1 Kings 15:25-17:24
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1 Kings 15 verse 26 stood out to me right away today: "But he did what was evil in the LORD's sight and followed the example of his father, continuing the sins of idolatry that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit." The key word that stood out to me in this verse is "example." I think sometimes we can forget that every action we take is an example to others. We are either exampling godly behavior or ungodly behavior. Obviously Jeroboam exampled ungodly behavior - and unfortunately, since he was king of Israel, his bad example had far reaching effects. Even though you or me aren't king of any land, I do believe that the examples we set have bigger impacts than we realize. Our kids, our parents, our siblings, our neighbors, our co-workers, the stranger on the street, the person at the coffee shop, are all watching what we do. How we behave. Who we are. Our very lives are examples to so many people each and every day. What type of example are you setting with your life? Do you realize that people are literally following your example each and every day?
1 Kings 16 is quite the chapter full of drama! It's like a soap-opera. As I was reading this chapter, and in particular when Zimri was plotting to kill Elah, I was reminded of Macbeth's old quote - "Heavy is the head that wears the crown." Indeed very true in this chapter!
Great readings in 1 Kings 17 today! We are introduced to the prophet Elijah! And what an introduction. I love the visual of Elijah being fed by ravens. Elijah was completely dependent on God for his food delivery via birds. This image reminds me of how dependent you and I are today on God... (even if we do not realize how dependent we really are....)
Elijah was the first prophet in a long line of prophets to come over the next 300 years in Israel. As the kings of Israel were now all sinning and there were few Levitical priests left in Israel (most were in Judah), God brought forth the prophets to bring God's word to his people in Israel. More on who Elijah was is at Bible.org at this link. More on the message of Elijah is at this link.
Great readings today about Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath! Verses 21 through 23 are awesome - "And he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the LORD, "O LORD my God, please let this child's life return to him." The LORD heard Elijah's prayer, and the life of the child returned, and he came back to life! Then Elijah brought him down from the upper room and gave him to his mother. "Look, your son is alive!""
Bible.org's commentary on our 1 Kings 17 readings on Elijah today titled "Testings By the Brook" is at this link and commentary titled "Testings and Ministry at Zaraphath" is at this link and commentary titled "The Death and Resurrection of the Widow's Son" is at this link. There is a lot of great in-depth commentary on 1 Kings 17 at Bible.org!
Worship Video: Today's 1 Kings readings today about Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath reminded me of the Natalie Grant song "Held:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UTiei4ftMc
Do you know what it is like to be Held? Click here to be Held!
Comments from You: 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. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
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