The Bible in 2020

Today’s Reading

1 Kings 14-15; John 1:1-28

Selected Verses

They did according to all the abominations of the nations that the Lord drove out before the people of Israel. 1 Kings 14:24

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:11-13

Reflections

Solomon’s apostasy led to the division of the kingdom under Rehoboam and Jeroboam. Neither of them was humble or repentant, but they continued in the path taken by Solomon. The divided kingdom stayed at war during the lifetimes of these two kings. They continued to worship other gods. Their practices mirrored those of the peoples that God had evicted from the land when Israel entered.

When Jesus came, fulfilling the promise of a Messiah, He was not universally received. The gospel records show that as His ministry unfolded official opposition increased culminating in His crucifixion. Jesus came revealing the glory of the Father, full of grace and truth. Those who were sent to arrest Him said, “No one ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46).

But despite Jesus’ powerful words, the nation officially rejected Him. Why? They were not born of God. Those who are born of God are children of God who manifest this reality by receiving Christ and believing in His name. Everyone is God’s creature, made by Him, but not all who owe Him their existence are His children (John 1:3, John 1:10).

Neither severe hardship such as decades of war, nor mighty works like the incarnation of God the Son automatically results in faith and repentance in people. It takes a new birth, a birth brought about by God, to turn the hearts of sinners to Himself and to make them His children.

Think about it

If you have been born of God, then you are His child. Your home is with Him, not here. But you and I will be there soon. Rejoice and be faithful as you await that day.

© 2017 John A Carroll Used by permission

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