Read 1 Kings 1

Highlights:

Solomon anointed king; David's last instructions to Solomon; David's death; Adonijah put to death.

And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in His ways, to keep His Statutes, and His Commandments . . . that thou mayest prosper (I Kin. 2:3).

David's last words to Solomon revealed his greatest desire for his son — that he would live to please the Lord. David said nothing to Solomon about gaining fame for his kingdom, but he stressed the importance of keeping the Commandments of God, that thou mayest prosper. The word prosper here does not mean material wealth, but literally means to live in harmony with God.

Material blessings are incidental and may or may not be obtained by those who prosper from the Lord's point of view. Stephen or Paul did not prosper in the eyes of the world, but their true prosperity was exceedingly abundant.

Paul gave one of his strongest warnings when he wrote: But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (I Tim. 6:9-11).

False prophets and their greedy followers seek to gain wealth and worldly possessions in rebellion to our Lord's command: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth . . . take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles (worldly-minded) seek) (Matt. 6:19,31-32).

The truly blessed man is protected against a fruitless life of failure because his delight is in the Law of the Lord; and in His Law doth he meditate day and night. . . . and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper (Ps. 1:1-3).

Since the Scriptures are the unique revelation of the will of God to the believer, we possess the greatest gift that can be bestowed upon man. What a privilege we have to prayerfully read the Bible each day!

He that hath My Commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him (John 14:21).

Thought for Today:

How concerned are you about the Lord's presence?

Christ Revealed:

By the oil used to anoint Solomon (I Kin. 1:39). Oil, symbolic of the Holy Spirit, was poured out upon those chosen for special service. Jesus is the Anointed One of God: God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good (Acts 10:38). The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor (needy) (Luke 4:18; see Is. 61:1).

Word Studies:

1:2 cherish, be of service as his nurse; 1:6 not displeased, never rebuked or corrected; 2:6 hoar head . . . peace, die of old age in peace; 2:17 say thee nay, refuse your request.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Country: Bosnia and Hercegovina (4 million) on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe • Major language: Serbo-Croatian • Little evangelism being done • 40% Muslim; 28% Serbian Orthodox; 14% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Remember that prayer changes things (James 5:16-18).

Optional Reading: Acts 22

Memory Verse for the Week: John 11:26