Monday, May 10, I Kings 7
- 18 — “The capitals on the 2 pillars also had pomegranates.” These were decorations that resembled the fruit and flowers of the pomegranate tree grown in Israel.
- 23 — The “sea” was a huge water basin cast from bronze. It held about 10,000-12,000 gallons of water. This huge reservoir of water was necessary because of the daily sacrifices offered in the temple. God demanded cleanliness. It reminds us of a more important cleanliness: the inner cleanliness that Jesus won for us by His suffering and death as the perfect Lamb of God. Through that one atoning sacrifice, we stand perfectly clean before God, free from all sin (I John 1:7) and assured of eternal life. Cf. Heb. 7:26-27; 9:12)
Tuesday, May 11, I Kings 8
- 10-11 — While God’s glory in the cloud must have been impressive to see, we have something even more impressive in our worship. In it, God also reveals His glory. It’s the Gospel, in Word and Sacrament, as the Apostle Paul said in Rom. 1:16: “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”
Vv. 27, 30 — Astronomers tell us there are billions of galaxies. Where is God’s dwelling place? For the answer read vv. 27 and 30.
- 46 — This passage reminds us of Paul’s words in Rom. 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” However, to those who are repentant, God does forgive them and He sees their sins no more. Read Ps. 103:12 and Micah 7:18-19
Wednesday, May 12, I Kings 9
Vv. 4-7 — Solomon needed this encouragement and warning just as we do today. While we do not have wealth and wisdom in proportion to that of Solomon, we have prosperity unlike most in this world. With that comes temptation to build on it and find our hope in it. Let’s heed God’s warning to Solomon and build our future securely on God’s eternal, life-giving Word. Solomon’s happiness, peace and wisdom were eventually lost because he forsook God.
Thursday, May 13, I Kings 10
Vv. 7-8 — Here is a mini picture of heaven. However, in heaven we live in total happiness and listen to God’s wisdom forever. In it we also see God unfold to us pleasures and joy at His right hand forevermore. Ps. 16:11.
Vv. 14-29 — Solomon’s wealth was fantastic. However, as far as food conveniences and medical technology are concerned, aren’t our blessings even greater? Do you take them all for granted, or are you deeply grateful to the Lord for them? Sing or read Hymns 610 and 353. What super blessings are we praising God for in Hymn 353?
Friday, May 14, I Kings 11
- 1-6 — What causes Solomon’s spiritual downfall? The answers are clearly stated in vv. 4-6. Did Solomon repent? The book of Ecclesiastes would indicate that he did. Read especially chap. 1:1-2 and 12:6, 7, 13 and 14. Let’s learn from his experience that real happiness and peace are not found in material things of this world, living or non-living. Peace and happiness that lasts forever are found only in Jesus Christ, as Jesus reminds us, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
Saturday, May 15, I Kings 12
- 8 — How important a dedicated, Christ-centered father is! Solomon began his work as a king with David’s admonition ringing in his ears, “Be faithful to the Lord.” (Chapter 2:2-4) Solomon didn’t set that same example for his son. This is very likely the reason for the foolish decision Rehoboam makes in vv. 8-15.
- 31 — While Rehoboam was a fool in the choice of advice he followed, Jeroboam was a worse fool. He rejected God’s exhortation and blessings (I Kings 11:37-38) by introducing idolatrous worship and choosing false spiritual leaders in northern Israel. Priests were to be descendants of Aaron. Central worship was to be conducted at the temple. Worship life there pointed to the coming Savior.