TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
1 Kings 18:1-46
Acts 11:1-30
Psalm 135:1-21
Proverbs 17:12-13
1 Kings 18:3 — Ever notice that pagan leaders prefer (truly) LORD-fearing administrators?
- Potiphar and Joseph (Genesis 39:4)
- Pharaoh and Joseph (Genesis 41:41)
- Ahab and Obadiah (1 Kings 18:3)
- Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel (Daniel 2:49)
- Darius and Daniel (Daniel 6:2)
- Mordecai and Ahasuerus (Esther 10:3)
1 Kings 18:20 — Every time I go to Mount Carmel, I look at the statue of Elijah. Elijah was bold – bolder than Gideon. He confronted the king (1 Kings 18:18-19) so that the king obeyed him (1 Kings 18:20). When he spoke to the people, they were silenced (1 Kings 18:21).
1 Kings 18:26 — Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” features the classic line “Baal, we cry to thee” – portraying the anguish of unanswered prayer which is a contrast to Elijah’s prayer.
1 Kings 18:30 — What was this altar? From the Pulpit Commentary:
It has been already suggested that this altar may have dated from the time when there was no house built unto the name of the Lord. But it is just as likely that it had been restored, if not raised, by some of the “seven thousand who had not bowed their knees unto Baal,” or by some of the faithful remaining in Israel after the calf-worship and the hostility between the two kingdoms had made worship at Jerusalem an impossibility. Anyhow we can hardly be mistaken in holding that this was one of the “altars” (1 Kings 19:10), thrown down” by command of Ahab or Jezebel. Elijah’s repairing it was an act of profound significance. It showed him as the restorer of the law and the true religion.
Acts 11:3 — We see that the Dispensation of Grace was initiated on Pentecost. We also see its implications: unclean foods are no more unclean. Circumcision is no longer necessary. By the way – this age of grace does not mean “age of licentiousness,” but this is the era where salvation is offered to all (Titus 2:11). The veil of the temple has been rent. Circumcision is no longer a prerequisite for proximity to the Most High. Females are no longer barred from access to the inner sanctum.
Acts 11:25 — Evangelist Tom Farrell preached a great message on this verse, “Let’s Be a Barney.”
Psalm 135:6 — How powerful is the LORD? “Whatsoever [He] pleased, that did He.” Compare this to the idols of silver and gold (Psalm 135:16-17).
Proverbs 17:12 — Many a hunter has learned the lesson – don’t take the cubs from momma bear! And yet, how more dangerous is a fool! What’s the answer? Get wisdom (Proverbs 4:7)!
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