1 Kings 7-8

Solomon was never confused about one thing - as magnificent as the Temple was, God did not "live" there (in the sense of being contained in those walls).

But will God indeed live on earth?

Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You,

much less this temple I have built.

But it was to represent God and become a focal point of prayer.  Reading his petitions of prayer is inspiring!

Read it here.

1 Kings 5-6

As you read about the detail and the artistic/aesthetic extravagance that went into building the Temple, let your mind imagine what it would have been like to see such magnificence   Then remember that this was nearly 1,000 years before the time of Christ!

The awe that the Temple would have inspired was to be directed toward the One who was worshipped there!

Read it here.

1 Kings 3-4

Solomon asks wisely of God ... "So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

God answered Solomon in spades ... "God gave Solomon wisdom, very great insight, and understanding as vast as the sand on the seashore."

Let's ask God for an obedient heart and discernment!

Read it here.

1 Kings 1-2

The book of 1 Kings is the sequel to 1 and 2 Samuel.  It begins with David handing the throne to his chosen son, Solomon.  But by the time the book is over, there will be a revolution and a divided kingdom.

There is a lot of bloodshed, even from the beginning.  It was a tumultuous time in the land.  The people had clamored for a king.  Sometimes we should be careful what we ask for!

Read it here.

Isaiah 65-66

Even though many reject the loving outstretched arms of God, some will respond and will be called His people.  And for those who do, there is a great promise of a new heaven and a new earth (just as the final chapters of Revelation promise).

And what is the Lord looking for?  "I will look favorably on this kind of person: one who is humble, submissive is spirit, and trembles at My word." (Isaiah 66:2)

Read it here.

Isaiah 62-64

Check out the promise of God's deliverance followed by the prayer of God's people (63:15ff).  It is, in many ways, a model prayer.  Having understood God's promises of both punishment and deliverance, God's people call out to Him for undeserved mercy.  They know that they don't deserve God's favor.  But they appeal to His love for them.

We should do the same!

Read it here.

Isaiah 60-61

When God chooses to restore His people, the description is lavish!  "I will make you an object of eternal pride, a joy from age to age" (60:15).

Do you recall when Jesus went into a synagogue and carefully opened the scroll to read from Isaiah 61:1-2?  But if you look at that passage (Luke 4:16-21) you will notice that Jesus didn't finish the whole passage.  He broke off midway through Isaiah 61:2, right in the middle of a sentence.  Strange.  Or is it?

Jesus very intentionally ended with, "to proclaim the year of the Lords' favor...", rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down.  They all just sat and stared at Him.  Then He said, "Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled" (Luke 4:21).  In Jesus' first coming, He brought good news and healing and liberty.  That was His mission and it was being fulfilled before their eyes.

Jesus will take up the scroll and finish the verse one day.  Isaiah 61:2 concludes: "...and the day of our God's vengeance."

Read it here.