the lure of fellowship

Posted on October 20, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138421 Kings 13

The prophet’s instructions from the LORD were designed to keep him from being corrupted by the inhabitants of Bethel and to reverse his prediction.  So, the LORD commands him not to eat anything, and to return to Judah using a different route, not to retrace his steps. The prophet had no trouble standing up to Jeroboam, refusing to take his bribe.  But his integrity failed him when lured by the prospect of fellowship with another prophet.  In the end, he disobeys.  In fact, the only creatures who remain obedient in this narrative are the lion and the loyal donkey.  God’s specific commands are not gray areas. 

LORD, help us to avoid putting ourselves in situations where we would be tempted to compromise.

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practical issues

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138451 Kings 12:16-33

As soon as the ten northern tribes separated themselves from Rehoboam, their new king Jeroboam instituted a new religious culture for them.  He knew that their allegiance to the LORD would incline their hearts toward Jerusalem.  It is amazing how quickly a nation can turn against its God.  It is always practical issues that serve as catalysts. 

LORD, no matter who leads us, no matter what our circumstances, may we stay true to you.

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the price of popularity

Posted on October 18, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138451 Kings 12:1-15

We are not told what Rehoboam’s motive was for refusing to follow the advice of the old men.  We might assume that he wanted to be popular with the younger generation, and show strength.  Bad call.  But God was in it, because he had determined to judge Solomon’s house.  Sometimes popularity comes at too great a price.

LORD, give us wisdom to serve those we lead.

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adversaries

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138501 Kings 11

In spite of his great wisdom and riches, Solomon did not stay true to the Davidic covenant.  He brought in foreign wives, and capitulated to their idolatry, building places of worship for such despicable deities as Chemosh and Molech.  The LORD punished Solomon, but he did not take away his prosperity, his wisdom, or his life.  Instead, the LORD provided adversaries who were a constant reminder to Solomon that things were not right. Three are mentioned in this chapter: Hadad, Rezon, and Jeroboam.

LORD, give us true wisdom to listen to you, and turn before your judgment comes upon us.

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taking her breath away

Posted on October 16, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC13852b 1 Kings 9:10-10:29

What did it take to make the Queen of Sheba breathless?  She had seen prosperity and fame before.  But she saw in Solomon some things that impressed her.  He had a wisdom that was more than just window dressing.  He could answer all her test questions.  He was the real deal.  Also, she looked at his servants and officials.  They were genuinely happy.  It was not a show.   Israel had truly been blessed, and their joy reflected well on the reputation of their LORD.

LORD, may our joy show the watching world that you are good.

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no carte blanche

Posted on October 15, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138601 Kings 9:1-9

The LORD decided to honor Solomon’s prayer dedicating the newly built temple.  It is always the sovereign LORD’s prerogative to do so.  Yet Solomon did not have carte blanche to do as he pleased.  He had to live up to the standard integrity that the LORD accepted, and so did the nation.  If ever Solomon or Israel turned away from God and served idols, this blessing and this temple would fall.  The Babylonian captivity and the destruction of Solomon’s temple by Nebuchadnezzar would be signs of God’s faithfulness to himself.

LORD, help us to live up to your standard of integrity, and stay away from other gods.

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the place of grace

Posted on October 14, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138611 Kings 8:22-66

Solomon’s prayer of dedication begins by simply asking God to hear the prayers of the righteous, and give them justice when they pray toward the temple in Jerusalem.  But then he asks the LORD to go one step further.  He asks God to favor his people with his grace when they sin, and then, realizing their sin, they repent.  The temple is the direction of grace.  The presence of God (which the temple represents) is the place of grace.

LORD, forgive us. We need your grace.

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stolen artifacts

Posted on October 13, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138621 Kings 8:1-21

When Solomon had the ark brought to the temple in Jerusalem, only the two tablets of stone were in it.  Aaron’s rod and the jar of manna were missing.  Perhaps someone alone the way thought that these items might be valuable or bring good fortune.  At any rate, the real value was not in the symbols of God’s presence and power – it was in the presence itself.

LORD, may we cling to your person, not to symbols of your power.

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quality that lasts

Posted on October 12, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138641 Kings 7

Solomon’s building projects were works of art.  He took all the time he needed to get the work done right.  He employed the best help there was to employ.  He used the best materials, so that what he did would last, and retain its value.  In this age of cheap materials, quick fixes and multiple distractions, we could learn a lot from this ancient king.

LORD, keep us on focus, that what we do with our lives lasts beyond them.

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building the LORD’s temple

Posted on October 11, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138651 Kings 6

The process of discipleship is very much like that of Solomon building the LORD’s temple.

  1. It is costly.
  2. Much of the work is done away from the public eye.
  3. It is detailed work, with great care taken for each aspect.
  4. It is time-consuming. It cannot be done quickly.

LORD, give us a passion for building your temple within ourselves today.

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