Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
There is always the temptation to consider ourselves kings rather than the Lord's anointed. 1v6 hints that Adonijah's rebellion flowed from a failure to parent him properly, the arrogance that can go with good looks, and the self-importance of station in life. Still these things can make someone more likely to reject Christ. What follows clarifies that Solomon was the chosen successor to David, who like Christ is ready to show mercy to the repentant rebel. This lineage to Jesus needs comment. He is not only descended from Rahab the canaanite prosititute and Ruth the moabitess, but from Bathsheba - a woman taken through adultery, deception and murder (Mat 1v5-6). By identifying Christ with such people even before his birth, we can have no doubt that he accepts all into his family, no matter what their race or how serious their sin. David's charge to Solomon reminds him that his rule depends on his righteousness as God had said (2 Sam 7v14), and he instructs him to display mercy to those who embraced David as God's king, and justice to those who didn't. These remain the only two possible ends for how we respond to Jesus. As you read note what we learn about Solomon.
1 Kings 1:1-2:12
1 Kings 1:1-2:12
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.