Category Archives: Bible

Jeremiah 48, 1 Corinthians 7

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God condemns Moab for their attitude and actions. They trusted in their works and treasures, famous for their pride and arrogance, magnifying themselves against God and trusting in their idol Chemosh.  Despite being descended from Lot, and God saying “I cry out for all Moab”, they were judged because of their actions. A reminder for us that salvation is not based on family or opportunity to serve God, but rather our own individual attitude and actions.

Paul reminds us that we are “bought with a price”, and that our objective is, as much as possible, to live a life of “undivided devotion to the Lord.” Although spouse, family, neighbours and friends are important, we belong to God and as such He must come first in our life.

1 Kings 19, 1 Corinthians 4-5

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Paul exhorts his readers to be imitators of him, just as child in the faith Timothy was.  Timothy was sent to the Corinthians to remind them of Paul’s ways in Christ, because Paul could not be there himself.  They were servants of Christ, and were meant to be faithful “stewards of the mysteries of God.”

Timothy meekly led by his example, and as such was like the still small voice that educated Elijah. God wasn’t in the impressive acts of power shown by the wind, earthquake or fire. Similarly our example to those around us needs to be one of gentle adherence to the same principles by which Paul and Timothy lived, that we too can be described as Paul’s “beloved and faithful child in the Lord”.

1 Kings 18, 1 Corinthians 3

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In 1 Kings 18 we read of the contrast between Baal and the true God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel. In such a direct confrontation it’s easy to see who is the true God and who is the fake god.  The true God listens to those that call on His name, controls fire and rain, whereas the idol can do none of those things. In day to day life though, it is much more subtle to determine whether we are really serving God or an idol, so this dramatic scene between Elijah and the rest of Israel also serves as a lesson for us to be sure we’re actively serving the real and living God.

Paul describes us as the temple of God, having God’s spirit dwelling in us. As a temple, we need to make sure we’re built on the right foundation, which is Jesus Christ. If we build on a foundation of earthly things, gold, silver, etc, Paul warns that under trial that foundation will collapse.

So let’s each examine our lives, ensure we’re serving the true God, and built on the solid foundation that is the life and work of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1-2

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1 Corinthians reminds us of how blessed we are. “You are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end.”  God has chosen us, the weak, the foolish, the low and despised, who have nothing to boast about in the presence of God, and offered us righteousness, sanctification and redemption.  We have hope of a future beyond our imaginations, “what no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.“

Jeremiah 42

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In Jeremiah 42, the remnant of Israelites still in the land come to Jeremiah, intreat him to pray to God on their behalf for guidance.  So Jeremiah prays to God, but doesn’t receive a response for 10 whole days. A good reminder that God rarely answers prayers straight away, that we need to have faith and patience that God has heard us and will answer our prayer in the way that is best for us.

The response from God is a great indication of God’s mercy. “If you remain in this land, then I will build you up and not pull you down…Do not fear the king of Babylon…for I am with you, to save you and to deliver you from his hand. I will grant you mercy”. Although these were not the faithful Israelites taken into captivity to be preserved, God still has mercy on them when they turn to Him. The same is true for us. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

1 Kings 15, Mark 15

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The next king over Judah after Rehoboam died was his son, Abijam. His life was summarised as “his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father. Nevertheless, for David’s sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem.” This is an illustration of God’s mercy, that a king could reign over Judah for the sake of a promise made to David, a position not based on merit. Similarly, we are part of God’s household, despite our sins, through God’s mercy shown in the sacrifice of His son.

In Mark 15 we read of that sacrifice, of the humiliation and torture Jesus endured. But we also read of the inspiration that act gave to those around him. The centurion came to realise that Jesus was the son of God. Joseph of Arimathea made a public stand for his beliefs. So let us also be inspired by Jesus’ life and sacrifice, to make a stand for our beliefs, and help others realise the mercy of God.

1 Kings 14, Mark 14

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1 Kings 14 provides insight into character of Jeroboam.  He seeks answers from the prophet of God when his son gets sick, despite having led Israel astray to serve false gods. The response indicates that, just as Jeroboam had harmed the spiritual health of Israel by turning them to idolatry, so God would bring harm on Jeroboam’s family and raise up a new king over Israel.

By contrast, Mark 14 describes a very different king. One who was anointed before his burial, who was betrayed, who struggled with his absolute submission to God’s will, yet willingly made the ultimate sacrifice.  Jesus relied on his close friends for support during this difficult time, and was disappointed when they couldn’t remain awake.

These final hours Jesus spent with his disciples before his betrayal shows how important it is to support and encourage each other, especially during trial.

1 Kings 11, Mark 11

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In 1 Kings 11, Solomon is condemned for turning away from God. Israel had been warned not to marry foreign wives , because they would turn their heart away from serving God, and this exact thing happened to Solomon. God “was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the Lord… who had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods“. Despite all his wisdom, “his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.”

By contrast, Jesus emphasises the importance of faith and prayer, using the metaphor of moving mountains to describe the power of faith. Solomon lost his faith, but we are exhorted to build on our faith. “Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love….for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.“

 

Mark 10

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“With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mankind is incapable of saving itself, but God “has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing… predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ“. We have been offered an undeserved gift, to be called God’s children, made righteous through our faith. Let’s be guided by that knowledge in our life, willing to leave behind all that this world offers, content in the certainty of our eternal inheritance made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Jeremiah 35

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Through Jeremiah, God commends the family of Rechab for their faithfulness, in contrast to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. The Rechabites lived as sojourners, with neither houses or crops, putting their faith and trust in God to provide for them.  “The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have kept the command that their father gave them, but this people has not obeyed me.“

Their faithfulness is an example to us as much as it was to the Israelites, highlighting the importance of listening to and trusting in God, knowing that He has “granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us“.