delivered by: Bishop Joshua Banda
1Kings 21:1-19
The concept of the land is central in the Bible. It was one the three major promises God had given to Abraham.
The Land
Africa has land. With 33million sq kilometers, 1.2 billion people, and 54 countries, her land has been the subject of controversy. At one time leaders had intentions of keeping the land with the people. Over time this changed, and most people don’t know their rights. We take our reflections this evening from the story of Naboth and his vineyard.
The Onlookers
Ahab and Jezebel had their eye on Naboth’s vineyard. They were the onlookers. The Ahabs and Jezebels of Africa today are America and China. Their interest in our land is no secret. In many ways, the instability in our countries, like DRC, is by design. Africa is in need of some Elijah’s.
The Purpose and Focus of the Owner
The land that belonged to Naboth was first explored, then it was exploited. But Naboth was focused. He understood that this land was more than Naboth’s land. It was God’s. In the same way, those tampering with Africa’s resources have to keep in mind that Africa’s land belongs to God. Ps.24 reminds us that, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness therein.” Additionally, Leviticus 25:23 reminds us, “The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers.”
Our leaders need our support. The sinister meddling in the land affairs of the continent have to stop. And not just in Africa. Why are the superpower nations making such a fuss over domestic elections in Venezuela? It is a sovereign country. Could it have anything to do with the fact that Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world?
God was watching what Jezebel and Ahab did to Naboth, and he is watching us today. The land belongs to God, and we need voices that bear witness to the light.