“And it came to pass after these things that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard which was in Jezreel, next to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. 2 So Ahab spoke to Naboth, saying, “Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near, next to my house; and for it I will give you a vineyard better than it. Or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its worth in money.” 3 But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!”4 So Ahab went into his house sullen and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him; for he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no food. 5 But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said to him, “Why is your spirit so sullen that you eat no food?” 6 He said to her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite, and said to him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money; or else, if it pleases you, I will give you another vineyard for it.’ And he answered, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’ ” 7 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.”” 1 Kings 21:1-5 NKJV
God of truth,
A fair offer for real estate but a valid reason for refusal. But the offer was underwritten with covetousness and followed by rejection which brought on profound self pity and a sulk. So Ahab’s wife not wanting to put up with his sulk and who felt he was above the law decided to be his sinful backbone. Perhaps he knew she would sort it for her? So whose was the greater sin? His manipulation of her if it was that? Or hers for organising a murder to rid him of his sulk. Wrong question!
It all started because Ahab coveted. Was jealous of a small vineyard near his home and could not get over it. The tenth of God’s commandments and after murder and stealing and lying. But it can quickly lead to the others.
Covetousness in all forms is ugly and You, Lord God, counter it with the command to love our neighbour. And who is our neighbour? The person with a better allotment, the one who has a newer car, an attractive spouse? A smaller nose, a closer family, better health or more holidays? Who knows what catches us unawares. Help me count my blessings till there is no room for anything else. I will still need or want – but I can ask You and leave my requests with You, where they will not lead me into temptation.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 29th May 2026
More beautiful worship from Rend Collective. New take on count your blessings.
I was blind, now I’m seeing in color
I was dead, now I’m living forever
I had failed, but You were my Redeemer
I’ve been blessed beyond all measure
I was lost, now I’m found by the Father
I’ve been changed from a ruin to treasure
I’ve been given a hope and a future
I’ve been blessed beyond all measure
I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Letting go and trusting when I cannot see
I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Surely every season You are good to me
Oh oh oh oh, You are good to me
Oh oh oh oh, You are good to me
You were there in the valley of shadows
You were there in the depth of my sorrows
You’re my strength, my hope for tomorrow
I’ve been blessed beyond all measure
I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Letting go and trusting when I cannot see
I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Surely every season You are good to me
Surely Your goodness pursues me
Surely Your heart is still for me
I will remember Your mercies all my days
Through every storm and gale
I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Letting go and trusting when I cannot see
I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Surely every season You are good to me
Oh oh oh oh, You are good to me
Oh oh oh oh, You are good to me
Lyrics: Songwriters: Chris Llewellyn and Gareth Gilkeson