Sunday School: I Kings 15:25-16:34
An overview of Northern Kingdom(Israel) events that happened simultaneous to the time period already given for the Southern Kingdom (Judah) while Rehoboam, Abijam, and Asa reigned there.
5 kings reigned during this time, 3 of whom were assassinated. It was a time of economic prosperity, but religious and political decline. Recall that all of the priests and Levites have been replaced and a 'bootleg' religion set up that gives nod to Jehovah, but refuses to take seriously His commands and prophecies.
Nadab: had a brief feign of 2 years, defined by behavior that was in keeping with his father, Jeroboam.
Baasha: reigned for 24 years. He was an evil king, but God used him to accomplish the prophecy regarding Jeroboam(14:9-11), that all his family would be wiped out. This was a time of political stability, but not spiritually. Religious decline continued. Another prophecy is issued that his family, also, will be wiped out. He disregards the warning.
Elah, his son reigns for 2 years before he is assassinated by Zimri, an insider in his court.
Zimri reigns for about 7 days. Note he is not supported by the people. He acted alone in assassinating the king, and the people set another up as king (Omri). Zimri winds up committing suicide by burning himself up in the king's house.
Omri reigns for 12 years. He is in competition with Tibni for the loyalty of the people, but he wins out. Note the continued decline of the kingdom, in that there is not civil unrest within the nation, as well as civil war with Judah. Omri is a major world player at the time, as the Syrian's refer to Israel as the "House of Omri". He buys land and builds a major city. He is a leader, but ruthless. He too, gives nod to Jehovah, but refuses to obey Him.
At the end of the chapter, we are introduced to Ahab, who is more evil. He doesn't even nod to Jehovah. Ahab has no regard for Him whatsoever. He turns to Phonecia (Tyre and Sidon) and trades with them and intermarries with them, making Jezebel his wife. She is the daughter of a priest of Baal. Ahab sets up a temple for Baal worship and worships him outright.
The final note here seems out of place, but is appropriate with the theme of disregarding God's decrees and promises. Hiel builds up Jericho, in direct disregard for the instructions and warning given to Joshua in Joshua 6:26. He loses both his children, as promised.
The point of the passage seems to be repeated disregard for God's Word. He remains the same regardless of political or religious change.....and what He has said, He will do.
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Sermon, Billy Joseph "Three Evangelists" John 1:29-42
John : points to Jesus as an eyewitness. He had God's Word that the one on whom he saw the Spirit descending would be the Christ, and he saw that. John doesn't draw attention to himself, but points to Jesus as the One to follow.
Jesus: invites Andrew and the other disciple to join Him. He engages the in relationship and conversation. He brings them into his circle.
Andrew: brings his brother, Simon (Peter) to Jesus, putting him in contact with the Messiah physically. He doesn't just tell him about Jesus, he brings him to Him.
We are all admonished to point to Jesus, invite others, and bring them to the Body of Christ (the church) where they will come in contact with Him more fully.
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Meditation : "God uses us because we are weak, and therefore any 'strength' that other see must come from outside us--from Christ. We have given up a self-centered life to pass on life to others." Will Metzger.
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