This week, we are relfecting on the injustice of our world, remembering how God calls us to “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). We are also, continuing our series on Elijah, looking at the story of Naboth, who was an innocent man, falsely accused of crimes he didn’t commit.

Online Service

Further Reources

Listen – a blog entry by Pete, encouraging us to listen to a few of the many who have spoken about racial injustice. Featuring links to videos and written reflection of living with racism.

God of Justice – a blog entry by Rev Peter Modern, reflecting of being disciples of justice.

Have we found Naboth’s Vineyard at Jezereel – an interest article from the Biblical Archeological Society.

Enduring Word – Commentry on 1 Kings 21

Questions for Reflection

This week, I encourage you to reflect on the question at the end of the talk, and see where God leads you.
“In light of the great mercy of our God, in forgiving our sins and restoring us to life, what will you do as a disciple of Jesus to stand up against the injustice of our world? A good place to start would be to name the many injustices you see in the world around you, calling them out for what they are. Then listen and learn, and sound the depths of the injustice, ‘til the compassion of Christ rises within you, lifting your heart into prayer and your hands into action.”

If you want to dive deeper into the 1 Kings 21, then you might like to consider these questions.

1
What reasons can you think of for Naboth not want to sell his vineyard to King Ahab in 1 Kings 21:2-3? Would you have taken the offer?
2

Can you think of any events in the Bible where people had to choose between following human law to obey God’s law?
3

What impact did Ahab’s sulking and anger in 1 Kings 21:4-6 have on the events that followed? Do you have any better advice to give than the advice of Jezebel in 1 Kings 21:7?
4

Why do you think God sent Elijah to Ahab, rather than Jezebel or the elders of the town? Should the others involved face the consequences of their own actions?
5

Do you view justice as restorative or retributive? How does our view of justice affect our reading of Scripture? You may find it helpful to watch Justice, by the Bible Project.

6

In 1 Kings 21:27, we see the outwards signs of Ahab’s repentance. What do you think God saw when he looked on the inside?

7

What difference will studying this passage have on you daily life?

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