Stealing

"Have you seen that Ahab has humbled himself before me? Since he has humbled himself before me,I will not bring the evil in his time." I Kgs 21:29

Jezebel's vulgarity stuns us. Wanting to please her husband, King Ahab, who is wild with anger because Naboth will not sell him his vineyard, Jezebel has Naboth proclaimed head of his people and then gets two "scoundrels" to accuse him of cursing God and her husband. Soon afterwards, the people drag Naboth out of the city and stone him to death allowing Ahab to take possession of Naboth's vineyard.

Initially, it seems that Jezebel's vengeance against Ahab will go unpunished, but God sends Elijah the prophet to confront Ahab about his sinful role in Naboth's death. Almost immediately, Ahab tears his clothes, dresses in sackcloth and fasts. God accepts Ahab's humble actions and decides not to punish him personally but promises to punish his son.

Unfortunately, most of us can identify with Jezebel. Hurt, angry or frustrated, we undermine the character of another by saying nothing when praise is called for, or too much when we would do better to be silent. Subtly but surely, we steal the power of others who need our support. More important, the life of the community, which is our life blood as a church, is damaged by our sin.

Today, ask to be free of anger.

How have you stolen the good name of another?