wisdom to pass on to the next generation. It includes a new translation from the original Hebrew.

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