Day 77 – 1 Kings: Introduction

“The Lord said to him, ‘I have heard your prayer and your petition. I have set this Temple apart to be holy—this place you have built where my name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart.” 1 Kings 9:3 NLT

“I don’t care what anyone says, I’m going to do it!” Haven’t we all been at this point sometime in our lives? The words may change, but the essential message is the same: a person is not open to advice because their mind is closed to any influence on their decision. Human nature pushes us to reject help and to do things only our way.

A much wiser approach is to seek, hear, and follow the advice of good counsellors. Solomon, the world’s wisest man, urges this in the Proverbs. How ironic that his son, Rehoboam, listened instead to foolish advice, with devastating results.

The main events of 1 Kings are David’s death, Solomon’s reign, the division of the kingdom, and the start of Elijah’s ministry.

Prayer: Father, thank You that we have the opportunity to learn from Solomon who is known as the wisest man. Thank You, that like him, we can ask wisdom from You in all that we do. Through You, all the wisdom we need for all that we need to face is only an ask away. Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness in giving it to us and for guiding it to use it wisely. Amen.