1 Kings 21 What’s the big deal about dirt?

Land in the Bible is a big deal - over 1,300 references in the OT alone

Genesis 1:10 God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.

““Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. 19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” Gen 3:17

The L ORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Gen 12:1-3

Exodus Leviticus Deuteronomy Joshua

1 Kings: 1 kingdom becomes 2 2 Kings: 2 kingdoms becomes 1

Decisions made now have future consequences

Scene 1 (v1-3) Ahab’s proposal Ahab said to Naboth, “Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth.” 21:2

Scene 1 (v1-3) Ahab’s proposal

Naboth replied, “The L ORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my ancestors.” 1Ki21:3.

Scene 1 (v1-3) Ahab’s proposal Scene 2 (v4-8) Jezebel’s Plan

Scene 1 (v1-3) Ahab’s proposal Scene 2 (v4-8) Jezebel’s Plan Scene 3 (v11-16) The Murder

Scene 1 (v1-3) Ahab’s proposal Scene 2 (v4-8) Jezebel’s Plan Scene 3 (v11-16) The Murder Scene 4 (v17-27) God’s Judgement

Scene 4 (v17-27) God’s Judgement 1. Ahab’s death 2. Death of descendants 3. Jezebel’s death

Scene 1 (v1-3) Ahab’s proposal Scene 2 (v4-8) Jezebel’s Plan Scene 3 (v11-16) The Murder Scene 4 (v17-27) God’s Judgement Scene 5 (v27-29) Ahab’s Repentance

So, what’s the big deal about dirt for us?

I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:12-14

… many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Phil 3:18-21

Misao Okawo

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? John 14:1-2

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5