February 23

"And Naboth said to Ahab, The Lord forbid it me."—1 Kings 21:3.

I WOULD fain resemble Naboth the Jezreelite.

The law of the Lord ruled his life. It was his religion which impelled him to refuse the king—his determination not to violate the commandment of his God. "Here I stand," he said, "I can do no other." I am far too easily bribed and far too readily led astray. I find it hard to say No, when others tempt me to set aside my Master's will. It is not pleasant to be singular. It is difficult to turn a deaf ear to the seducing voices. I need Naboth's brave and dauntless piety.

The sufferings of the Lord fell upon his soul. He was in good company when they carried him forth and stoned him outside the gate. He was bearing Christ's reproach. He was the forerunner of Jesus—Jesus who was condemned under a false charge, Jesus whom they accused of blasphemy, Jesus who set His face to a cross beyond the city wall. If I suffer rather than sin, then am I a partaker in the sorrows of my King. And it is good to be with Him on the Dolorous Way.

And the peace of the Lord garrisoned his heart. He had so much fear of God that he had no fear of Ahab at all. His faith was strong; his spirit was serene and calm. Yea, ye shall be holden up, My Master says to me, for God is able to make you stand. Here is a Hand that I may grasp, and if I grasp it, I cannot be beaten nor led away from the field a prisoner. I shall be more than a conqueror through Him who loved and loves me. So let me wear the soft white rose of peace.

Naboth is in truth a good exemplar for me; and I shall be rich and happy if I can join hands with him across the chasm of the centuries.