1 Kings 12 – 1 Kings 14
Enter the kings . . . Jeroboam, Rehoboam and many more yet to come.
Several years ago I worked on putting together a confirmation study guide for my youth. As we read through the the various kings, perhaps you’ll want to print it off and follow along. Pay key attention to the key words “Did what was evil in the eyes of God.” This isn’t going to be a pretty journey for our faithful Israelites.
Peace,
Pastor Bailey
Our next reading: 1 Kings 15 – 17
1 Kings 10 – 1 Kings 11
Why Solomon? Why? Why? Why?
God’s Spirit gifted you with so much. You had all the wisdom. You had all the knowledge. You had wealth, power, and might. You had absolutely everything. You were blessed in ways that many of us could only imagine. Since you had it all, we can only ponder . . . why Solomon? Why? Why? Why did you have to think with your head? (At this point I’m not referring to the one on his shoulders.)
I can’t even say “typical guy!” Because there is nothing typical about having 700 wives and 300 concubines. How do you even begin to manage that household? Do you have to book an appointment years in advance? Is this a constant breakfast, lunch, and dinner date? Not to mention, 1 Kings 11:4 states “when Solomon was old,” all within the same context of his many wives and concubines. So an aged king that can . . . ? Really? Wow! How? Oh, never mind in the end it all boils down to “Why Solomon? Why? Why? Why did you have to think with your (other) head?”
After all God blessed you with! After all of God’s divine guidance and provision! Now, we come to realize that Solomon isn’t as great as we might think for his true weakness is women. Women who lead him astray. So far astray that he builds temples to the false gods of the surrounding countries. If only Nathan the Prophet were still alive. How would he respond at this moment? I am reminded of 2 Samuel 12:7, as Nathan cries out: “You are the man,” after David’s affair with Bathsheba. Guess the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree on this one. In the end, if Nathan were around, I could imagine something much more to the point, as Solomon begins his downward spiral.
This spiral will be on a downward turn for quiet some time. For now the kingdom is torn. The fall into lust, greed, wickedness, selfishness only grows. The sin of the Nation of Israel will continue to grow and grow especially as it will soon fall into the hands of the rest of the kings. Like a balloon, being trust full of air with each sinful leader, you can imagine how this is all going to end! Which leads me back to that opening thought of today . . . . why Solomon? Why? Why? Why did you have to think with your (other) head?
Peace,
Pastor Bailey
Our next reading: 1 Kings 12 – 14
1 kings 8 – 1 Kings 9
The Temple is established! The Ark makes it way into the holy of holies! These are all great accomplishments for Kings Solomon. Yet as I read, I see greater accomplishments at work well beyond the physical structures that Solomon is being recognized for. In my opinion, the greatest accomplishments come in knowing that Israel is now being recognized and respected by the nations of the world.
Everywhere we turn, with every people they encounter, the name of God is recognized by the power and might of this now great nation of Israel. While it’s been a long road, and many generations have passed, the promises made to Abraham are now truly being realized as Isreal secures itself as one of the great nations of the world.
Peace,
Pastor Bailey
Our next reading: 1 Kings 10 – 11
2 Kings 6 – 2 Kings 7
Solomon’s temple is build! In all its glory, in all its splendor, Solomon is able to accomplish what his father, King David, could only dream of. For Jerusalem, it was a image to behold. For Israel, it was a beacon of hope. For the world, it was a reminder of the power of God. Everything about the Temple echoed the awesome acts of God’s goodness and mercy. I am sure it was an image for all of us to behold.
As we celebrate this moment with Israel, and rejoice in the building of the temple, my heart pours out as I sit and watch news of the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. Much like Solomon’s Temple, Notre Dame has been a image to behold. I got the joy of taking it all in and worshiping there while on a High School International trip. It was beautiful. Now, we watch devastation take hold of this symbol of hope that has served as an emblem of faith for Paris, France, and much of the world. This recognized beacon of faith has been calling Christians and all the faithful to a deeper relationship with God for more than 800 years. What an unfortunate loss! Together we grieve this tragedy, and pray that as Easter approaches that new life can be found in the midst of the dust and ash that now surrounds this beacon of faith.
Peace,
Pastor Bailey
Our next reading: 1 Kings 8-9
1 Kings 3 – 1 Kings 5
I’m going to make the assumption that by now you may have heard that Disney is releasing “Aladdin” and will come out in theaters May 24. I haven’t made up my mind if I want to go and see it yet. Part of me wants to hold on the joy of the 1992 animated film. Regardless of whether or not you plan on seeing the film, I am certain that it will spark some conversations over that age old question, “If you found a genie in the bottle, what three wishes would you ask for?”
Then, what if you only had one wish to be granted? What would it be? I’d probably ask for wealth. That might surprise you, and I’m not trying to be greedy. Yet, with two growing boys and college drawing ever closer, I know that there never seems to be enough to go around. Indeed we are blessed, but a few extra zeros in the bank account wouldn’t hurt either.
Solomon is posed with that very question. He has inherited the throne and God is willing to grant him one thing to help see his reign well into the future. Amazingly, Solomon asks for wisdom! What a bold response!! Because he doesn’t ask for all of the selfish things that you and I might tend to ask for, God rewards him with wisdom, honor, riches, and everything else to go with it. What a blessing!
Now off to search for my genie in the bottle!
Peace,
Pastor Bailey
Our next reading: 1 Kings 6 – 7
1 Kings 1 – 1 Kings 2
The tone is set for the rest of our reading through 1st and 2nd Kings. Scandal, betrayal, back handed demeanor . . . We found that all in these first two chapters, and I suppose we should get used to it, because we are going to see plenty of it.
The plot thickens! Can you tell! I promise it will get even better as the rest of the kings unfold.
Peace,
Pastor Bailey
Our next reading: 1 Kings 3 – 5
2 Samuel 22 – 2 Samuel 24
Our reading through the book of 2nd Samuel comes to a rather anti-climatic ending. For all of the joys and struggles that David faced throughout these readings, 2 Samuel seems to dwindle away with out any major to do. Some of that might be intentional. If we look back to when we started 1 Samuel, I made mention that what we know as 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings are each a part of what was once a much longer single composition. Perhaps the best way for us to think of the rather lack luster ending it by turning the page to keep on reading.
One other note to highlight as David takes a census. Did you notice the mention of “Israel” and “Judah”? (2 Samuel 24:1-9) The nation of God’s people is divided, even while under the single rule of King David. This is a key fact to hold on to as we begin reading 1 & 2 Kings . Division is coming and its not going to be pretty. Then of course we have the kings . . . and lets just say their are going to be a lot of dark days ahead.
Peace,
Pastor Bailey
Our next reading: 1 Kings 1-2
2 Samuel 19 – 2 Samuel 21
As 2 Samuel is about to come to a close, I’ve realized that we haven’t listened in to our friends over at thebibleproject.com for a while. Let’s check out their summary on 1 and 2 Samuel. Hope you enjoy!
One more thing, before we close our thoughts for today . . .
Peace,
Pastor Bailey
Our next reading: 2 Samuel 22 – 24
2 Samuel 16 – 2 Samuel 18
The horrendous acts of Absalom come to a horrendous end. Even with David now back upon the throne, he laments the loss of Absalom, and the rest of his family, as he returns to Jerusalem with very little. I would imagine our great and mighty king, feels a bit small at the moment. Yet his faithfulness is still to be commended.
On the lighter side of things how about we turn to the Brick Testament for there version of Absalom’s death. Be sure to use the arrows at the top of their page to navigate the rest of the story.
Our next reading: 2 Samuel 19 – 21
2 Samuel 13 – 2 Samuel 15
Things for King David are going great! The angst experienced by the nation of Israel has come to an end for the most part. The people have a leader they have learned to trust. The aggressors nations that surround Israel have taken note of David’s might and have laid down their arms. The whole world seems to be at peace. Almost . . . .
Except for David’s family. Within the walls of David’s own palace, there is unrest that has lasting consequence!
I know my sister and I didn’t always get along, but this is a bit extreme! Why can’t we all just get along!!
Meanwhile, David is forced to live in hiding, spending his days on the run. He now lives in fear. Might I add, again. In many ways this time is not peaceful for David and it is strikingly similar to the early days of David when he lived in fear of Saul. Still, David remains faithful. You’ve got to give him credit for that! If only we could be as faithful!
If there is anything to take away from today’s reading it would be this. Together, we realize how fragile family relationship really are and that power, whether physical or emotional, has the potential to destroy the strongest of relationships, even that of the greatest king!
Peace,
Pastor Bailey
Our next reading: 2 Samuel 16 – 18
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