They Covet and Take by Violence

Micah 2:2 And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

Covetousness has often moved men to violence that they might not have otherwise been inclined to do. For instance, wicked king Ahab had a strong desire to obtain a vineyard belonging to Naboth (1 Kings 21:1-4). When Naboth refused to sell the vineyard, Ahab returned to his house to mourn. When Jezebel saw her husband’s grief, she created a plan to take the vineyard by force (1 Kings 21:5-16). This principle is not limited to Ahab and Jezebel but has unfortunately been the historical motive for many acts of violence. When men cannot fulfil the lusts of their flesh in a righteous manner, they simply resort to other means which often includes violence.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children):In the story of the good Samaritan, the man who was travelling was a victim of violence by covetous men (Luke 10:30). The book of Job speaks of the covetousness of the wicked (Job 20:19; Job 24:2-4). Yet, Ephesians tells us how to get what we desire (Ephesians 4:28).

(For everyone):Have you seen or read in the news about any acts of violence done in order to gain someone else’s possessions? How is that similar to what was done by Ahab and Jezebel?

(For everyone):What are some things for which you long (i.e., material goods, emotional needs, physical needs)? What would you be willing to do in order to obtain those things?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask God to help you to learn to be content with what He has given you.

Ask the Lord to help you see the wickedness of violence.

SONG

He Leadeth Me

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