1 Kings 21:1-10, (11-14), 15-21

Pentecost +4 - Year C

1 Kings 21:1-10, (11-14), 15-21

“Sinner” is a temporal categorization. At different times, sin is differently defined. Regardless of a current definition of sinner, sin is usually defined as an act of commission. When sins of omission around a current definition are also considered, we all end up on a sin continuum.

So it is here, Naboth claimed his own identity and Ahab claimed control over Naboth’s identity. In today’s rapidly changing definition of a current sin of sexual orientation, those who play the scripture card to claim those attracted to others of their same sex are automatically sinners are here represented by Ahab. Those who claim their inheritance of sexual identity are in Naboth’s role.

Naboth speaks for women in a patriarchal system, for African slaves brought to the Americas and elsewhere, Native peoples anywhere, or any group dismissed by the powers that be, “I will not give over my identity.”

The powers that be who do not allow people a place at a table of community or decision—making will eventually hear, “You have sown the seed of your own destruction”.

If you have privilege within a power system, no matter how small it may seem to you, and you remain silent, you are complicit in every form of Ahab against Naboth. Divest from the perk of silence. Speak your support of “Naboth” to your current “Ahab”. Do not continue allowing the power of some to define the sin of others.