HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div

“And Naboth said to Ahab, The Lord forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.” 1 Kings 21:3

I would gladly resemble Naboth the Jezreelite. The law of the Lord ruled his life. It was his religion which impelled him to refuse the king — his determination not to violate the commandment of his God. “Here I stand,” he said, “I can do no other!”

I am far too easily bribed and far too readily led astray. I find it hard to say No when others tempt me to set aside my Master’s will. It is not pleasant to be singular. It is difficult to turn a deaf ear to seducing voices. I need Naboth’s brave and dauntless piety!

Suffering for the Lord fell upon Naboth. He was in good company when they carried him forth and stoned him outside the gate. He was bearing Christ’s reproach. He was the forerunner of Jesus — Jesus who was condemned under a false charge, Jesus whom they accused of blasphemy, Jesus who set His face like flint to a cross beyond the city wall. If I suffer rather than sin, then am I a partaker in the sorrows of my King? And it is good to be with Him on the Dolorous Way.

The peace of the Lord garrisoned Naboth’s heart. He had so much fear of God that he had no fear of Ahab at all. His faith was strong; his spirit was serene and calm.

Naboth is truly a good exemplar for me, and I shall be rich and happy if I can join hands with him across the chasm of the centuries.