the LORD watching

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138211 Kings 15:25-16:34

A long succession of apostate and violent kings ends with the worst of them all: Ahab.  Each line sought to outdo themselves in bringing in more bloodshed and idolatry.  Most were assassinated, and the assassin became king afterward.  The LORD was there, watching.  He was holding each responsible for following the failures of those they replaced.  The LORD is looking for spiritual integrity and peace.  If he does not find it in our hearts, he will not grant it to our land.

LORD, find peace in us, and grant it to us.

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a hero among zeroes

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138281 Kings 14:21-15:24

Just when you think things are never going to get better for this divided nation, king Asa appears.  He makes attempts to defeat the idolatry that was destroying his people, and invests in the protection of Judah instead of its downfall.  He was a hero among zeroes.

Thank you,  LORD, for people like Asa, who make the best of trying times.

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seeking God too late

Posted on October 21, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138381 Kings 14:1-20

Jeroboam sends his wife in disguise and with a bribe to gain the prophet’s favor for his sick son.  He had spent his life serving himself and spurning the LORD, but he has a need now, and so he runs to God.  It did not work.  The judgment was even more severe than it might have been since Jeroboam sought to manipulate the LORD.  Give God your allegiance and time today.  Tomorrow you may have run out of time.

LORD, before the storm comes, we run to you for refuge.

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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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