Payday Someday
For the day of the LORD is approaching for all the nations! Just as you have done, so it will be done to you. You will get exactly what your deeds deserve. – Obadiah 1:15
1 Kings 21:1-13
There was a man named Naboth from Jezreel who owned a vineyard located next to the palace of King Ahab of Samaria. One day, Ahab approached Naboth and said, “Your vineyard is conveniently located near my palace. I’d like to buy it so I can use it as a vegetable garden. I’ll give you a better vineyard in exchange, or if you prefer, I’ll pay you for it.”
Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance passed down from my ancestors.”
Ahab returned home angry and upset because of Naboth’s refusal. He went to bed, turned his face to the wall, and refused to eat. Jezebel, his wife, noticed his behavior and asked, “What’s wrong? Why are you so upset that you won’t eat?”
Ahab explained, “I asked Naboth to sell me his vineyard or trade it, but he refused!”
Jezebel responded, “Aren’t you the king of Israel? Get up, eat something, and stop worrying. I’ll get you Naboth’s vineyard!”
She then wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and leaders of Naboth’s town. In the letters, she instructed them to call a public assembly, proclaim a fast, and give Naboth a place of honor. She also ordered them to seat two scoundrels across from Naboth, who would accuse him of cursing God and the king. Afterward, they were to take him outside the town and stone him to death.
The elders and leaders of the town followed Jezebel’s instructions. They called for a fast and placed Naboth in a prominent position before the people. Two scoundrels came forward, sat across from Naboth, and accused him in front of everyone, claiming, “He cursed God and the king.” As a result, Naboth was dragged outside the town and stoned to death.
The Wheels of Justice – A Timeless Truth
Sun Tzu stated that, “The wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine.” This old proverb reminds us that justice, even if delayed, is certain. Similarly, Robert G. Lee’s famous sermon title, “Payday Someday,” echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the certainty of divine retribution.
Naboth’s Murder
The biblical account in 1 Kings 21:1-27 is a vivid narrative of greed, corruption, and divine justice. It tells the tragic tale of Naboth, a righteous man who becomes the victim of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel’s insatiable lust for power and land. This story is full of themes that resonate across generations: the abuse of authority, the corruption of justice, and the violence inflicted upon innocent people.
Ahab, the king of Israel, coveted Naboth’s vineyard. When Naboth refused to sell his ancestral land, Jezebel orchestrated a malicious plot to accuse Naboth, which led to his wrongful execution. This act of premeditated murder epitomizes the depths of human wickedness. But the story doesn’t stop there. God, in His justice, sends the prophet Elijah to confront Ahab and pronounce judgment on both him and Jezebel.
Injustice: A Universal Struggle
The injustices shown in this ancient story are not just part of the past. In 21st-century America, we still deal with the legacy of systemic wrongs that have troubled our country since it was founded. How could such terrible acts happen in a land that celebrates freedom and bravery? The answer is found within the human heart. As the Bible warns in Genesis 4:7, “Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you.” Injustice and savagery are not external forces but manifestations of the sin that resides within us all.
Robert G. Lee’s “Payday Someday”
First preached in 1926, Robert G. Lee’s sermon “Payday Someday” became a classic, delivered 1,275 times. Lee’s vivid characterizations bring the story of 1 Kings 21 to life. He describes Ahab as “the vile human toad who squatted upon the throne of Israel” and Jezebel as “the snake coiled upon the throne.” Naboth, on the other hand, is depicted as a righteous man who endures suffering for his faithfulness, while Elijah serves as God’s prophetic messenger, delivering a message of judgment.
Divine Justice: The Confrontation and Prophecy
The encounter between Elijah and Ahab represents a significant turning point in the story. God instructs Elijah to deliver a message of judgment to Ahab: 1 Kings 21:19: “Wasn’t it enough that you killed Naboth? Must you rob him, too? Because you have done this, dogs will lick your blood at the very place where they licked the blood of Naboth!”
In 1 Kings 21:23: Elijah also foretells Jezebel’s gruesome fate: “Dogs will eat Jezebel’s body at the plot of land in Jezreel.” These prophecies are fulfilled precisely as Elijah declared, demonstrating that no act of wickedness escapes God’s notice.
The Certainty of Judgment
The story of Naboth and Ahab serves as a sobering reminder that while injustice may seem to prevail temporarily, it will not endure forever. God is just, and He will hold all accountable. As the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 2:6-9: “He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But He will pour out His anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness.”
A Timeless Warning
The story of Naboth and Ahab is not merely a historical account but a timeless warning. It reminds us that God sees the hidden motives of the heart and will ultimately bring justice to all. While Naboth lost his life for his righteousness, his story assures us that this life is not the end. God promises to set all accounts right, for “Payday is coming, someday.”
REFLECT & PRAY
Robert G. Lee’s poignant words encapsulate the consequences of sin: “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, Sin will keep you longer than you want to stay, Sin will cost you more than you want to pay.”
Father, I am so grateful that I have passed from judgment to life. But I also feel sad that my efforts to serve You are so modest.
INSIGHT
The Universal Reality of Judgment
The Apostle Paul, in Romans 2:1-6, delivers a stark reminder of the impartiality of God’s justice: “You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things.”
This passage emphasizes the universal nature of sin and the certainty of judgment. No one is above accountability, and God’s justice will be meted out on everyone. Yet, Paul also emphasizes God’s kindness and patience, which are meant to lead people to repentance. Romans 2:4: “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”
Ultimately, God will judge everyone according to their deeds, as stated in Romans 2:6. This truth sets the stage for understanding the two distinct judgments described in Scripture.
Eternal Security for Believers
For those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, the question of eternal security is settled. As Jesus Himself declares in John 5:24: “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.”
This assurance is a fundamental element of the Christian faith. Believers are no longer under the threat of eternal condemnation because they have been justified through their faith in Christ. Nevertheless, this does not mean their actions are without consequences. The Scriptures clearly state that everyone’s works will be judged, but the nature and purpose of this judgment vary depending on a person’s relationship with God.
The Two Judgments: A Distinction of Purpose
1. The Great White Throne Judgment
The Great White Throne Judgment, described in Revelation 20:11-13, is reserved solely for those who do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. This judgment is final and leads to eternal separation from God. Those who stand before the Lord at this judgment will face the consequences of rejecting Him: “And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books.”
This judgment is a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of unbelief.
2. The Bema Seat Judgment
In contrast, the Bema Seat Judgment is exclusively for believers. The term “bema” originates from the Greek word for a “judgment seat,” typically the platform where rewards were handed out in athletic competitions. This judgment is not about punishment but about recognizing faithful service and obedience.
As Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, Paul describes how the quality of each believer’s works will be tested by fire. While the believer’s salvation is secure, their rewards will depend on the enduring value of their deeds: “But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.”
This judgment emphasizes the importance of living a life that honors God. As delineated in 1 Corinthians 4:5, hidden motives of the heart will be revealed. “For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.”
A Final Reminder: Payday Is Coming
The reality of divine judgment serves as both a warning and an encouragement. For unbelievers, it is a call to repentance and faith in Christ. For believers, it is a reminder to live faithfully, knowing that their works will be evaluated and rewarded. As Robert G. Lee famously declared, “Payday is coming someday.”
This truth underscores the justice and mercy of God, who holds all accountable while offering eternal life to those who trust in Him.
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© Dr. H 2025
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