The Chronicle Of The Costly Vineyard
I Kings 21 & 22
It was only a little comma, but it cost the Lockheed corporation millions of dollars! An error was made in a contract with an international customer. There was a misplaced comma in a crucial number. The purchasing company insisted that Lockheed honor the contract as written. Unfortunately for Lockheed, the error was made in an equation that adjusted the sales price, and it cost them 70 million dollars.
That's the way it is with sin. Those things that seem small and insignificant... in the end have a high cost. Seemingly harmless transgressions can end up doing great damage.
"The price of sin is very high"
"Though now it may seem low"
"And if we let it go unchecked"
"It's crippling power will grow"
- Fitzhugh
The Bible says in - James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. - Hebrews 11:25 indicates that there pleasure in sin for a season. But when that season is over... pleasure turns to misery. You may be living your life as you see fit. You refuse to turn to Jesus but one day you will stand before Him and it will be too late. You will reap what you have sown.
Maybe you are here and you are born again, but sin has crept back into your life. You think that you are "getting away" with your disobedience, but there will come a day when you will answer for your rebellion. You have heard the old saying "The chickens will come home to roost". The Bible says in Numbers 32:23 “…be sure your sin will find you out”. As sure as those chickens head back to the roost in the evening, you can be sure that your sins will come home to you too.
One of the greatest examples of the high cost of sin is the story recorded in I Kings 21-22.We find a detailed description of the horrific acts of Ahab and Jezebel against Naboth. We are also told of the great judgment that they encountered as a result of their wickedness. There is a great lesson to be learned in these few chapters of God's Word. It is a lesson about a man that went after his heart's desire, and the price was far greater than he ever expected. I ask you to settle in and join me as we examine "The Chronicle Of A Costly Vineyard" As we survey the first half of I Kings 21, I ask you to:
I. Consider The Wickedness - I Kings 21
There was a man named Naboth who owned a vineyard in Jezreel. This vineyard was located beside the summer palace of the King of Israel. This king's name was Ahab. Ahab was the 7th King of Israel. He coveted Naboth's vineyard. He desired to make it into a vegetable garden. So he went to Naboth and offered to purchase it. He offered him money or a better vineyard in exchange for it.
Notice Naboth's reply in verse 3 Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee. - This response gives us a glimpse into the character of Naboth. In refusing to sell this land, Naboth did not decline an offer from just any neighbor. This man was the king! But this vineyard was a cherished inheritance from his forefathers.
It is apparent by his reaction that Ahab was used to getting his way. It was uncommon for him to hear the word no! When he returned to the palace he was angry and sulking because he did not get what he wanted. He went into his room, laid down, faced the wall and refused to eat. This mighty king began to act like a spoiled child.
Now enters the story one of the most wicked characters in the history of the world. A woman who makes Delilah look like Mother Teresa! Here name....JEZEBEL! Jezebel was Ahab's wife. Ahab was the first King of Israel to marry a heathen woman. And the results were disastrous. Jezebel was devious, malicious, vengeful, cruel and violent. She was greatly involved in Baal worship. Her life was consumed with idolatry.
As Ahab lie in his room pouting, she enters and notices that something is amiss. She asked Ahab "what is wrong, why are you not eating?" Ahab, with his lip pooched out and face red from anger began to explain his demeanor. "I went by Naboth's house today and asked him to sell me his vineyard or trade for it, but he won't let me have it!!"
Jezebel hears this and the wheels of evil begin to turn in her mind. She reminded Ahab who he was. She reminded him of his power. She said "you are the one who governs Israel"... "You are the king". Then she says "Don't you worry your pretty little head honey, I will see to it that you get what you want!
Then she sets out to devise her master plan. Jezebel sat down and penned some letters in Ahab's name. Verse 9 records the content of those letters. She instructed the nobles of Jezreel to - v9 Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people: 10 And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.
Once the letters were delivered to the leaders in Jezreel...The people obeyed, they proclaimed a fast and set Naboth before the people. They brought in two men of Belial to bear false witness against him. These false witnesses proclaimed that Naboth blasphemed both God and the king. After this they carried him forth out of the city and stoned him to death. There the dogs licked the blood that drained from his corps.
Over in II Kings 9, we find that Naboth's innocent sons were killed as well. This was done in order to prevent them from claiming their father's inheritance. Now because Naboth had no heirs, his property reverted to the crown.
When the deed was done, the nobles of Jezreel sent word back to Jezebel that the order had been obeyed. Naboth was dead. Jezebel rejoiced at the news and quickly went before her husband the king. I can hear her as she says "Honey... do you remember that I promised you that I would get you that vineyard that you want so bad?" Well, it is done! Naboth is dead! Now go and claim your vineyard! Ahab did not pause to mourn for his deceased neighbor. Without hesitation mounted his chariot and made his way to Naboth's vineyard. Just imagine as Naboth's widow stands mourning the loss of her husband and sons... she sees the king arrive to claim this vineyard as his own. She lost her whole family because this pathetic excuse for a man wanted a place to plant his herbs.
Ahab had access to countless acres of land. He lived in a palace covered with ivory. In fact he had many homes, he had great possessions, he ruled an entire Kingdom... he had everything anyone could want at his fingertips, yet he was willing to sacrifice this widow's entire family to get what he wanted.
What a vivid illustration of evil. What a clear depiction of sin in the heart of man. Keep in mind...Ahab was the King of Israel. He possessed the great honor of leading the people of the Lord. But all that he had was not enough. For a small parcel of land he did the unthinkable. With his actions, Ahab spit in the face of God and said what you have provided me with is not enough.
Our sin is no different than his. When we sin, we are telling God that all He has given us is just not enough! God gave us His most precious possession... His only begotten Son. He provided us with grace, mercy, love, salvation, eternal life, and a personal relationship with Him. Our sins says to God that those things are not enough...we want more!
Think about King David, God gave him wives, children and the throne of Israel. Yet David was not satisfied... He saw Bathsheba and wanted her as well. In open rebellion he sinned against God, and committed adultery and murder. Remember what the Lord said when He confronted David - 2 Samuel 12:8 ...I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.
Someone has said - "Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay"
That was the case for David... That was the case for Ahab... That was the case for Jezebel and that will be the case for you when you allow sin to control your life! Many of you here today have some little vineyard of sin that is going to cost you greatly! You see it, you want it and you are willing to pay far more than it could ever be worth!
Consider those things that cause you to sin against God... are they really worth facing his wrath? Many people throughout history would tell you that a moment of pleasure is not worth a lifetime of pain. Hell is filled with people who would tell you that open rebellion against God is not worth and eternity of torments.
There is no doubt that Ahab and Jezebel knew what they were doing was wrong... they just didn't care. That is the problem with many people today... they know right from wrong. They realize that they are sinning against God. They have been warned of the consequences of sinfulness... they just don't care!!
Darkness is a metaphor for sin. In our day to many people have gotten used to the dark. Imagine being in a room when the power goes out. Initially thinks are pitch black and you can not navigate that room without walking into something. But after a while your eyes get adjusted and you are able to function in the dark. This illustrates how many people are living today. Things that once were unspeakable are now accepted. Just look at the pitiful shape of our society today...WE HAVE GOTTEN USE TO THE DARK! Our society has forsaken any semblance of a fear of God Mankind has embraced sin and evil. Our government consistently attempts to legalize sin. The church in many ways has accepted it... or at best remained silent! But God will never tolerate sin!
Warren Wiersbe said - The first step toward disobedience is often “reclassifying” sin and making it look acceptable instead of abominable.
Society has watered down sin over the years. They have attempted to change the terminology so as not to offend people. Think about it for a moment:
1. What the Bible calls drunkenness the world has reclassified as "alcoholism" - That seems to have a nicer ring to it, now doesn't it? Some call it a disease. If it is disease it is the only one that hundreds of millions of dollars are spent each year to spread. It is the only one that people spend half their paycheck to catch!It is the only disease that people will sacrifice their families in order to keep!
2. Homosexuality is now called an "alternative lifestyle" but the bible calls it an abomination. - An abomination is a thing that causes disgust.This means that the sin of homosexuality literally makes God sick!
3. What we used to call "shacking up" is now referred to as "cohabitating"... (Doesn't that sound sweet!) Well, the bible calls it fornication!
4. The world now calls someone who steals things a "kleptomaniac" but the Bible calls them a thief!
5. The world will tell you that hatred is justified.. Jesus says that it is the equivalent of murder.
6. The world will tell you that having "wandering eyes" is just human nature... Jesus says that it is the same as adultery. - In America, the pornography industry generates 13 billion dollars each year.Jesus said in - Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.
7. In America the divorce rate is near 50% (for both Believers & Non-Believers) - Though divorce is commonplace... It is still sin! There may be some of you who are contemplating walking away from your marriage as we speak. Jesus said in - Matthew 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoever marries her which is put away doth commit adultery.
8. In America, Drug abuse is out of control. - People are consuming Meth, cocaine, heroin, prescription pills and other drugs at an alarming rate. Recently, several states have legalized "recreational marijuana". The supporters say that "it will be good for the economy". Those who use it are quick to say "well, God created it"....To quote one of our deacons: "Just because God created something doesn't mean that you have to roll it up and smoke it!"
Don't get me wrong... I have compassion for the drunkard, the addict, the adulterer, the homosexual and the divorcee. There is hope for forgiveness and restoration. But the fact of the matter is that sin is sin! And if you refuse to obey the Lord and turn from these things there will be severe consequences!!
Most people refuse to take responsibility for their sins. The fornicator blames the temptress. the addict blames the drug dealer, the drunk blames the alcohol, and the sinner blames the devil. Instead of turning from their sins, they choose to embrace them. Those who attempt to reclassify their sins, think they no longer have to answer for them! But the bible says in - Revelation 21:8 ...the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Likewise - I Corinthians 6:9 says ... do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
God has set forth clear standards for man. He did not give Moses a list of 10 suggestions for man... they are commandments!! When God says...not to have any other Gods before Him...not to make any idols... not to take His name in vain... remember the Sabbath and keep it holy... honor your father and mother... do not murder...do not commit adultery... do not steal... not to bear false witness against your neighbor...do not covet... HE MEANS IT!
When Jesus says to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength" we better obey! When Jesus says to "love you neighbor as yourself" we better learn to love others! We better take heed when the Bible says "not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together". We are told to abstain from all appearance of evil (I Thessalonians 5:22). We are told to abstain from fleshly lusts (I Peter 2:11). We are told to be sober (I Peter 1:13). We are told to be holy (I Peter 1:16) - To sum it up, we are told exactly what we should do and what we should not do. When we do the opposite...IT IS SIN!
As Ahab learned, you too will learn that there are severe consequences for sinning against God. Ahab did not sin and get by, God confronted his wicked acts. Moving on a litter further in the text, I ask you to:
II. Consider The Warning - (I Kings 21)
Ahab and Jezebel's sin did not go unnoticed by God. The Lord sent His prophet Elijah to confront them for their evil deeds. 1 Kings 21:17 ¶And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 18 Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which is in Samaria: behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to possess it.
The Lord said unto Ahab, "is it not enough that you killed Naboth...Now are you going to rob him as well?" Because of your evil deeds the dogs will lick your blood from very place where they licked the blood of Naboth!’
The Lord went on to say unto Ahab that he would face His wrath. He would bring disaster upon him and consume him. And He would destroy all of his descendants. Just as Ahab destroyed Naboth and his family God would destroy Ahab and his family. Concerning Jezebel, the Lord says that the dogs would eat her body at the plot of land in Jezreel. As a result of their wickedness, judgment was pronounced and they would face the undiluted wrath of God.
God's wrath is as much a reality as His love. - Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men...
God hates sin! This hatred of sin is the source of His wrath. There are many examples of the Wrath of God found in the Bible: Adam & Eve being cast from the Garden – Genesis 3:24 - The Great Flood in Noah's day. - Genesis 6-8 - The Destruction Of Sodom and Gomorrah - Genesis 19 - The Egyptian Army Drowning In The Red Sea - Exodus 14
Think back to the story of Ananias & Sapphira. They lied to God and were instantly struck dead. We may think that was a drastic response but when the wrath of God falls on a life, it was deserved and just! Don't think for a moment that you are exempt from God's wrath! It does not please God to pour out His wrath. For that reason He has sent you a warning today.
His Word is filled with warnings for mankind. We are warned that the wages of sin is death. We are warned that it is appointed unto man once to die and then the judgment. We are warned that the lost man will appear before Christ at the Great White Throne Judgment. It is there that you will hear the dreaded words "...Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels". - Matthew 25:41
After this you will spend all of eternity in a lake of fire. We are warned that this is a place of weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth. We are warned about the eternal torments in this place. We are warned about eternal separation in this place. Knowing all this, let me ask you ....Is your sin worth what it will cost you in the end?
Just a little plot of land brought destruction to Ahab and Jezebel. One day you will find that the cost of your vineyard will be far more than you can pay! Ahab saw that little vineyard and lusted after it, when that lust was conceived it brought forth sin, when that sin was finished it brought forth death! When Judgment came for Ahab and Jezebel, they had been warned. If you refuse to surrender to Christ, Judgment is coming...YOU TOO HAVE BEEN WARNED!!
Their judgment was not immediate... in fact it was not even swift, but in God's time judgment was accomplished. The consequences of your sin may not be immediate or swift but they will come! As we continue, I ask you to:
III. Consider The Waiting (I Kings 22)
Ahab lived for another 3 years after the Lord confronted his sin. Jezebel lived another 2 decades before wrath and death knocked on her door. I wonder how often Ahab thought to himself...today could be the day that the Lord fulfills his promise. Perhaps around year two the tension began to ease and Ahab thought that he may have escaped the wrath of the Lord.
I can hear that wicked Jezebel as she shook her fist in the face of God. She continued in her wickedness. She never repented. She remained devoted to Baal worship. I imagine year after year she would laugh and proclaim that she had escaped the Judgment of God. She may have mocked and blasphemed his name. But God had not forgotten either of them. And in His time, His wrath was unleashed.
Though the mill of God grinds slowly, it grinds to powder.
You continue to live in your sin, you continue to rebel against God, you continue to live life for yourself, you continue to seek after you own vineyard, and you spend your time building your own kingdom, but one day...IT WILL FALL!! When it comes time to answer for your sins there will be no escape, no excuses, no second chances, and no more time to repent. It will be too late to pray. You will stand and give an account for your wickedness and when the sentence is handed down you will not be able to say that you were not warned!
One day when you least expect it... wrath will come calling! As we continue, let us:
IV. Consider The Wrath - (I Kings 22 & II Kings 9)
One day Jehoshaphat, (king of Judah) and Ahab went to battle in Ramoth-gilead. As they drew near the battlefield, Ahab became afraid. Ever in his mind were the Words of God sent through Elijah 3 years before. - 1 Kings 21:19 Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? ...Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.
R.G Lee said "during those three years, Ahab never heard a dog bark that he did not jump."
When it came time to go to battle, Ahab instructed Jehoshaphat to wear his royal robes. But Ahab disguised himself He put armor on his body and covered this armor with ordinary citizen's clothes. The king of Aram had told his commanders to only attack the king of Israel. During the battle they saw Jehoshaphat in his royal robes and went after him. But when Jehoshaphat called out, they realized he was not Ahab, and they stopped chasing him. Then one Aramean soldier, randomly shot an arrow at the Israelite troops and hit the Ahab between the joints of his armor. There is no doubt that God directed this arrow to hit Ahab.
Ahab told his chariot driver to get him out of the battle because he was badly wounded. As the battle continued to rage the king remained in his chariot. His blood ran down to the floor of his chariot. When the evening came Ahab died. His body was taken to Samaria and buried. Someone washed the Kings chariot by the pool of Samaria. The blood flowed onto the ground and the dogs came and licked it up. Judgment came... just as the Lord had promised. Oh the tragic cost of this little vineyard!
For twenty years after Ahab's death Jezebel virtually ruled the kingdom. By this time Elijah had been taken home to heaven in a chariot of fire. He was then succeeded by Elisha. One day Elisha sent one of the children of the prophets to anoint Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat as the new King of Israel. Jehu then mounted his chariot, gathered his soldiers and went to Jezrel.
He arrived at the plot of land that had belonged to Naboth It was there that he encountered Ahab's son Joram. Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram his heart. He then told his captain to "cast him in the portion of the field of Naboth"
Jehu then entered the gate of the Ahab's palace. Jezebel looked down from a window and asked him, “Have you come in peace, you murderer?” Jehu shouted, “Who is on my side?” And two or three eunuchs looked out at him from the palace. Jehu shouted at them to throw her down. So they threw her out of the window. She landed on the ground and her blood spattered against the wall and on the horses. Then Jehu rode over to where she lay and trampled her body under his horses’ hooves. Jehu then went inside the palace and ate and drank. When he had finished his snack he said “Someone go and bury this cursed woman"When the men went out to bury her, all that was left was her skull, her feet, and her hands. When they reported this to Jehu he said "This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel: And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel. (II Kings 9:36-37)
R.G Lee said in "Payday Someday" - God Almighty saw to it that the hungry dogs despised the brains that conceived the plot that took Naboth's life. God Almighty saw to it that the mangy lean dogs of the back alleys despised the hands that wrote the plot that took Naboth's life. God Almighty saw to it that the lousy dogs which ate carrion despised the feet that walked in Baal's courts and then in Naboth's vineyard.
Oh the tragic cost of the vineyard! You may be living life on your terms with no though of eternity. You may think that you are getting by with your sin and wickedness. You may be focused on the vineyards of this world. But you will find that unless you repent you will perish! You will find that there are grave consequences for your sin. The Word of God tells us that "they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, will reap the same" - Likewise "those who sow the wind shall reap the whirlwind"
"You will pay"
"The knowledge of your acts will weigh heavier on your mind each day"
"The more you climb, the more you gain"
"The more you'll feel the nagging strain"
"Success will cower at the threat of retribution"
"Fear will fret your peace and bleed you for the debt"
"Conscience collects from every crook"
"More than the worth of what he took"
"You only thought you got away"
"But in the end you'll pay and pay"
Some may hear this message and call me judgmental. Rest assured, I am not the judge, I am merely the messenger. But there is a judge and one day you will stand before him. He will judge you by His Word! If you continue in your sins and die without Jesus, you will face the worse fate possible.
You will one day stand before Christ at the Great White Throne. Notice: Revelation 20:11 ¶And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Oh the high cost of sin! Oh what danger in ignoring the warning of Almighty God! Oh the cost of the vineyard! Will you continue to life for yourself, or will you surrender to the Lord? Jesus asked a very important question in - Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
What is the vineyard that is keeping you from Jesus today? What is so important to you that you will risk facing an eternity without Him?
Will you allow pleasures (of this world) to hinder you from turning to Jesus? - You are consumed with the lusts of the flesh. You refuse to give up your lust. You refuse to turn away from pornography. You refuse to walk away from that affair. You are having too much fun partying and enjoying all that this world has to offer. One day you will find that the cost of the vineyard of pleasure is not worth it!
Will you allow people to hinder you from turning to Jesus? - Maybe there is a certain person who is keeping you from accepting what Jesus is offering you today. Some of you think that if you find the woman then you will have all you need. Some of you think that if you find the woman then you will have all you need. Maybe you already have someone and you are more concerned with appeasing that individual than surrendering to the Savior. One day you will find that the cost of that vineyard is not worth it!
Will you allow your profession to hinder you from turning to Jesus? - Work is good an honorable... but it makes a lousy God! Are you more concerned with climbing the corporate ladder that you are about your own eternal destiny? There is coming a day when you will find that the cost of that vineyard is not worth it!
Will you allow possessions to hinder you from turning to Jesus? - Are you spending this life seeking to build your own kingdom. Do you focus each and every day on how to attain more and more of the material goods of this world. Hearses don't come with luggage racks. You can't take it with you and it won't do you any good where you are going. One day you will find that the cost of the vineyard of possessions is not worth it!
Will you allow pride to hinder you from turning to Jesus? - Are you so prideful as to think that you are good enough to get to Heaven on your own? (Jesus said ) I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. - John 14:6 - Maybe you are here and you know that you should turn to Jesus. But you are worried about what others will think of you. In the end, you will find that the cost of the vineyard of pride is not worth it! Finally I ask:
Will you allow procrastination to hinder you from turning to Jesus? - You know you need to be born again. You know that Jesus is calling you. Yet, you wait. You say I will make things right.... one day. Friend, "one day" may be too late! This could be your last opportunity! - 2 Corinthians 6:2 ...now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Ahab saw one little piece of land and desired it greatly. In the end, the price was far greater than it's value. Don't make the same mistake. Don't face the wrath that is to come! God's wrath is a reality, but He has made a way for you to escape it. Romans 5:8 But God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Stop WAITING
Heed the WARNING.
Turn from your WICKEDNESS
Surrender to Jesus and escape the WRATH!
