June 29 - 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18: Ahab Receives His Punishment

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18

The Message

English Standard Version

Congratulations! You have finished 1 Kings! That makes 16 books.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God protects the righteous king. He punishes the evil king.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jehoshaphat and Ahab enjoyed peace. Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to help attack Aram. Jehoshaphat wanted God's approve first. Ahab's prophets approved. Jehoshaphat asked for another prophet. Ahab warned, "Micaiah's just a wet blanket."
Micaiah told Ahab that God wanted to send Ahab to his death. He sent Ahab's prophets to encourage him to attack Aram. Ahab locked Micaiah away.
During the battle, God protected Jehoshaphat when he called out for protection. Ahab, in disguise, died in his chariot by a random arrow. Israel's army scattered. Dogs licked up Ahab's blood.
Ahaziah, Israel's next king, outdid his father's wickedness.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Ahab did not like Micaiah because he only spoke what God told him to speak.

Reading Ahab's description of Micaiah I cannot help but chuckle, "As a matter of fact, there is still one such man. But I hate him. He never preaches anything good to me, only doom, doom, doom - Micaiah son of Imlah" (1 Kings 22:8; 2 Chronicles 18:7, The Message). Leaders will only love you if you tell them what they want to hear. Do not be afraid to be disliked for speaking God's word—in love.

God sent prophets to send Ahab to his death.

This is a difficult text, especially after yesterday's reading. Apparently, Ahab did not keep his repentant heart. God allowed an angel to lead his prophets to lie to Ahab so that he would attack Ramoth Gilead to his death. Why would God do such a thing? God will have justice, especially to those who are in power.

Who do you not like listening to because they do not agree with you?

June 28 - 1 Kings 20-21: God Punishes a Non-Chosen Person, Forgives an Evil King

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 20-21

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God doesn't protect Israel. God punishes Ben-Hadad. Israel benefits from God's punishment of Ben-Hadad.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Ben-Hadad wanted Ahab's wives, children, gold, and silver. Ahab refused. Ben-Hadad attacked. God protected Israel to show Ahab His Name.
Ben-Hadad's advisors suggested that God was the god of the mountains and not the plains.
God informed Ahab Ben-Hadad would be shown God's power. Over 127,000 of Ben-Hadad's soldiers died.
Ahab allowed Ben-Hadad to live. God told Ahab he would die instead.
Ahab wanted Naboth's vineyard. Naboth wouldn't sell. Jezebel had Naboth stoned to death unjustly. Ahab took Naboth's vineyard. Elijah told Ahab that his entire family's corpses would be torn by dogs. Ahab repented and God delayed the punishment.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God protected Israel because Ben-Hadad questioned His Power.

Wednesday and Thursday we read of the wickedness of Ahab and Jezebel. They did not repent and come back to God before these events happened. Instead, God punished Ben-Hadad for questioning God's power, "Because Aram said, 'God is a god of the mountains and not a god of the valleys,' I'll hand over this huge mob of an army to you. Then you'll know that I am God" (20:28, The Message). God will protect His Name even when His Chosen People are not willing to claim it.
What does this mean for us today? It doesn't matter how righteous God's Chosen People are. If someone doubts God, God will defend Himself. We should not feel beholden to come to God's defense anytime someone ignores/goes against/mocks God's Way. Instead, we should know that God is god and rely on Him to repay. We defend our hope, not our God.

Ahab did not consult God before allowing Ben-Hadad to escape.

The prophet came and notified Ahab that his life would be substituted for Ben-Hadad's. God had judged Ben-Hadad's heart and found it against Him and His Chosen People. Ahab instead listened to his advisors instead of consulting God. God's Chosen People should allow God to direct important decisions.

Ahab could have had a very different life had he found godly people to be around.

Ahab is not the monster I thought he was before reading this passage. He wanted Naboth's vineyard but was not willing to kill for it. Jezebel mocked him for being weak, took it upon herself to forge documents to have Naboth killed, and then told Ahab to take the vineyard. Had Ahab not married Jezebel he could—could, not would—have had a very different life. Remove those who do not want to set things right for God from your life.

God delayed Ahab's punishment because he repented.

Ahab infuriated God more than any other king. God came and told Ahab because of his sin in taking Naboth's vineyard not only would his son not be king, not only would they all be killed, their bodies would be desecrated by the most dirty of creatures (for them), dogs. For Ahab, this proved too much to bear. He could no longer deny God's Authority. So he repented. God delayed punishment for this evil, morally-weak, feckless king. God's punishment is great. God's willingness to forgive is even greater.

Do you believe God can forgive you?

June 27 - 1 Kings 17-19: These Are the Days of Elijah

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 17-19

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Elijah wants God's name to be protected and honored. God protected and honored Elijah in return.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Elijah confronted Ahab. Israel would have no rain.
God protected Elijah beside a brook. When it dried, God sent him to a widow preparing to die of starvation. God instead gave her unending flour and oil.
Later, her son died. Elijah cried out and God revived him.
God sent Elijah to Ahab again. Elijah challenged 450 prophets of Baal. When Elijah's god prevailed the 450 prophets were executed.
Elijah escaped Jezebel's wrath. God visited Elijah on a mountain. He instructed Elijah to anoint kings over Aram and Israel and Elisha as his successor. Elisha followed Elijah as his right-hand man.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Ahab and Jezebel were antagonistic towards God and all Israel suffered.

Israel suffered a drought that lasted over two years because Ahab and Jezebel openly worshipped another god. Although God saved the widow and her son at Zarephath (who housed Elijah) many others died. It echoes the negative side of leadership: as leaders go, so goes the nation. Leaders set the tone for obedience or disobedience for an entire group.

The widow blamed Elijah for her son's death, not God.

The widow and her son were about to die of starvation. Elijah came and his god helped them survive the terrible drought. However, when her son got sick and died the widow did not blame God, "Why did you ever show up here in the first place—a holy man barging in, exposing my sins, and killing my son?" (17:18, The Message). She humbled herself to think that God's wrath came on her because of Elijah showed it to God. So we, today, should not blame God for bad things that happen. God is not the source of the bad that happens in our lives. Ask that our sins be forgiven instead of what we have returned.

Elijah wanted God's Name to be praised.

In all his interactions, Elijah makes it clear that God's Name is to be praised. The drought was caused by God, not Elijah. The widow at Zarephath would be spared because of God, not Elijah. Her son was revived by God, not Elijah. When he challenged the 400 prophets of Baal, Elijah prayed,

O God, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, make it known right now that you are God in Israel, that I am your servant, and that I'm doing what I'm doing under your orders. Answer me, God; O answer me and reveal to this people that you are God, the true God, and that you are giving these people another chance at repentance. (18:36-37)

God's People want God's Name praised, not their own.

Jezebel was an evil, wicked woman.

Just in case you did not pick it up, Ahab was most likely a henpecked king with Jezebel pulling the shots. She wanted the altars to Baal. She ordered the prophets of God murdered. She ordered Elijah's execution. Why Ahab married her is a mystery. I normally do not point out bad actors in the Bible unless they show some larger way God is setting things right; however, Jezebel is so evil I had to make an exception. Don't be like Jezebel!

God protected Elijah.

Elijah had a difficult life because he lived in a time when Israel had turned far away from God. However, because he was willing to do the hard things—confront the king twice, battle 450 prophets of the state religion—God protected him from harm and disaster. When we are willing to set all things right for God, no matter the consequences, He will protect us.

Compare the worship of God and God's arrival to the prophets of Baal.

The prophets of Baal thought they needed to cry loudly and harm themselves to be heard. They cut their arms until they were covered in blood. All of these things were meant to garner the attention of their god. What came from Baal? Silence.
Elijah, on the other hand, did not cry in a loud voice (although he may have spoken loudly) and only asked God to prove His legitimacy, Elijah's legitimacy, and His steadfast lovingkindness. Then fury was unleashed by God.
When God passed by Elijah, there was a fury before God arrived; however, God arrived in a quiet voice speaking to Elijah. God is not a "god of fury," forcing his followers to perform theatrics to prove their love and obedience. God is a god of stillness, quietness, and uses His Love to prove His Worthiness. We should also be people of stillness, quiet, and using our love to prove our god's authority and worthiness.

Do you obey a theatrical god or the Quiet God?

June 26 - 1 Kings 15:25-16:34; 2 Chronicles 17: Israel's Revolving Door of Kings

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 15:25-16:34; 2 Chronicles 17

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

While Israel went through many kings who did not serve God, Judah had two kings who obeyed God.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jeroboam's son Nadab was killed by Baasha. God's promise to Jeroboam was fulfilled.
Baasha was openly evil before God. God punished Baasha the same as Jeroboam.
Israel then went through several kings: Elah, Zimri, Omri, and Ahab. Each became more evil than the previous. Ahab and his wife Jezebel openly worshiped Baal and made God angrier than any other king.
In Judah, Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, became king. He returned Judah to God and tore down the shrines. God blessed Jehoshaphat with a peaceful kingdom. He sent teachers throughout Judah to teach God's Way. Judah prospered greatly under Jehoshaphat.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Judah enjoyed peace while Israel had great upheaval.

As we read yesterday, Judah enjoyed peace, with various military victories in the middle. These kings, Abijah, Asa, and Jehoshaphat were mostly good kings. Israel's kings, Jeroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri, and Ahab each became more evil than the next. They worshipped other gods and appointed non-holy men to be priests. None of them listened to God's word and because of that several entire families were wiped out. When God's Chosen People serve Him there is peace. When God's Chosen People go against God, there is great upheaval.

Jehoshaphat was loved by his people for following God.

Although there was a step or two between Jehoshaphat obeying God and his people loving him, the direction is clear. Jehoshaphat had a heart for God, acted upon that heart, God secured his place as king, and everyone in Judah loved and honored Jehoshaphat. He re-taught the Law to the Israelites in Judah. The entire country prospered because of Jehoshaphat's faith. When leaders give their heart to God and act upon that faith, the people rejoice and love their leaders.

Are you in a time of peace or upheaval?

June 25 - 1 Kings 15:1-24; 2 Chronicles 13-16: Two Imperfect Kings Call Out to the Perfect God

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 15:1-24; 2 Chronicles 13-16

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The men of Judah, even though they were not perfectly following God's Law cried out and God gave them victory.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Abijah followed his father's wickedness; however, God kept David's promise.
Jeroboam used Abijah's overtures for peace as a military trap. Abijah's soldiers cried out to God and were victorious.
Abijah's son Asa became king next. Asa cried out to God and He gave them victory over the Ethiopians.
Judah revived their covenant with God. Asa took down many idols, but not all. He removed his mother's throne because she made an idol.
Later, he asked Aram to help fight Israel instead of God and was punished. Asa turned sour against God and died in his bitterness. He reigned 41 years.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

When God's Chosen People call out to Him, He gives them victory.

Abijah was not considered a righteous king. He was not worthy of David's promise but God kept him in power anyway. When Jeroboam attacked Abijah from a stronger strategic position, God saved Abijah and his men. Why did God do this? Because Abijah and his men cried out to God. Even when we are not fully converted to letting God set all things right in our lives, God loves and cares for us.
Later, Asa would have a major military victory over the Ethiopians because he cried out to God.

When God's Chosen People call out to Him, He gives them peace.

I love how king Asa cleaned up the country and renewed Israel's vow with God. God, in turn, did not disappoint.

The whole country felt good about the covenant promise - they had given their promise joyfully from the heart. Anticipating the best, they had sought God - and he showed up, ready to be found. God gave them peace within and without - a most peaceable kingdom! (2 Chronicles 15:15, The Message)

Here is the interesting part: Asa did not completely rid the countryside of idols. But God overlooked that issue and granted Judah peace anyway, because "he was well-intentioned - his heart was in the right place, loyal to God" (15:17). Even when we are not fully converted to letting God set all things right in our lives, God will give us peace if we have our hearts in the right place.

When God's Chosen People ignore God, God ignores His Chosen People.

Unfortunately, Asa did not remain a good king all of his life. When Baasha attacked Judah, Asa did not call upon God to save them. He went to Ben-Hadad, king of Aram to ask that he stop backing Baasha. Because he ignored God, God ignored him. To Asa's discredit, he did not react well to the news and punished Hanani for bringing God's message. He did not learn from his mistake, either, and died from an infection. The saddest part was that God was willing to help Asa, "God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him" (16:9). God will always answer those who call out to Him. He will not answer those who ignore Him.

Do you cry out to God in your moments of need?

June 23 - 1 Kings 12-14: Jeroboam Sets a New Record for Sinning Against God

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 12-14

The Message

English Standard Version

Today we begin the divided kingdom section in the history of the Jews. We now have two kings to keep track of. This becomes confusing, especially since the reigns did not always begin and end at the same time. Since we are reading chronologically, some of the confusion will be taken out. However, the two books (1 Kings then 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles) will overlap. When they do, I will summarize and comment on the life of one king the first day (today will be Jeroboam) and the other king the next day (Rehoboam).

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jeroboam was taken from nothing, given most of the kingdom of David, the man who received a promise from God, and then caused Israel to worship other gods.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

As promised, God took the kingdom away from Solomon's son. Jeroboam became king over 10 tribes.
Jeroboam worried Israel would reunify. He changed Israel's worship, built two golden calves, multiple shrines and appointed unworthy priests—blatantly sinning against God.
God sent a messenger to condemn the new altar at Bethel. A king would sacrifice its prophets there.
An old prophet of God came and tricked the messenger to his death.
Jeroboam did not change.
Jeroboam sent his wife to Ahijah on behalf of his son. Ahijah told her God would punish Jeroboam's entire household with death. His son died.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Jeroboam forsook God because of his unwillingness to trust God's promise.

God gave Jeroboam a kingdom—David's kingdom. Yet that promise was not sufficient for Jeroboam. He had to prevent Israel from going to Jerusalem to worship. So he instead erected altars to other gods and appointed unholy people as priests for these new gods. Saul's reign ended because he would not wait to worship God the correct way. Jeroboam not only lost the kingdom for his lineage, he forfeited the lives of all his servants! When we regard our position higher than our faithfulness to God we are on the road to death. We may not die as Jeroboam died, but we cannot be on the road to life.

The story of the holy man of God who went to Jeroboam is one of the saddest stories in the Bible.

He is one of the most pitiable people in the Bible. He was willing to stand before the king of Israel and condemn the king's actions. He was willing to obey God's instructions. His problem was believing in the wrong person. The person he believed in told a great lie. Unfortunately it turned out to be the mistake that took his life. Beware when someone, even a person who proclaims to be from God, tells you to go against God's direct commands. It may be a test to see if you trust God.

What is your highest record of sin? (Don't answer that)

June 21 - 1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9: Solomon's World-Famous Wisdom and Foreign-God-Serving Wives

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading brings us to the end of Solomon's life. Unfortunately, his life does not end as well as his father's.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Riches did not corrupt Solomon's values. Foreign women who worshiped other gods did.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

The queen of Sheba came to test Solomon. He exceeded her expectations.
Solomon received massive amounts of gifts from the kings who flocked to Jerusalem.
Solomon obsessed over women. He married 700 and had 1000 concubines. He married from the people God warned Israel against. They eroded his faithfulness and he erected shrines to their gods.
God informed Solomon that David's promise kept him on his throne; however, Solomon's son would be the king of only one tribe.
God informed Jeroboam that he would reign over 10 tribes. Solomon's assassination attempt failed.
Solomon reigned in Israel 40 years and died.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God gave Solomon everything he could possibly imagine.

God came to Solomon and allowed his request for wisdom. Because Solomon asked for wisdom and not lesser blessings God granted him all of the other blessings. He became the richest, most respected, and wisest king. Silver was considered gravel it was so common. Kings flocked to Jerusalem not to overtake it but to sit at his table and learn. When God's People learn God's precepts, the entire world will want to sit and learn.

Solomon's downfall came because of foreign women, not riches.

Solomon ignored God's warnings not to marry the people who originally lived in the land of Canaan. God was very specific not to "marry your sons to their women, women who take up with any convenient god or goddess and will get your sons to do the same thing" (Exodus 34:16, The Message). This happened in Israel's early history and they were punished. The problem was not the number of women Solomon married. The problem was his choice of women. God's Chosen People should not marry people who are not converted to God setting all things right.
Let me reiterate what I wrote earlier in the year. The story of Solomon does not focus on your local congregation, denomination, or religion. Solomon's story warns against people who are not willing to join God setting all things right. They join with any group. I think Solomon built these shrines because he wanted to please his wives, not because he was convinced these gods were more powerful than God. Yet because he did this God took the kingdom from his sons and gave 10 tribes to Jeroboam.

What do you think of Solomon's life?

June 16 - 1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8: Solomon Organizes His Kingdom

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God would punish Solomon's descendents based on their disobedience but would bless them based on David's obedience.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God impressed upon Solomon the importance of obedience. If Solomon and/or his descendents obeyed God they would be blessed with God's presence. If they disobeyed, God would tear down Solomon's throne and His temple and send Israel into captivity.
Hiram wished for more important cities for his reward; however, he received what he received.
Pharaoh gave his daughter, the wife of Solomon, the land of Gezer. Solomon rebuilt it.
Solomon reinitiated the Canaanite-forced-labor agreement. Full-blooded Israelites manned government positions.
Solomon was greatly blessed with wealth and ships. Hiram sent sailors to help build Solomon's fleet.
Solomon continued to obey God.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God would not spare his own Temple built by the chosen king in the chosen land He gave to His Chosen People.

(Repeated from Friday's comments)
Reminiscent to Moses' words to Israel prior to entering Canaan, God presents both sides of the coin to being His Chosen People. There are great and wondrous promises—land, peace, prosperity, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. They would become an example to the nations, a testament to their god's Awesome Blessings. There are also equally great and wondrous punishments—persecution, captivity, destruction, and ruin. They would become an example to the nations, a testament to their god's Awesome Judgment. Even the Temple that Solomon built would not stand if they did not obey God. Warning: Those who take up with God will be greatly blessed. Those who later take up with other gods will be equally punished. Remember this the next time you consider choosing to be God's Chosen Person on this earth and encourage others to become a Chosen Person on this earth. It is for anyone; but it is not for everyone.

Solomon was greatly blessed because he continued to sacrifice to God.

Sometimes I wonder "how righteous" the people in the Old Testament were. If you grew up in a church you may feel that these men and women were such "superheroes of faith" that we could never match their intensity, dedication, and ability to set things right. Fortunately, scripture does not present these people as "inventors of good" (to turn Paul's phrase on its head). Solomon, the son of the man after God's own heart, was greatly blessed because he "kept to the regular schedule of worship set down by Moses" and "followed the practice of his father David in setting up groups of priests carrying out the work of worship" (2 Chronicles 8:13-14, The Message). If you want to be righteous and do not know where to start, begin with what has been passed down through scripture and your tradition. By doing this you will see ways to mature and add to your worship ways to set things right.

Are you keeping what has been passed down through scripture and tradition?

June 13 - 1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5: The Pinnacle of Ancient Israel: the Dedication of the Temple

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

This could possibly be the peak for the Israelites as a culture and a nation.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Solomon brought the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple with multitudes of sacrifices.
God entered the Temple, ending all other work by the priests.
Solomon blessed God for his peaceful kingdom. He prayed:
"God, keeper of all promises if we obey, are You really moving into our neighborhood? Stay forever!
"We will sin. You will punish us with plagues, drought, and captivity. When we return our hearts, return our land. Foreigners, attracted by your majesty and grace, will turn their hearts and prayers to You. Hear their cry, too!"
Solomon charged Israel with these words and sent them home.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Obedience (not perfection) unlocks God's promises and returns God's favor.

Solomon makes this clear when he mentions David's promise, "You'll always have a descendant to represent my rule on Israel's throne, on the condition that your sons are as careful to live obediently in my presence as you have" (1 Kings 8:25, The Message), and in his prayer to God for the removal of punishments,

then they pray at this place, acknowledging your rule and quitting their sins because you have scourged them, listen from your home in heaven, forgive the sins of your servants, your people Israel. Then start over with them: Train them to live right and well. (8:35-36)

Solomon understood that God would punish His Chosen People. But punishment would not be the final word! If Israel learned from their mistakes and tried to follow God again, Solomon called on God to save and return Israel to their land. Obedience brings God's blessings into fruition. If you are being punished, obedience and a contrite heart will restore God's blessings.

God's reputation attracts foreigners.

In his dedication prayer, Solomon specifically mentions the foreigner who "has come from a far country because of your reputation" (8:41). Solomon wants God to bless the foreigner, too, because God blesses anyone and doesn't differentiate between the Chosen and the non-Chosen. The entire world praises Him because of His mighty works!
What does this mean for churches today? At first it seems to be obvious—God blesses anyone who prays to Him, regardless of their "Chosen" status. Although this may seem easy to comprehend the implications of it are difficult for Christians. Christians do not hold a monopoly on God's blessings. We have spent so much time focusing on what Solomon said about Israel that we forget to read the section on foreigners. God's name is famous around the world because of His wondrous works. Anyone who wishes to set things right on this earth does so with His help, even if they do not acknowledge it openly.

Are you bringing God's blessings into fruition?

June 12 - 1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4: Solomon Finishes God's House, Builds His Own

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading also has a lot of technical details. However, I do not want you to miss these, since they include the details of how the Temple of God was built by Solomon. If you get bogged down in the detail remember there will not be a test at the end of the reading.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

No expenses were withheld—Solomon made the Temple for God a wonder to behold.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Solomon continued building: a judgment hall lined with cedars, magnificent houses for his wife (Pharaoh's daughter) and himself. Each one spared no expense in the smallest detail. These buildings took 13 years to finish.
Solomon sent for Hiram (the Israelite, not the king of Tyre) to produce bronze furnishings for the Temple. They created several large items out of bronze to support the Temple's weight and to put inside. They made so many utensils from bronze they could not weigh them properly to ascertain the exact value. This finished the construction of God's Temple.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Solomon spared no expense to build his houses.

God blessed Solomon greater than any of his predecessors. Solomon uses this wealth both to build a Temple to honor God and build houses for himself and his wife, Pharaoh's daughter. When God blesses you greatly, after you bless God you can live in luxury, too! All luxurious living is not righteous living; all righteous people do not live in poverty. Neither extreme is correct. If we received our riches honestly and honor God first, luxury can be a blessing from God.

What do you think of Solomon's homes and the Temple?

June 11 - 1 Kings 5-6; 2 Chronicles 2-3: Solomon Builds a Temple in Honor of God

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 5-6; 2 Chronicles 2-3

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading has a lot of technical details. However, I do not want you to miss these, since they include the details of how the Temple of God was built by Solomon. If you get bogged down in the details remember there will not be a test at the end of the post.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God would reside with the Israelites if they obeyed Him, not if they built Him a lavish house.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Solomon enjoyed peace.
He sent letters to Hiram, king of Tyre, requesting materials and skilled labor to build a magnificent temple to honor God, since God is magnificent. Hiram praised Solomon for his wisdom and sent the needed materials along with Huram-Abi, a highly-skilled man, to supervise. Solomon sent grain and olive oil to Hiram as payment.
Thousands of Israelites readied raw materials. The materials were cut to spec offsite to reverence the site. The work took seven years.
During construction God came to Solomon and gave a covenant that if Israel obeyed God He would live with them.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The Temple honored God's name because God's name is greater than all other gods.

This distinction is important for that time period. Temples were meant to be places where the gods literally lived; however, the Temple Solomon built was meant to honor God or be in God's name. Solomon is adamant about this:

The house I am building has to be the best, for our God is the best, far better than competing gods. But who is capable of building such a structure? Why, the skies - the entire cosmos! - can't begin to contain him. And me, who am I to think I can build a house adequate for God - burning incense to him is about all I'm good for! (2 Chronicles 2:5-6, The Message)

He understood the enormity of his task and asked for Hiram's help. Hiram previously helped David build his house, so Solomon calls on their old family friend to help. God deserved a place to honor His Name because God is greater than all other gods!

Hiram, a non-Israelite, honored God because Solomon honored God.

We have seen non-Israelites honor God in the past. Hiram saw Solomon's wisdom and knew the source—the God of Israel. His reply summarized in 2 Chronicles 2:11, "It's plain that God loves his people - he made you king over them!" provides an excellent example of how people who are not God's Chosen People can understand and honor God when His Chosen People honor Him. When God's Chosen People honor God the whole world will notice.

The importance of the Temple was not its structure but its symbolism.

God comes to Solomon and tells him that the importance of the Temple did not lie in its existence, beauty, or intricate design. The importance of the Temple was the sign that God lived with His Chosen People when they obeyed Him. A temple without obedience would be no help to Israel (as we will see in the months ahead). God would reside with Israel because they loved Him, not because they built a lavish house for Him.
Our temple today, our bodies, should also mirror that sentiment. If we set things right on this earth God will resides in our temples, our bodies. God will not reside with us if our bodies are not used to set things right, no matter how beautiful, strong, or adorned it may be.

Do you set things right on the earth with your temple?

May 31 - 1 Kings 3-4; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72: Solomon Asks for God's Wisdom to Set All Things Right

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 3-4; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72

The Message

English Standard Version

Today marks five months and 150 days of reading the Bible through in a year! Keep going, you're almost halfway.

Today we begin reading 2 Chronicles. It will lead us through the life of Solomon, the split kingdom, Israel's downfall, and Jerusalem's eventual destruction. Since it chronicles similar events to the books of 1 and 2 Kings (along with several of the prophets) it will take almost three months to finish it.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God blesses Solomon with all of the perks of setting things right because he asked for the wisdom to set all things right.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Solomon arranged peace with Pharaoh. He sacrificed 1000 animals to God. That night, God informed Solomon he would receive anything he asked. Humbled by his position, he asked for God's wisdom. God granted it.
Two prostitutes fought over a child. Solomon suggested splitting the child in half. The real mother willingly gave up her claim to save him, so Solomon gave the boy to her. Everyone in Israel stood in amazement at Solomon's wisdom.
Solomon's house and city were filled with people and great riches. Solomon's wisdom surpassed that of any sage from any place in the world. Trade flourished.

Psalm (P)Synopsis

Psalm 72

In this Solomon psalm, he writes in honor of his request given to God. He asks for wisdom, protection for the poor, and justice to tyrants. The enemies of God will fall because God will help all people. May God live and never be forgotten! Blessed is God! Yes!

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God chose the best son of David.

David's sons are not known for being very moral people. One son raped his sister and two sons stole his throne before he died. Solomon, however, is completely different. He is so humbled by his position of authority that he wants God's help to rule. When God chooses a leader, He has chosen the best.

Solomon asked for the wisdom to set all things right. So God gave him the perks of setting things right.

Solomon's request was for a higher blessing because the other blessings would have set some things right but only for a short time. Instead, Solomon wanted to set all things right:

Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people? (1 Kings 3:9, The Message)

Ask God for blessings that will set all things right.
All of the other blessings of money, wealth, fame, the doom of his enemies, and long life were given to Solomon because they are the result of setting things right. They may not be universal or the only things you receive when you set things right; nonetheless, the troubles that you receive when you set things right pale in comparison in the end. When we set things right, we will receive fame, fortune, long life, and the downfall of our enemies.

Solomon's decision in the dispute between the two prostitutes set things right.

What at first may seem a barbarous act, cutting a child in half, in reality was the decision that set things right. The true mother was willing to give up her claim on the boy to save his life. Because of her willingness to sacrifice herself instead of her son, Solomon settled the dispute in the right way—reuniting mother and son. In any dispute, seek the decision that will set things right—even if it may be strange or counterintuitive.

Solomon was greatly blessed by God.

God promised Israel that if they gave to the poor He would bless them to the point that

there would be no poor among them. Because of Solomon's great wisdom and humility God's blessing came true—the city became so blessed by God that there were virtually no poor people in the city. When God's People seek God's wisdom and act upon it, there will be no needy people among them.

All of the world will fall down and worship God because of His greatness.

Kings far and famous, rich and powerful, polytheists and atheists will worship because they see God's great works,

Because he rescues the poor at the first sign of need,
   the destitute who have run out of luck.
He opens a place in his heart for the down-and-out,
   he restores the wretched of the earth.
He frees them from tyranny and torture—
   when they bleed, he bleeds;
   when they die, he dies. (72:12-14, The Message) 

The greatest part is that this god is our god! How blessed is God, our god! All earth shows His Glory! Yes!

What would you ask for if God were willing to grant anything you asked?

May 29 - 1 Kings 1-2; Psalms 37, 71, 94: Solomon Carries Out David's Last Wishes

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 1-2; Psalm 37, 71, 94

The Message

English Standard Version

We begin 1 Kings. It records the death of David and the life of Solomon. It continues on through the divided kingdom up until the death of Ahab. Today we say goodbye to the greatest king of Israel, David.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

David uses Solomon to bring judgment on his old enemies.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

David's servants brought the virgin Abishag to keep him warm.
Adonijah, spoiled by David, called himself king with Joab's and Abiathar's approval. David repeated his promise to make Solomon king with a parade in Solomon's honor to proclaim his legitimacy.
Adonijah begged for his life. Solomon granted it.
As David lay dying, he made Solomon promise to uphold God's commands and avenge those who hurt him in the past.
Adonijah was executed while asking for Abishag's hand in marriage. Abiathar was exiled. Joab was executed. Shimei violated the terms of his house arrest and was executed.
Solomon reigned in peace.

Psalm (P)Synopsis

Psalm 37

David warns against envying wicked people. If you bring yourself before God humble, open, and righteous your enemies will soon be gone. The wicked are obsessed with hurting the righteous, but in the end they become comical farces. God never abandons His People when they obey Him. God grants a protected, safe life.

Psalm 71

The author runs to God for salvation from the wicked, bad bullies. Since childhood God has never abandoned His People. Don’t start now! The author wants to sing a song of praise to God while those who oppose God are ashamed.

Psalm 94

God, how long will you sit idly by while the wicked get away with murder? You idiots, you think God doesn't know what you do? Blessed are those who are trained by God. He was on my side when I needed Him. Nothing can defeat or trick God.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Once again, David's sons cause him problems.

Once again, David's lack of disciplining his children hurts his kingdom. David already had one son rape his sister and another son take his throne. Now Adonijah has disregarded his father's wishes and made himself king. Parents, discipline your children to prevent headaches in the future.

Joab has turned against David.

You might feel sorry for Joab because he fought for David for so long. He even followed David's orders to take a census of Israel's fighting men. Then Joab was embarrassingly demoted when he killed the traitor Absalom. One cannot help but think that all of these issues led to Joab siding with Adonijah. However, Joab was not a great man. He murdered Abner when he came to discuss peace with David. He killed Amasa as they went to war against Sheba the traitor. Joab was a complex man, but David's and Joab's disdain for each other prevented good communication. Treat your greatest friends with care, they can become your greatest enemies. In Joab and David's case, this enmity caused the death of the former because of the promise made to the latter by his son.

David's last words to Solomon are similar to God's justice.

David's last will and testament to Solomon isn't for the weak. David wants to punish Joab and Shimei because they sinned. Joab murdered two men in cold blood. Shimei cursed David. However, he also blessed the sons of Barzillai. This mirror's God's setting things right because the ones who were guilty were punished but the sons of the righteous were blessed. God will punish all of those who are guilty but bless the offspring of those who are righteous. Before we focus on God's punishment let's consider God's blessings on those who have not earned their blessings.

Solomon carries out justice with mercy.

He does not execute Abiathar because he was God's man even though Abiathar sided with Adonijah. This also fulfilled God's prophecy to Eli that his family would no longer serve as priests. Joab, however, would not be spared. He had killed during peacetime, so he must be punished,

Absolve me and my father’s family of the guilt from Joab’s senseless murders. God is avenging those bloody murders on Joab’s head. Two men he murdered, men better by far than he ever was …. Responsibility for their murders is forever fixed on Joab and his descendants; but for David and his descendants, his family and kingdom, the final verdict is God’s peace. (2:31-33, The Message)

Shimei is allowed to live but is under city arrest. When he violated his terms of arrestment he is punished. Setting things right does not always lead to the absolution of punishment; however, punishments can be lessened.

Envy what is God's and try to succeed by His ways.

If you want to succeed, follow the actions of those who have a long reputation of success. God has an eternity of success. The wicked have a short-spanned success story that ends badly. Don't succeed like them! Envy God's success and emulate His actions to succeed.

God's People will never be in the streets.

This may sound like an overstatement. It also smacks of the Prosperity Gospel that is going throughout the world. However, we must read this as it is meant, as a comparison of God's ways to the wicked's ways. No person that obeys God goes hungry, not because they will always have high-paying jobs that give them lots of disposable income. God's People will never go hungry and live in the street because they are part of a community that sets things right through sharing God's blessings with each other. When we see people who want to go at life alone they may find themselves alone and unable to provide for themselves. When this happens, the best course of action is to surround them with a community. I am a living testament that God's people will never be in the street. When I needed help surviving I have always had a group of God's people willing to help us through. Someday I hope to do the same.

God will never abandon His People!