Reading With the People of God #12 - the Good LifeSample

Guarding Our Hearts with Justice and Mercy

In 1 Kings 21, we see a stark example of greed and injustice. King Ahab, consumed by his desire for Naboth’s vineyard, allows his wife Jezebel to scheme and falsely accuse Naboth, leading to his wrongful execution. Ahab’s unchecked desires and Jezebel’s ruthless manipulation reveal how power, when misused, leads to oppression.

Contrast this with Matthew 7:1-12, where Jesus warns against harsh judgment and urges us to examine our own hearts before condemning others. He teaches the Golden Rule:

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12, ESV).

This stands in stark opposition to Ahab and Jezebel’s actions. Instead of selfishly pursuing our desires at the expense of others, Jesus calls us to treat people with fairness, mercy, and love.

We may think we are not capable of Ahab/Jezebel-type “badness,” but I think we are only a few compromises away from a disastrous life. Psalm 119:2-3 says

“Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.” NLT.”

So, how do we guard our hearts from these kinds of compromises? Here are a few thoughts. Think about these things as you read these living words of the Bible today.

• Examine Your Heart – Ask God to reveal areas where you need correction.
• Pursue Justice, Not Selfish Gain – Avoid manipulating situations for personal advantage, and stand up for what is right.
• Practice the Golden Rule – Treat others with the same kindness and fairness you desire.
• Trust God's Justice – Even when injustice seems to prevail, God sees all and will bring ultimate justice.

* Primer contributed by Doug Drainville, Pastor of Care, Cornerstone Church.

A Holy Week Interruption...

If you're following this plan in line with the Lenten season (starting April 1st), today marks the beginning of Holy Week as we observe Palm Sunday.

For this week, we’ve included Gospel readings that align with the final days of Christ’s life—His journey to the cross, His death, and His glorious resurrection. While this may feel like an interruption to our lectionary readings, we encourage you to embrace the interruption and step into this sacred rhythm of remembering the most significant week in human history.

Additionally, we’ve included a traditional Prayer of Illumination for the Lenten season to guide your heart and mind as you engage with God’s Word in this holy time.

A Palm Sunday Prayer:

O Lord Christ,

as you once entered Jerusalem,

enter our hearts this day afresh.

As you once set your face toward death on a cross,

help us this day to walk with you in victory.

As the children once cried "Hosanna" to bless you,

enable us to confess you openly as Lord and Savior.

Grant us your presence by the power of your Spirit,

that our worship and our lives may truly honor you. Amen.*

*The Worship Sourcebook, Second Edition