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
Today we need to get our bearings in Bible history. God had promised Abraham descendents as numerous as the sand on the seashore - a great nation of people to live in a sort of paradise place under his rule. Moreover, he promised that through this nation the world would experience the blessing of favour with God that Abraham enjoyed because of his faith, and that one of his offspring would be at the heart of that (Gen 12v1-7). Later we learnt that individual would be a king from the tribe of Judah who would receive the obedience of the nations, and one of David's descendents (Gen 49v10, 2 Sam 7v12-16). With this in mind as you read about Solomon, you can't help wonder whether he is that individual. 4v20 is inended to show the promise to Abraham is being fulfilled. In faithfulness to his word, God has formed the people (Genesis 12-Exodus 15), established his rule (Exodus 16-Leviticus), taken them into his place (Deuteronomy-Joshua), and brought to the throne a king (Judges-1 Kings 5) that even the nations honour and serve (4v34-5v7). Looking further back than Abraham, you wonder whether Solomon might even be the sperpent-crusher of Genesis 3v15 who will defeat Satan and establish a perfect kingdom throughout the earth. We will see that he is not. But he patterns the one who is. If his rule was marked by wise organisation and eager service as we read here, how much more should Christ's in the church. As you read note the marks of Solomon's kingdom.
1 Kings 4-5
1 Kings 4-5
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.