Tag Archives: 1 Kings

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 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.“

 

1 Kings 8, Mark 8

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In 1 Kings 8, Solomon blesses God at the completion of the temple, who had “fulfilled what he promised to David“. Solomon further acknowledges “there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart“. He also realised that Israel would stray from serving God, and seeks God’s forgiveness in advance, if they “acknowledge your name and turn from their sin…then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your servants.”

This is the God that we worship, a God that keeps His promises, and is merciful and loving to those that follow Him, a God that will hear when we stumble and turn again to Him.

God’s love and mercy is also seen in His son, who said to his disciples, “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat”, feeding 4000 people until they were satisfied. Jesus, who patiently educated his disciples about his future suffering, and warned them not to be like the Pharisees, also has a message for us, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”  Let’s take that advice, putting the needs of others ahead of our own, following the example that Jesus set for us.

1 Kings 6, Jeremiah 32, Mark 6

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In 1 Kings we read about the construction of the temple that Solomon built for God. It was a lavish building that took 7 years to complete, yet God makes the point that this temple wasn’t the reason God would dwell among the children of Israel.  Rather, it was conditional on them walking in God’s statutes, obeying His rules, keeping His commandments and walking in them.  As God tells Isaiah, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? … this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.“

Mark 6 describes the perfect example of such a person. Jesus, who knew God’s word so well that he could astonish the “experts” of the law, who selflessly healed “many who were sick”, who had compassion on the multitudes of people because they had no shepherd, feeding them spiritually and physically, who interrupted his night of prayer to comfort his disciples caught in a storm. In this Jesus manifested God perfectly, to whom Jeremiah exclaimed “Nothing is too hard for you. You show steadfast love to thousands“.

Let’s follow God’s advice to Solomon, and imitate Jesus’ attitude, so that together we are built up as a spiritual house for God.

1 Kings 3, Jeremiah 30

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Solomon’s response to God displayed a great attitude. “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil”.  While we’re not going to have a vision where God asks us what we want, we still have the power to make a choice in our life, whether to pursue riches and honour, or seek Godly wisdom.

We also find encouragement in the words that God gave Jeremiah. Despite Israel’s rebelliousness and sinfulness, God promises “I am with you to save you…I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal”.  The Israelites would not go unpunished for their actions, but God would still save the nation, just as He has promised to save us, if we seek Him and follow Him.