To our faithful readers,
The forty year reign of King Solomon ends with Sunday’s reading. Within days following Solomon’s death the nation splits into the northern and southern kingdoms. The divinely ordained historical events experienced by these people, chosen by God as His, continues as we read carefully to be able to understand and learn from their victories and failures.
Over approximately 350 years the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah record 39 kings between them. Only eight of these kings did what was pleasing in the sight of the Lord, six of which are in this week’s reading. This leaves 31 which did evil in the sight of the Lord, 24 of which are in this week’s reading.
One thing we learn from these kings is that although we think our choices are our own, they often affect others, can change the direction a life may take, and will be recorded as a permanent testimony of our life in Christ Jesus.
We pray it will be said of each one of us that we did that which was pleasing in the sight of the Lord and that we were able to encourage others in their daily walk with the knowledge we gained as we met with the Lord each day on the pages of Scripture.
Let’s praise His Name together,
Pastor Rick