1 Kings 1:1-53 + Acts 4:1-37 + Psalm 124:1-8 + Proverbs 16:24
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Old Testament - Today we begin First Kings! First Kings is an amazing book of the Bible. We’ll be diving into David’s son Solomon’s reign and the building of the First Temple in Jerusalem. You’ll recall that Solomon wrote many of the Proverbs, and in chapter 3 of First Kings this week we will learn why Solomon had the wisdom to be able to write such amazing proverbs that have stood the test of time for some 3,000 years! Below is an image of King Solomon dictating his wise Proverbs:
Book: First Kings
Author: Unknown
Date: Sixth century B.C.
Content: First and Second Kings form one book in the Hebrew Bible and are considered to be prophetic literature, probably because a prophet put the books together. The two books cover a period of approximately 350 years, when kings ruled the land, hence the name of the book. First Kings begins with the death of David, followed by a description of Solomon’s reign, including the building of the first Temple in Jerusalem. The split of the kingdom into Israel (North) and Judah (South) is described, ending with the great conflict between Elijah the prophet, and Ahab, the king of Israel.
Theme: The fact that a history book is considered to be prophetic is important. It shows that God speaks to us from the past, as well as from the present experience of others. These events are recorded so that we will not make the same mistakes again. The conflict between Elijah and Ahab shows God’s immediate involvement in human life and his concern for human affairs. First Kings particularly shows the disastrous effects of social evil upon the spiritual life of a nation. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 6) More commentary on First Kings is at these 3 links –
https://bible.org/article/introduction-books-first-and-second-kings
https://bible.org/seriespage/reign-solomon (Introduction to Solomon)
https://bible.org/seriespage/1-introduction-and-historical-setting-elijah (Introduction to Elijah)
Bible Project: Here is a great video overview of First Kings!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVFW3wbi9pk
First Kings chapter 1 is quite a chapter today! David is old! Adonijah claims the throne! David makes Solomon King! Quite a dramatic chapter, eh? Adonijah was David's 4th oldest son, and probably the eldest son living at this time. First son Amnon was killed by Absalom. Second son Daniel was probably not living at this time. Third son Absalom was killed in his rebellion. So, fourth son Adonijah thought now was his moment to shine. Well, as Paul Harvey would say, "now for the rest of the story..." The chapter tells us the story well. Solomon was clearly God and David's choice for the kingship. Below is the artist Raphael's take on verses 39 & 40 today: "There Zadok the priest took a flask of olive oil from the sacred tent and poured it on Solomon's head. Then the trumpets were blown, and all the people shouted, "Long live King Solomon!" And all the people returned with Solomon to Jerusalem, playing flutes and shouting for joy. The celebration was so joyous and noisy that the earth shook with the sound."
New Testament - In our Acts readings today, I found it very interesting that Peter and John found themselves before the same 70 member Sanhedrin that Jesus found himself before when he was sentenced to death. Peter and John avoided death in this case, and Jesus' name and power was proclaimed before the high council in a powerful way. Caiaphas you'll recall from John 18:14: "Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people." Well, the Spirit of Jesus was once again before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin through the boldness of Peter and John!
I love reading about the early church praying and sharing their possessions after Peter and John were released! Have you ever prayed a prayer that was anything like verses 29 & 30? Wow... "And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give your servants great boldness in their preaching. Send your healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus." Think we could learn something about prayer from this early church community in Acts 4? How often do you pray with a group of people outside of a regular church service? Think this would be a powerful thing to do? Below is a beautiful fresco on the wall in a small church in the French Alps of "The Community in Prayer" from Acts 4 today:
Bible.org's commentary on our Acts readings today titled "Truth or Consequences" is at this link.
Psalms - I read in a commentary that Psalm 124 was likely a call and response from a Levitical priest and worshipers. Verses 1 through 5 were likely spoken by the priest and verses 6 through 8 were the response of the people. Great way to read this Psalm! Even though this Psalm title says it is a "Psalm of David", some commentaries believe this Psalm is post-exile from Babylon based on verse 8: "We escaped like a bird from a hunter's trap. The trap is broken, and we are free!" Though, I could see that verse apply to Davidic times too. Verse 8 is a joyful response that hopefully each one of us can sing confidently: "Our help is from the LORD, who made the heavens and the earth." Amen and Amen!
Proverbs - Today in Proverbs chapter 16 verse 24 we read: “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” How does this verse speak to you? Do you believe that words have power? Do you speak to others with pleasant words? Do you realize that your words literally can be sweet to the soul of others and healing to their bones? Knowing this, would this maybe change how you speak to others? Do you also believe that there is a time and place to speak to someone with words that may not be pleasant, but that are needed discipline? I do think there is a time and place for disciplinary words to be spoken directly to someone – with love. And though these words may seem harsh at first, over time they may be seen as very pleasant words that someone needed to hear. Generally speaking I do think we can probably do the most good and encourage others to change through pleasant words. Is there someone in your life today who might be going through a hard time that you can bless with pleasant words? Will you encourage that person today with words that are sweet to the soul and healing to the bones? Let our words be like "honey from heaven" to those around us!
Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of Phil Wickham's song "What an Awesome God:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AnSHYjQ3tc
Do you know our awesome God? Click here for AWESOMENESS!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that your words are pleasant to others. Pray that your words are sweet to the soul of others. Pray that your words could even help provide healing to the bones, through the power of the Holy Spirit living in you, and in Jesus' precious name.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: We read about the boldness of Peter and John in Acts chapter 4 today. Do you think we are called to be bold in our faith? Why? What are some ways that we should be bold in our faith? What are some ways in which you are bold in your faith today? What are some ways you want to become bolder in your faith? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
1 Kings 1:1-53
Today’s reading reminds me that it is not what you take but what God gives you. An undisciplined Adonijah followed in his half brother’s (Absalam) footsteps, he decided he would make himself king. It is funny how we humans fail to learn lessons from the mistakes of others. Adonijah failed to understand how his brother came to his end. Maybe he thought because his father was old and he was the oldest remaining son of his father the kingly line of succession dictated he would be king but he forgot or did not know: it is God that has the last word.
The Proverb that begins, “Know the state of your flocks …” came to my remembrance reading how David did not have a clue about what was going on in his palace. No matter how old, how much authority and power we think we have, we must remain diligent over what God has given us.
Proverbs 27
22 Though you grind a fool
in a mortar with a pestle along with grain,
you will not separate his foolishness from him.
23 Know well the condition of your flock,
and pay attention to your herds,
24 for wealth is not forever;
not even a crown lasts for all time.
Acts 4:1-37
The religious leaders had a problem with the disciples preaching, teaching and healing using the name of Jesus even though they knew Peter and the rest of the boys had done something wonderful. They recognized that “signs” were being performed by these men, they knew they spoke with a boldness and elegance, without having been educated in the same schools they had attended, they even recognized that these men had been with Jesus, yet hardness of heart, stubbornness, kept them from dealing in the truth they new, the Old Testament scripture. Those scriptures that the religious leaders studied diligently revealed Jesus and the pouring out of God’s Holy Spirit.
I believe we all are in danger of doing the same thing as the religious leaders did then. They were so filled up with the old wine of the Laws and the Prophets; they wanted no part of the New Wine Jesus has promised us (Luke 5:39).
Psalm 124:1-8
Sometimes I forget, but then something happens that reminds me that my life should have been over a long time ago, but for God. I can really identify with this song because I know what it is to be delivered out of the snare of the hunter. Either we use the word, luck, when we describe how we overcame something or, others seeing us exit out of impossible situations will say we are lucky but we refuse to consider God the one who pulled us through.
It usually is in the quite times of my busy life that I can see that my help came from the Lord and not something called luck. O for the wisdom to balance out my life with quite times so that I will be able to hear that “Still small voice of God.”
Proverbs 16:24
I have come to learn that kind and nice are mutually exclusive. The kindest thing someone can do for me is to tell me the truth about myself no matter how much it hurts. All truth is confrontational especially the truth about myself.
Ramona
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Old Testament Reading:
Adonijah, David's son, was lacking in discipline. The scripture says that David had failed to discipline him. The acts of a child are foolish when they are lacking in discipline. Adonijah tried to make himself king. This can also be a picture of how we try and elevate our position sometimes without allowing God to work through us. There is not one mention of Solomon, the rightful king, ever speaking up for himself. He shows true humbleness by allowing God to right the injustice. An observation of the crowd, that when along with Adonijah, can also be made from this passage. The crowd is not always right, followers come cheaply and easily. They are also gone as quickly as they come.
New Testament Reading:
Peter and John show such boldness in this passage in Acts. We just watched the movie Martin Luther over the weekend. This passage made me think of the boldness Martin Luther displays in this movie. Martin Luther does battle with Satan as he defends the authority of God to abolish sins and the heresy of buying indulgences from the Church. It may have been a similar situation when Peter spoke out so boldly in front of the Pharisees. One thought here is that we have to surrender our will, if Peter had not been in submission to the Holy Spirit he might not have been able to make the stand that he did. We need to submit to the Spirit daily.
Psalms & Proverbs:
Verse eight of this Psalm is a great thought to keep in mind today. "Our help is from the LORD who made the Heavens and the Earth." What power does He not possess? Put your trust in him today. The Proverb is also good to keep in mind today, that kind words are much more beneficial than criticism or harsh words. Everyone needs to be corrected sometimes; but there is a kind way or a harsh way to do it. Lets remember that today.
David
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Mike you statement and questions, “Today in Proverbs chapter 16 verse 24 we read – “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” How does this verse speak to you? Do you believe that words have power? Do you speak to others with pleasant words? Do you realize that your words literally can be sweet to the soul of others and healing to their bones? “ had me to remember something I read about an Arkansas model (A state in the United States) on dealing with overweight children. Letters were sent home and it was noted on the child’s report card stating that the child was “fat,” really over weight, and that got many parents vocally angry; however, they, the parents began to act, began doing something about it. The words the parents didn’t want to hear, or in this case read, is bringing healing to the child’s bones and the parents as well.
Something we think that nice, kind words are those that don’t get us upset; however, the words which were hard on the ears and ego’s of the parents were sweet to their souls. I have this philosophy: Don’t tell me how nice I’m walking if I’m taking a short walk on a long pier into shark infested waters. Yell, no matter how angry you think it might make me. Being nice may not always mean or translate into kindness.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
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Boldness is good when it's backed up by a life that is truly integrated--has integrity and is congruent. Unfortunately most of the boldness is obnoxious, rude, and at times arrogant and mean spirited. I don't sense this with the apostles. I sense they couldn't help themselves but speak boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus because they had lived so closely to Him. (Acts 4:13)
However, I do find it interesting that when the apostles, including Peter and Paul turnn their pen to 'exhorting believers to witness', that there are very few statements that urge an overt boldness. Instead what we hear from Peter in 1 Peter 3:15 is But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give the reason for the hope you that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience. "
Elsewhere Paul says, in Colossians 4:4-6 to Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. But then he tells the rank and file followers of Jesus to 'be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity, Let your conversation be ALWAYS FULL OF GRACE, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." And later in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 he says, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, SO THAT YOUR DAILY LIFE MAY WIN THE RESPECT OF OUTSIDERS....."
I have found it helpful to distinquish between apostolic evangelistic efforts and the local expression through a community of believers. When it comes to breaking new ground the apostles were aggressive and frontal in their approach, much like taking a beachhead during the war. To get a foothold into a city or country SOMEONE needs to move out boldly, but once the beachhead is established, it seems the apostles, especially Paul had a different approach for local believers. Here's a challenge a missionary from Brazil once gave me: REad ALL the new testament epistles and try to find verses that promote an aggressive, bold, confrontative approach. Don't include verses that have apostles exhorting apostles to 'do the work of the evangelist.' Just look for teaching that actually tells believers to 'preach the gospel'....
If one is honest and careful one will see that there are two valid approaches that emerge---there is the need for ongoing proclamation, and there is also a need for what Jim Peterson, author of Living Proof, calls 'affirmation evangelism, where the lifestyle of the believer in a town or city, is critical to the progress of the gospel.
i'm sure I may have raised some controversy but that's okay. I think today with the Da Vinci code stuff swirling all around us, Jesus followers would do well to prepare themselves with 'gentleness and respect' to live out the gospel and to share when appropriate with integrity, and without manipulation or distortion.
Luch
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I pray everyday for a boldness in faith, because we all know that true faith always results in deeds. True faith involves a commitment of your whole self to God. According to James 2:26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. Knowing this thought which our faith has helped to uncover should allow us to proceed with boldness. I believe that if we ask God for boldness, that we can become productive and more fruitfull.
I really appreciate something Vance said in his comment recently: "The reality is that when we sin, there are always consequences. However, if there is repentance, God’s grace is always greater than the sin" Hearing this today has given me some renewed confidence. According to Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. I needed to read these words today.
Amen
Laura
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12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
............................
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth
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I have to say those two verses stood out today when I read them.I keep praying I learn to depend on God more and not on my own wisdom...or the things I see.
On boldness in faith,I have to say sometimes our lives and actions(Spirit led ones)speak alot louder than when we try to aggresively kick a person into God's kingdom.
God bless you all
Anka
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Though Peter had countless faith experiences of the visible kind-(he knew Christ incarnate and resurrected), he did not become a fearless apostle until he had an invisible faith experience- (Pentecost). May that same invisible Holy Spirit that inspired Peter animate believers in our day.
Ruben
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Verses that stood out for me today:
1 Kings 1:37 "And may the Lord be with Solomon as he has been with you, my lord the king, and may he make Solomon’s reign even greater than yours!”
Acts 4:30 "Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
Psalm 124:2 "What if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us?".
How often do you pray with a group of people outside of a regular church service? Think this would be a powerful thing to do? ~ We do that pretty often. Especially when there's special services in church, then we pray for visitors in our church and that everybody will be touched during the services. It's very powerful to pray with a group. I love how intense it can be!
Is there someone in your life today who might be going through a hard time that you can bless with pleasant words? Will you encourage that person today with words that are sweet to the soul and healing to the bones? ~ Oh yes, I know someone ... well, maybe more than one. When I talk to them I can feel God's help. He tells me what I have to tell them. It's really nice to encourage a person. It's so hard to see someone going through hard times and I love to see them smile again and feel encouraged!
Mae
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I think pleasant words are encouraging and edifying words, and they certainly
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Kitty
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Verses for me today are Acts 4:24-30, on praying.
Praise to God first and then speak about my specific problems.
Rather than beseeching Him for removal (which He may do) But
I want to ask Him help me deal with them in courage, faith
and strength when His will is to leave problems in place.
I haven't been doing this. I got it all wrong by quietly waiting
on the Lord and not doing my part.
This must be a powerful model of praying cuz
verse 31 says the place was shaken.
So there's gonna be some shakin going on!
Thank You for Your Word Lord. Your Spirit is
amazing to open my eyes and speak to my heart
each day. I lift these Bible Study friends before You
and ask Your Spirit be with them
and speak thru whatever verses You have for them
that it may open hearts to Your Will, plans & purposes
for their lives, all to the Glory & Praise to You alone.
I pray this
In The Name of Jesus
Amen
Susanne
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What an interesting and pertinent analogy to relate truth as nourishment. As we can not truly live without nourishment for our physical needs, so we cant not live without truth for our spiritual needs.
Ramona,
I enjoyed your comments about kind friends who love us enough to speak truth into our lives knowing that sometimes the initial consequences of truth can be painful. So also can be true nourishment.
Briggs
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Though I have read bits of the Bible and have been a "Christian" for my whole life, I found your website today and did my first daily reading along with you and the friends around the world today.
I pray for God to sweeten my words and make them like honeycomb to those around me.
I also pray for the boldness of Peter and John, and the courage to continue this program all the way through.
Lastly, I pray for God's blessings to you Mike, Ramona, and all the other friends in your lives.
Nicholas
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"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)
Every nice words you will give it build a joyful heart. It will heal lives that is destroyed. It will build confidence thru the Holy Spirit it will comfort a life that is full of misery.
Bobbie
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1 Kings 1:
33 he said to them: “Take your lord’s servants with you and have Solomon my son mount my own mule and take him down to Gihon.
Jesus also rode on a mule when He entered Jerusalem.
Frederick
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Your message and Proverbs today remind me of Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart always be pleasing to you Oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Ginny
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These are great, I just recently started a discord for the one year Bible within my social circle, I did not know there was this blog which again is amazing ! Keep up the great work
Elliott
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1 Kings
This reading about David in his final days and dealing with his kids and his life sort of hit home for me. As the grey hairs start to come out of my body I feel the weight of the family heirarchy, my aches and pains and my need for participation in the future. I have the same family dynamics with all of them vying for position, power and needs. A great lesson I took in today was how David had a wife that cared to say things, a trusted advisor and a need to clarify the future through God's plan. Even though we aren't necessarily told what David feels we see what he does and that says so much in our world too. Its what we do with our situation that people can see the type of person we are. I like what Ramona says, "know the state of your flocks." As we get older, we may shy away from that duty but as we see David's life it is vital and necessary.
Elliot, what a great idea to share the blog with your social group. I may try to do this in the future too.
Robert
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Think of the words we use they have power to build. Up or destroy! Let our words be sweet and kind to others and let our words be few! Don’t waste your words
Jane
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1st Kings! Woohoo! I finished another portion! 1st & 2nd Samuel. Kudos to all that did! More repeat of hard headedness with Adinijah trying to thwart the power of his dad and overlook what God had called into being. Solomon was meant to take over after his dad and only him. Sometimes we do things without being cleared or allowed. The old adage "it's better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission " didn't work in this case.
How cool that John and Peter are walking in the divine destiny Jesus had instructed. And to be in front of the Sanhedrin..the same ones that Peter was so afraid of during Jesus' trial. Wow how he has grown. When we know who we are and whose we belong to, nothing else matters.
My help cometh from the Lord! Amen!
Talking sweetly. I try to be pleasant even when I don't feel like it. I smile, I help out. I love. I really do. Please forgive me Lord on days when I don't or when I slip. Amen!
Dee