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.
Understanding to grow in
With Solomon, Israel's golden age begins. The Lord is with him. And he is the ideal king, asking the Lord for wisdom when he could have asked for anything. Here, the stress in this section is on his piety more than his greatness. He sets about constructing the temple, confessing the Lord's supremacy, yet acknowledging he cannot be contained by a building. But we also see Solomon is served by those from the nations (2v11, 17). The Israelite who knew the scriptures must have wondered if he was the ruler Jacob promised would receive the obedience of the nations (Gen 49v10), which might also make him the offspring of Abraham to bring blessing to the world (Gen 12v1-9), and the descendent of Eve to crush the serpent and reverse the curse on the earth (Gen 3v15)! Much expectation then. But we know it was just a shadow of Christ - the wisdom of God, who is served by those of faith from the nations, who builds the church as the temple-place God lives, and who displays perfect love towards him. What comfort when things are hard, to remember that we e are priveledged to live in the real golden age. As you read note the hints of Christ.2 Chronicles 1-2
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.