Luke 15 is deceptively simple. Just three parables, the lost sheep, the lost coin, and finally the lost son, the most famous story of redemption of them all.
In 1 Kings 10 the Queen of Sheba visited Solomon and praised him “The half had not been told”; of Solomon’s great wisdom and wealth, that is.
1 Kings 11. Solomon’s heart turned from the LORD, ( blame the foreign women and their idolatry). It records Solomon’s adversaries, Jeroboam’s rebellion, and Solomon’s death.
In Luke 14, , again on the Sabbath, at a Pharisee’s house no less, Jesus healed a man with dropsy. Noticing how the people competed for the best places Jesus spoke of the lowly place to be sought rather than the place of honor, and as an object lesson he gave us the parable of the Great Supper and the cost of following Christ. Finally Jesus mentioned the value of good salt and the worthlessness of salt that lost its savor.
1 Kings 8. It was celebration time when the Ark was brought into the Temple, Solomon gave a great speech and a prayer of dedication. Then he blessed the Assembly and dedicated the Temple with lots of sacrifices and it finished with a fourteen day feast.
1 Kings 9 tells of God’s second appearance to Solomon, this time with a promise and a warning. Solomon and Hiram exchanged gifts and the chapter lists more of Solomon’s achievements.
Luke 13. Jesus kept telling the religious Jews “Unless you repent you all perish.” The fig tree is a symbol of Israel, and until then God has been patient with the barren Fig Tree. Moving on, like Jesus so often did, a woman was healed on a Sabbath, which made the ruler of the Synagogue angry. Jesus took issue with that, asking why can you save animals on Sabbath but not people? He then told the parable of faith like the Mustard Seed, the Leaven and the narrow Gate and explained why not all will enter. Finally, Jesus lamented over Jerusalem.
1 Kings 6 retells in great detail how Solomon had the Temple built.
And the retelling continues in 1 Kings 7, how Solomon had his palace and the other buildings built. He hired Hiram the Craftsman, and he completed the bronze pillars for the Temple, the Sea and the Oxen, The Carts and the Lavers and had all the temple furnishings made.
Luke 12:35-59. Be the faithful and watchful servant, not the evil and drunken one. Finally, Christ will bring division, even among family members, so discern the times and make peace.
1 Kings 4 lists Solomon’s administration, gives an account of Solomon’s prosperity and extols Solomon’s wisdom.
1 Kings 5. The wars had ended and Solomon prepared to build the Temple, as was promised.
Luke 12:1-34. Jesus was teaching: “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees,” “even very hairs of your head are all numbered,” “His eyes are on the sparrow,” “acknowledge me before men” and “anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” “Do not worry, the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say when you are persecuted for my sake”. Jesus claimed he is not the arbiter in worldly disputes and strongly urged people not to hoard riches here on earth. Again, do not Worry, look at the lilies, (my interpretation: Smell the roses and enjoy God’s creation).
1 Kings 3. Solomon asked for wisdom. He got it as well as great riches. Armed with that wisdom he showed his wise judgment.
Luke 11:29-54.. When the Jews asked for a sign Jesus answered “There shall be no sign except the Sign of Jonah,” He also proclaimed: “Your eye is the Lamp of the Body, let it shine.” Finally, Jesus proclaimed six woes. This displeased both the Pharisees and the experts in the Law.
1 Kings 1. Adonijah, the heir apparent since his older brothers were all dead, set himself up as king before David’s death. David had Zadok the Priest and Nathan the Prophet proclaim Solomon King instead.
1 Kings 2. David gave his final instructions to Solomon, to which rsons he should show kindness and to whom he should not, and then David died. Solomon had Adonijah executed exiled Abathar, executed Joab and Shimel, and showed kindness to the ones that had helped David. The kingdom was then firmly in Solomon’s hands.
Today we read one chapter in Paul’s letter to the Romans, and one chapter in 1 Kings.
May 25: Romans 3, 1 Kings 22 (click on the chapter to begin reading)
Romans 3 is full of memorable quotations: “let God be true, but every man a liar.” It speaks of God’s faithfulness and God’s Judgment, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one” , “ For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,“and “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law,” just to name a few. Read them all, and marvel.
1 Kings 22. Micalah prophesied against Ahab, Ahab disguised himself for protection but died in battle by a stray arrow. Jehoshaphat became King of Judah, followed by Ahaziah.
Today we one chapter in Paul’s letter to the Romans, and two chapters in 1 Kings.
May 24: Romans 2, 1 Kings 20, 1 Kings 21 (click on the chapter to begin reading)
Romans 2. Paul pointed out that you have no excuse, God’s judgement is righteous, Jews and Gentiles are equally guilty, and circumcision is of no avail.
1 Kings 20. Ahab defeated the Syrians and he did it twice. After that Ahab made a treaty with Ben-Hadad, and that led to the prophecy of Ahab’s Condemnation.
1 Kings 21. Naboth was killed for his vineyard and for that the LORD condemned Ahab.
Today we are the first chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans, and one chapter in 1 Kings.
May 23: Romans 1, 1 Kings 19 (click on the chapter to begin reading)
Romans 1 starts with an eloquent greeting to all in Rome, and it is just as valid for us today as it was then. Paul longed to visit Rome and impart scriptural spiritual wisdom, such as “the Just shall live by Faith.” Then he explained how the wrath of God was to come on mankind because they “changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator.”
1 Kings 19. After the fantastic victory at Mount Carmel Elijah fled from Jezebel, the “exhibit A” of names of evil women featured in literature and films. He fled, got strengthened by an angel that fed him a meal that gave him enough strength to go all the way to Mount Horeb. There he heard “The Still Small Voice.” God reminded Elijah that “I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” Elisha then received the call to follow Elijah.
Tomorrow we begin reading Paul’s letter to the Romans, but for today we read two Psalms and one chapter in 1 Kings.
May 22: Psalm 35, Psalm 36, 1 Kings 18 (click on the chapter to begin reading)
Psalm 35, of David. An urgent call for God to execute His righteous judgment on the enemies of God and vindicate David.
Psalm 36, of David, the Servant of the LORD. This Psalm also tells of wicked people, but then shows the mercies of God and ends up with David recognizing that without God’s protection he too is vulnerable as are we all.
1 Kings 18. This chapter alone makes the reading of 1 Kings up to now worthwhile. Elijah met Obadiah and sent a message to King Ahab. When they met, Elijah challenged Ahab to a competition: Four hundred fifty prophets of Baal and four hundred prophets of Asherah against Elijah alone on Mount Carmel to see whose God is victorious! You know the rest, enjoy reading!
Len Bilén's blog, a blog about faith, politics and the environment. 