June 16
1 Kings 15:25-17:24; Acts 10:24-48; Psalm 134:1-3; Proverbs 17:9-11
1 Kings is largely a book about, not surprisingly kings, not surprising since that is the name of the book. It tracks king after king and the spiritual landslide of the nation. As we read of the kings doing “evil in the eyes of the Lord” it might be easy for us to wonder what God is doing. When wickedness seems to prevail, where is God?
1 Kings 17 takes us from kings to a prophet. From royalty spiritually ruining a nation, to one who will act and speak on behalf of God. It is like God has drawn down the house lights and placed a spotlight on his messenger. The attention in the book will now move from those the world deems important (kings) to those who are truly significant (prophets).
These men will speak to power and remind the people where true authority lies. They will perform miracles that remind those who witness where true transformation occurs. They will show the people that no matter how dark the world gets, God is still at work! These are the same reminders we need.
We may find ourselves mourning injustice in our country, or wrestling over another tumultuous upcoming election season, and feeling like God is absent in the midst of it all. We need to remember where true power lies. He is the one who is King of Kings, he is the one who can transform hearts and lives, and he is the one who will change the world when Christ returns. We must draw our attention away from where the world tells us to look so we can see what is truly important. It does not mean we cannot grieve, mourn, or wonder how long this will continue, but it does mean we can find peace through it all.
God, my Father, help me to know that you are king over the universe. Help me to know that you are ultimately in control over everything. I thank you that you are enthroned over the world and over my life. Help me to always remember that the power of governors, presidents, and world leaders is nothing compared to you. Help me to submit to you, live for you and, in doing so, not live out of fear and anxiety, but a confident trust in you. Amen.
Question of the day: What causes you to forget all authority is ultimately in Christ (Matt 28:18)?
1 Kings is largely a book about, not surprisingly kings, not surprising since that is the name of the book. It tracks king after king and the spiritual landslide of the nation. As we read of the kings doing “evil in the eyes of the Lord” it might be easy for us to wonder what God is doing. When wickedness seems to prevail, where is God?
1 Kings 17 takes us from kings to a prophet. From royalty spiritually ruining a nation, to one who will act and speak on behalf of God. It is like God has drawn down the house lights and placed a spotlight on his messenger. The attention in the book will now move from those the world deems important (kings) to those who are truly significant (prophets).
These men will speak to power and remind the people where true authority lies. They will perform miracles that remind those who witness where true transformation occurs. They will show the people that no matter how dark the world gets, God is still at work! These are the same reminders we need.
We may find ourselves mourning injustice in our country, or wrestling over another tumultuous upcoming election season, and feeling like God is absent in the midst of it all. We need to remember where true power lies. He is the one who is King of Kings, he is the one who can transform hearts and lives, and he is the one who will change the world when Christ returns. We must draw our attention away from where the world tells us to look so we can see what is truly important. It does not mean we cannot grieve, mourn, or wonder how long this will continue, but it does mean we can find peace through it all.
God, my Father, help me to know that you are king over the universe. Help me to know that you are ultimately in control over everything. I thank you that you are enthroned over the world and over my life. Help me to always remember that the power of governors, presidents, and world leaders is nothing compared to you. Help me to submit to you, live for you and, in doing so, not live out of fear and anxiety, but a confident trust in you. Amen.
Question of the day: What causes you to forget all authority is ultimately in Christ (Matt 28:18)?
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