Old Testament reading: 1 Kings 9-10
“You’ve come this far; finish strong.” Twenty years into Solomon’s reign, God again shows himself to Solomon and reminds him of the promises He made to Solomon and his posterity. These promises are conditioned upon Solomon’s continued faithfulness to God – “if you walk before Me… to do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever” (9:4-5). In my mind, I see God’s appearance as an attempt to refocus Solomon’s attention. For twenty years, Solomon had the singular focus of building those two houses. God knew Solomon needed reminding that there was still work to be done, but that work required his continued faithfulness. One is reminded of Deuteronomy 8, wherein God warns the people not to forget him when they become prosperous, which was exactly what they did. Unfortunately, Solomon would follow in the steps of his forefathers. Once again, we see God’s people enjoying unrivaled prosperity, but a lack of diligence would bring their success to nothing. In this case, the kingdom and God’s people would soon be divided.
New Testament reading: John 14-16
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14-16 details Jesus’ final words of encouragement and exhortation before his crucifixion. This context actually begins in John 13:31 after Judas had departed to finish his wickedness. There are three themes in this context. First, love Jesus (14:15) and one another (13:34-35). I love the Lord’s statement how our love for one another is the means by which all men would know we are His disciples. Many people claim to love the Lord yet fail to love their brethren. This same John would later explain the futility of such in 1 John 4:20-21. Second, heavenly help is coming (14:16-18, 26; 15:26; 16:13). These men had walked three years with Heaven’s personal representative. No doubt the thought of “losing” Jesus was most disturbing. Thus, Jesus promised a “Comforter” to come. Finally, Jesus exhorts His disciples to be at peace in every circumstance (John 14:1, 27; 16:33). The peace of Jesus does not require a lack of problems or persecution. It abides within and cannot be stolen from the faithful.
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