TSIYON NEWS

 

From Eliyahu 

 

There’s a disturbing pattern that keeps surfacing - across history, across cultures, and now, again, in our headlines. A person commits a crime not simply out of hatred or greed, but to please someone they love in a relationship that is out of whack. It’s a dynamic that’s as old as Scripture and as current as this week’s news.

 

The recent murder of Charlie Kirk has shocked many. Prosecutors allege that the suspect, Tyler Robinson, may have acted in part to impress or emotionally connect with his aberrant romantic partner, Lance Twiggs. If true, it’s a tragic example of how relational entanglement can distort moral judgment. And it’s not the first time.

 

Scripture gives us a striking parallel in this regard in 1 Kings 21 - the story of King Ahab and his pagan wife, Jezebel, in the matter of Naboth’s vineyard. We will be delving into this account in greater depth tonight, but here are the basics regarding the relationship dynamic I’m talking about.  

 

King Ahab wanted Naboth’s vineyard. But Naboth refused to sell, honoring God’s command to preserve his ancestral land (Leviticus 25:23–28).

 

When Ahab didn’t get his way he sulked. He lay on his bed, refused to eat, and brooded like a child denied a favorite toy. On seeing this Jezebel, Ahab’s witchy wife, stepped in. She cooked up a criminal scheme to get Ahab what he desired.

Ahab didn’t object, nor did he do anything to stop Jezebel from her scheme, even when she took it as far as murder. He looked the other way and took the vineyard that Jezebel obtained through the shedding of innocent blood.

 

The motive went far beyond political abuse - it was relational manipulation. Jezebel used her influence to commit murder, and Ahab allowed it, perhaps even welcomed it, because it gave him what he wanted and drew him in closer to Jezebel.

Modern criminology has a name for this: "co-offending driven by relational motive." It’s when one person commits a crime to gain approval, affection, or validation from another. Sometimes it’s overt. Sometimes it’s subtle. But the result is the same - conscience is overridden by emotional dependence.

 

Consider two chilling modern day examples:

 

Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo - In the early 1990s, this Canadian couple committed a series of rapes and murders. Homolka helped Bernardo assault her own sister, Tammy, who later died. She also assisted in the abduction and murder of two teenage girls. Though she later claimed coercion, video evidence showed she was a willing participant. Her desire to maintain Bernardo’s affection led her into unspeakable acts.

 

Judith and Alvin Neelley - In the 1980s, Judith Neelley - just 18 years old - led her much older husband Alvin into a spree of kidnapping and murder. Judith was often the instigator, with Alvin following her lead. Experts believe Alvin may not have committed such crimes alone, but was drawn in by loyalty, manipulation and emotional dependence.

 

Many more cases like this could be cited, because this dynamic is more common than most of us would think. These cases aren’t just about pathology. They’re about relational distortion - when love becomes a weapon, and loyalty becomes a trap.

 Not all harm Is criminal. It’s important to recognize that this dynamic doesn’t always lead to crime, so it doesn't only effect criminals. Sometimes it leads to more common sorts of things, like:

- Compromising one’s values to avoid conflict.

- Participating in unethical behavior at work or in ministry.

- Silencing truth to preserve a relationship.

- Enabling addiction, abuse, or manipulation.

- Any of a plethora of other poor choices

 Scripture warns us:  “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers… for what fellowship has light with darkness?”  2 Corinthians 6:14

 

That applies not only to marriage, but to any relationship where loyalty demands moral compromise. So how do we guard ourselves - and those we love - from falling into this dark dynamic?

 

Know and obey the voice of conscience. Isaiah 5:20 warns: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil…”

 

When relational loyalty begins to override moral clarity, we’re in danger. The righteous must ground themselves in the commandments of YHWH and in the Way of Yeshua our Messiah. This means remaining sensitive to Biblical standards, even when it hurts, as YHWH urges us through both His Word and His Spirit.

 

Refuse to enable sin. Ephesians 5:11 says: “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”

 

Love doesn’t mean silence. True love confronts sin - not ignore it or cover it up.

 

Guard against manipulation. Proverbs 1:10 warns: “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.”

 

Whether it’s a romantic partner, friend, or family member - no relationship justifies wrongdoing. Emotional pressure is not moral permission.

 

Seek Godly counsel. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

 

Isolation breeds compromise. The righteous must stay connected to wise, godly voices, and must seek out good council.

 

So you see, the story of Naboth’s vineyard isn’t just ancient history. It’s a mirror. It shows us how power, desire, and relationship can conspire to destroy the innocent. And it calls us to vigilance as we make our way through this dark world. In a world where people are still dying because someone wanted to please someone else, we must speak clearly: righteousness cannot be sacrificed for romance. Integrity cannot be traded for intimacy. And truth must never be silenced by emotional pressure.

Let us be among those who mourn over corruption and evil, who stand firm in conscience, and who refuse to be drawn into darkness - no matter who’s asking.

 

-----------------Your Special Invitation -----------------

 

Tonight we will broadcasting the first episode in our "Prophets, Kings, and the King of Kings" Seminar. Tonight's episode is entitled "Ahab's Folly", and I have made some comments about the subject matter above. Here's one reason why I think you will want to take in all of this seminar: We are living in momentous prophetic times when the righteous are being separated from the wicked in preparation for a coming judgment. This is exactly what was going on in Israel and Judah during what I call the Covenant Judgment Era. During that era YHWH was sending His prophets calling for the people to repent from evil, with judgment about to fall. Look around. That's where the whole world is at right now. As we look at the prophets and the kings of that era you will be amazed by how much like our times those days were. At the same time, we will learn from history how we can be part of the remnant who will endure through these days into the wonders that YHWH holds in store for those who persist in righteousness through the coming darkness. See more about the seminar schedule in red below. Our whole Tsiyon Team welcomes you to take in this entire spiritual feast.  

 

In His Name, Eliyahu

 

PS - Our "Prophets, Kings, and the King of Kings" seminar will begin with the first episode on our live stream tonight, Sept 20 at 8 Central, at Tsiyon.Net. This first episode tonight, entitled "Ahab's Folly" will be followed up on Sept 22, also at 8 Central, at Tsiyon.Net with our Yom Teruah special presentation entitled "Isaiah's Hope." This could be delayed by one day. If it is delayed it will then be streamed on the next evening of Sept 23. After that our seminar will continue through all of the appointed days of Month 7. It's all part of one big picture, so plan now to be with us for the whole thing!

 

Don't miss any of the upcoming Seminar Series - 8 PM Central - Tsiyon.Net