Read 1 Kings 17.
Three acts of God with varying different responses.
Even after the death of his son, proving the word of God to be accurate, King Ahab of Israel did not repent of his sin. But God acted and sent the Prophet Elijah to announce that rain would be withheld for three years. The drought was devastating to the entire nation. Everyone suffered.
God instructed Elijah to cross the Jordan River and leave the country. There God provided for him. Next, God sent Elijah to Zarephath and have a widow take care of him.
The unnamed widow was destitute. Due to the drought there were no crops which meant that food had become scarce. To demand her to feed him seemed cruel. But God acted to provide for her, her household and Elijah. There is no recorded response from this widow to what the LORD had done for her...yet.
Then, her son died. The widow's first reaction was guilt for her sin and that this death was a punishment. But God acted to bring her son back to life. Her words appear to reveal that prior to this she only observed what God had to say and what He did for her. The light went on and faith became personal. "Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth."
Ahab experienced the painful consequences of disobeying God's word and refused to repent.
The widow experienced God's blessings and showed no change.
The widow experienced a spiritual confrontation about her sin and she personally embraced God's word as truth.
God is at work throughout every day of our lives. The question is: Are we paying attention to what God is doing throughout the day and responding obediently?
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Ignoring God's Word comes with a Price
Read 1 Kings 16.
Once the kingdom divided, there was not one good king in the northern kingdom of Israel. One right after the other, these leaders did evil and led the people in false worship. Each time this provoked the LORD to anger. And, each time that leader came to some tragic end.
With the demise of a king also came the killing of at least all the males in his family who might desire to claim a right to the throne. Many times total destruction of possessions, property, even cities belonging to the king ensued. In short, when one person does evil many people suffer the consequences.
Next, Ahab became king of Israel. He married Jezebel and worshipped the false god Baal. There is no argument that Jezebel was an awful, sinful woman. But, concerning Ahab, the scripture states that he "did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him" (v.30). He thought he could do whatever he wanted in total disregard for the God of heaven.
One of his famous projects was to rebuild the ancient city of Jericho. In Joshua 6, when the walls of Jericho fell and the Israelites conquered that city, Joshua pronounced a prophecy. "Cursed before the LORD be the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho. 'At the cost of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest son shall he set up its gates'" (Joshua 6:26). Though more than 600 years had passed, God's word proved true and Ahab's family experienced this painful consequence.
God means what He says. His word is totally reliable. Neither His word, nor His character, changes with time or culture. This provides all the confidence we need to live for Him today. He is worthy of our trust.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
"Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations;" (Psalm 119:89-90a)
Once the kingdom divided, there was not one good king in the northern kingdom of Israel. One right after the other, these leaders did evil and led the people in false worship. Each time this provoked the LORD to anger. And, each time that leader came to some tragic end.
With the demise of a king also came the killing of at least all the males in his family who might desire to claim a right to the throne. Many times total destruction of possessions, property, even cities belonging to the king ensued. In short, when one person does evil many people suffer the consequences.
Next, Ahab became king of Israel. He married Jezebel and worshipped the false god Baal. There is no argument that Jezebel was an awful, sinful woman. But, concerning Ahab, the scripture states that he "did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him" (v.30). He thought he could do whatever he wanted in total disregard for the God of heaven.
One of his famous projects was to rebuild the ancient city of Jericho. In Joshua 6, when the walls of Jericho fell and the Israelites conquered that city, Joshua pronounced a prophecy. "Cursed before the LORD be the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho. 'At the cost of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest son shall he set up its gates'" (Joshua 6:26). Though more than 600 years had passed, God's word proved true and Ahab's family experienced this painful consequence.
God means what He says. His word is totally reliable. Neither His word, nor His character, changes with time or culture. This provides all the confidence we need to live for Him today. He is worthy of our trust.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
"Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations;" (Psalm 119:89-90a)
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Watch your Influence
Read 1 Kings 15.
Abijam became king of Judah. He was the great-grandson of David. The scriptures are clear that Abijam continued the sinful practices of his father Reoboam and "was not wholly true to the LORD his God" (v.3). However, notice that God remained faithful to the promises He made to David.
Next, Asa, David's great-great-grandson became king of Judah. He was a good king and pleased the LORD in his life and in his leadership of the nation. It required spiritual courage and boldness to cleanse the nation morally, even removing his own mother from her national position.
Meanwhile in the northern kingdom of Israel, the kings that followed Jeroboam aggressively maintained their evil ways.
There is a huge reminder for all us here. We never truly know how our decisions and actions directly affect those around us, particularly the generations within our own family. Our personal spiritual commitments and our moral choices leave a legacy for others to remember us and follow. The Apostle Paul wrote: "For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself." Romans 14:7
Every interaction with others is a moment of influence. May all who come behind us find us faithful.
Abijam became king of Judah. He was the great-grandson of David. The scriptures are clear that Abijam continued the sinful practices of his father Reoboam and "was not wholly true to the LORD his God" (v.3). However, notice that God remained faithful to the promises He made to David.
Next, Asa, David's great-great-grandson became king of Judah. He was a good king and pleased the LORD in his life and in his leadership of the nation. It required spiritual courage and boldness to cleanse the nation morally, even removing his own mother from her national position.
Meanwhile in the northern kingdom of Israel, the kings that followed Jeroboam aggressively maintained their evil ways.
There is a huge reminder for all us here. We never truly know how our decisions and actions directly affect those around us, particularly the generations within our own family. Our personal spiritual commitments and our moral choices leave a legacy for others to remember us and follow. The Apostle Paul wrote: "For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself." Romans 14:7
Every interaction with others is a moment of influence. May all who come behind us find us faithful.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Today is filled with Opportunities
Read 1 Kings 14.
The LORD is good and gracious. He gives each person opportunities to use the resources He has provided to accomplish His purposes. Think of those opportunities as tests. Success or failure depends on doing what God wanted done. When a person refuses to listen and obey God, He will eventually intervene to gain their attention.
Here we are told that it was God who divided the kingdom and set Jeroboam as king over the ten northern tribes. These steps were meant to discipline "the house of David" and to test Jeroboam. In spite of the prophet's warning, Jeroboam used this God-given opportunity to pursue his made up religion and lead the people to do evil. God then intervened. Feeling totally hopeless, the king sent his wife in disguise to seek God's help. And, indeed, God had a message waiting.
The very direct message explained the details of Jeroboam's opportunity and failure. He did what was right in his own eyes, praying to metal images that he had made, "and have cast me behind your back" (v.9). The prophecy includes the loss of the entire family of Jeroboam, the total destruction of his kingdom, and the capture of the northern tribes by an invading army from the north (Assyria).
In the southern kingdom of Judah, things were not any better. Headquartered in Jerusalem, they had Solomon's beautiful Temple, priests and prophets. Yet, King Rehoboam led the nation to worship false gods "under every green tree" v.23). So, God intervened. For them he used Shishak, Pharaoh of Egypt, to take away the nation's treasured possessions.
If we understand who the Owner is and what He wants done, then we will use the opportunities God gives us today to obey and please Him.
The LORD is good and gracious. He gives each person opportunities to use the resources He has provided to accomplish His purposes. Think of those opportunities as tests. Success or failure depends on doing what God wanted done. When a person refuses to listen and obey God, He will eventually intervene to gain their attention.
Here we are told that it was God who divided the kingdom and set Jeroboam as king over the ten northern tribes. These steps were meant to discipline "the house of David" and to test Jeroboam. In spite of the prophet's warning, Jeroboam used this God-given opportunity to pursue his made up religion and lead the people to do evil. God then intervened. Feeling totally hopeless, the king sent his wife in disguise to seek God's help. And, indeed, God had a message waiting.
The very direct message explained the details of Jeroboam's opportunity and failure. He did what was right in his own eyes, praying to metal images that he had made, "and have cast me behind your back" (v.9). The prophecy includes the loss of the entire family of Jeroboam, the total destruction of his kingdom, and the capture of the northern tribes by an invading army from the north (Assyria).
In the southern kingdom of Judah, things were not any better. Headquartered in Jerusalem, they had Solomon's beautiful Temple, priests and prophets. Yet, King Rehoboam led the nation to worship false gods "under every green tree" v.23). So, God intervened. For them he used Shishak, Pharaoh of Egypt, to take away the nation's treasured possessions.
If we understand who the Owner is and what He wants done, then we will use the opportunities God gives us today to obey and please Him.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Does it matter? Yes it does.
Read 1 Kings 13
We all do not worship the same God. So, what does the LORD, creator of heaven and earth, think of made-up religion?
Jeroboam, the king of northern ten tribes of Israel, decided to make up his own worship and build his own altars. This was done to prevent the people from traveling to Jerusalem in the southern kingdom to worship. He did not have to wait long to discover what God thought his false religion. God sent an unnamed prophet from Judah to deliver His message.
The king's attempt to stop the prophet resulted in a physical deformity and his altar destroyed. When Jeroboam saw the power of God, he asked for prayer. Note that he did not ask for forgiveness of his sin, nor to lead the people in a right way, but only for his hand to be restored. Jeroboam continued in his sinful religion, seeking to worship God on his own terms (vv.33-34). This worship on a mountain in Samaria prompted the discussion centuries later with Jesus in John 4.
When God is at work in one life, He is simultaneouly at work in all the lives around that person. This is not only an account regarding Jeroboam, but this prophet, as well. The prophet was given strict and specific orders. He had been given a mission with a message. The prophet delivered the message but failed to obey the mission. Who would ever want this on their tombstone: "It is the man of God who disobeyed the word of the LORD" (v.26a)?
Jeroboam thought he could just do something religious and please God. The prophet thought he could speak the message, pray, and then do whatever he wanted. Both were tragically wrong.
Jesus said, "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him." (John 4:23)
We all do not worship the same God. So, what does the LORD, creator of heaven and earth, think of made-up religion?
Jeroboam, the king of northern ten tribes of Israel, decided to make up his own worship and build his own altars. This was done to prevent the people from traveling to Jerusalem in the southern kingdom to worship. He did not have to wait long to discover what God thought his false religion. God sent an unnamed prophet from Judah to deliver His message.
The king's attempt to stop the prophet resulted in a physical deformity and his altar destroyed. When Jeroboam saw the power of God, he asked for prayer. Note that he did not ask for forgiveness of his sin, nor to lead the people in a right way, but only for his hand to be restored. Jeroboam continued in his sinful religion, seeking to worship God on his own terms (vv.33-34). This worship on a mountain in Samaria prompted the discussion centuries later with Jesus in John 4.
When God is at work in one life, He is simultaneouly at work in all the lives around that person. This is not only an account regarding Jeroboam, but this prophet, as well. The prophet was given strict and specific orders. He had been given a mission with a message. The prophet delivered the message but failed to obey the mission. Who would ever want this on their tombstone: "It is the man of God who disobeyed the word of the LORD" (v.26a)?
Jeroboam thought he could just do something religious and please God. The prophet thought he could speak the message, pray, and then do whatever he wanted. Both were tragically wrong.
Jesus said, "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him." (John 4:23)
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Are you listening?
Read 1 Kings 12.
Now we are told the details of the rift that divided the nation. The majority of the people had thrown their allegiance to Jeroboam. However, they sent for Solomon's heir apparent, Rehoboam, who was living in Egypt at the time. The number one issue that needed change in order to keep the nation together was taxes. Solomon's tax burden on the people had become unbearable.
Rehoboam had an opportunity before him that needed the wisdom of his father. He sought counsel from his father's counselors who advised him to lower the taxes and serve the people. Then, he went to his young foolish friends who told him he should exercise the power of his position and raise taxes. With that the kingdom divided and Rehoboam prepared for civil war.
As the new northern kingdom settled in, it became apparent that the people would want to travel to the Temple in Jerusalem for worship. To counter this, Jeroboam made up his own religion. As a result, most of the nation plunged into false worship away from the LORD.
The surface issue may have been taxes, but the root issue was much deeper. When one begins to demand their own way and refuse to listen, sin will be the result.
Rehoboam did not listen to wise counsel. (v.8)
Rehoboam did not listen to the people. (v.16)
Rehoboam did finally listen to God. (24)
Jeroboam did not listen to God. "This thing became a sin" (v.30)
May our hearts be open and pliable as Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:10-"Speak, LORD, for your servant hears."
Now we are told the details of the rift that divided the nation. The majority of the people had thrown their allegiance to Jeroboam. However, they sent for Solomon's heir apparent, Rehoboam, who was living in Egypt at the time. The number one issue that needed change in order to keep the nation together was taxes. Solomon's tax burden on the people had become unbearable.
Rehoboam had an opportunity before him that needed the wisdom of his father. He sought counsel from his father's counselors who advised him to lower the taxes and serve the people. Then, he went to his young foolish friends who told him he should exercise the power of his position and raise taxes. With that the kingdom divided and Rehoboam prepared for civil war.
As the new northern kingdom settled in, it became apparent that the people would want to travel to the Temple in Jerusalem for worship. To counter this, Jeroboam made up his own religion. As a result, most of the nation plunged into false worship away from the LORD.
The surface issue may have been taxes, but the root issue was much deeper. When one begins to demand their own way and refuse to listen, sin will be the result.
Rehoboam did not listen to wise counsel. (v.8)
Rehoboam did not listen to the people. (v.16)
Rehoboam did finally listen to God. (24)
Jeroboam did not listen to God. "This thing became a sin" (v.30)
May our hearts be open and pliable as Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:10-"Speak, LORD, for your servant hears."
Friday, November 23, 2012
Warning: Guard your Heart
Read 1 Kings 11.
Up to this point, Solomon sounded almost perfect. But now we learn just how human he was.
Two weaknesses became evident:
1. The desire for women more than maintaining a faithful relationship with a wife.
2. The desire to please others more than maintaining a faithful relationship with God .
Though his marriages may have been mostly for political expediency, these pagan women turned his heart to worshipping their false gods. The ones named in this chapter are of the worst sort in terms of immorality and even human sacrifices.
God knew Solomon's weaknesses and, therefore, clearly warned him. Such a warning was not solely directed at Solomon but based upon Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 17:17). Ignoring and/or disobeying God's Word is sin and will have dire consequences 100% of the time. The LORD loves His people too much to allow them to continue in sin.
After years of peace and prosperity, the LORD raised up an adversary. Allowing adversity is one way God deals with sin in the lives of His people.
Because Solomon had a divided heart for God, he left a divided kingdom. Jeroboam, a trust leader turned enemy, became the ruling king over the ten northern tribes of Israel. The two southern tribes, Judah (the largest of the twelve) and Benjamin (the smallest) were ruled by Solomon's son, Rehoboam.
It is a sad finish for the life of this great king and a warning to all of us. "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23)
Up to this point, Solomon sounded almost perfect. But now we learn just how human he was.
Two weaknesses became evident:
1. The desire for women more than maintaining a faithful relationship with a wife.
2. The desire to please others more than maintaining a faithful relationship with God .
Though his marriages may have been mostly for political expediency, these pagan women turned his heart to worshipping their false gods. The ones named in this chapter are of the worst sort in terms of immorality and even human sacrifices.
God knew Solomon's weaknesses and, therefore, clearly warned him. Such a warning was not solely directed at Solomon but based upon Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 17:17). Ignoring and/or disobeying God's Word is sin and will have dire consequences 100% of the time. The LORD loves His people too much to allow them to continue in sin.
After years of peace and prosperity, the LORD raised up an adversary. Allowing adversity is one way God deals with sin in the lives of His people.
Because Solomon had a divided heart for God, he left a divided kingdom. Jeroboam, a trust leader turned enemy, became the ruling king over the ten northern tribes of Israel. The two southern tribes, Judah (the largest of the twelve) and Benjamin (the smallest) were ruled by Solomon's son, Rehoboam.
It is a sad finish for the life of this great king and a warning to all of us. "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23)
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