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
Leadership can change the fate of a nation dramatically. Chapter 9 recounts Solomon's greatness. As was always God's intent for Israel and her kings, he receives acknowledgment from the nations, seen particularly in the Queen of Sheba praising God for establishing Solomon's throne and granting him the wisdom to reign in righteousness. 9v22-24 sums it up: He was "greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth." Indeed, they sought his counsel and brought him tribute. So under him Israel was blessed. But all changes with Rehoboam. He ignores his father's counsellors for that of the young and inexperienced. He therefore lacks wisdom and righteousness. And it leads to a split in the kingdom. The tribe of Judah remains with Solomon's line (with Benjamin joining) as the southern kingdom (then known as Judah), and the other ten tribes follow Jeroboam as the northern kingdom (then known as Israel). We learn from elsewhere that this was a judgment on Solomon for turning away from the Lord. But Chronicles is not concerned with this. Here, the emphasis is on the fault of Rehoboam, bringing home just how much Israel needs a wise and righteous king if it is to be united and prosper in the way the Lord intended. And so, we thank him for sending us the Lord Jesus, who is titled "the wisdom of God" and "holy and righteous one." He will never fail or die as Solomon did. And needs no counsellors. So under him, we will find unity and spiritually prosper in this life and that to come. As you read note how Israel were blessed under Solomon.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.