Why? Understanding Life Events (I) Series

That’s all I’m going to say about free will because I know you already believe that. But how does this help us understand specific events going on in our lives.

Let me illustrate it with a brief story from 1 Kings 21. The story begins with a godly Israelite enjoying the farm he has inherited from his father. This farm is one of the most beautiful vineyards you would ever hope to see. Naboth is not superrich. This is the only land he owns. But he is grateful to God for giving it to him.

It so happens that Naboth’s property is right next to the King’s palace. King Ahab and Jezebel live there. Of course, they own many vineyards and are incredibly powerful and wealthy. One day Ahab is looking out his window at Naboth’s vineyard and a thought comes to his mind. He thinks to himself, “I’d like to have that vineyard. I could turn it into a great garden—have fresh vegetables right at my doorstep.” The more he thought about it the more he wanted Naboth’s vineyard. So he approaches Naboth with an offer. In Ahab’s mind it is a very generous offer. He will pay Naboth what its worth or if Naboth would prefer he will trade him a better vineyard for it.

Now all this seems random enough; but what is God doing? God is orchestrating a scenario that will demand some moral choices. This is a big moral test for Naboth. First, I’m sure he would rather have the favor of the king than his disfavor. He does not want the king upset with him; that’s for sure. Secondly, this might be an opportunity to get a bigger and better vineyard. But Naboth has a problem. The Word of God commands him not to sell the property. Lev. 25 forbids Naboth to sell the vineyard. Num 36:7 says “So the inheritance of the children of Israel shall not change hands from tribe to tribe, for every one of the children of Israel shall keep the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers.” So here is Naboth’s moral choice. Are you going to ignore what God has told you to do according to His Word or are you going to do what the Bible tells you to do.” Naboth passes the test with flying colors. He tells Ahab “No” and explains why.

Now King Ahab is faced with a moral choice. He really, really wants that vineyard. But now He knows that would be a violation of the will of God. So what Ahab needs to do is simply drop the matter and go on with life. But the Bible tells us he made a different moral choice. He walked around the house pouting because he couldn’t have what he wanted. His sulking went so far that he went to bed and wouldn’t eat. Now he’s moving toward a firm moral choice in this situation.

Enter Queen Jezebel, Ahab’s wife. Now if you know anything about this woman, you know you don’t want to get on her bad side. When Ahab finally tells her why he’s pouting, she makes a moral choice. 1 Kings 21:7-10 “Then Jezebel his wife said to him, ‘You now exercise authority over Israel! Arise, eat food, and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.’ 8 And she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters to the elders and the nobles who were dwelling in the city with Naboth. 9 She wrote in the letters, saying, ‘Proclaim a fast, and seat Naboth with high honor among the people; 10 and seat two men, scoundrels, before him to bear witness against him, saying, You have blasphemed God and the king. Then take him out, and stone him, that he may die.’”