1 Kings 19-21; 2 Chronicles 17; Psalm 129; Matthew 1 July 15th, 2024 1 Kings 19-21 The story of Elijah shows that even the strongest prophets have their weaknesses. After miraculously defeating hundreds of Baal's prophets, Elijah soon finds himself unable to trust God with his life. Upon hearing of Jezebel's threat, he flees to the farthest place in Israel and asks for death. God, understanding the prophet's weakness, allows him to rest, provides food, and only then speaks to him, asking, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:9). Instead of rebuking Elijah, God sends him back to continue his mission and finally reassures him, saying, "Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him" (1 Kings 19:18), helping Elijah realize the reality of the situation. The story of Ahab illustrates the complexity of human nature. Ahab is generally known as an unrighteous king of the northern kingdom of Israel, which had turned away from God. Nevertheless, God protects them from the Syrians. In several instances, Ahab listens to God's prophets and even tries to obey God. Jezebel, his pagan wife, exacerbates his problems. Our surroundings significantly influence us; therefore, we need to surround ourselves with people who love and serve God. 2 Chronicles 17 Jehoshaphat, one of the kings of Judah, endeavored to return the people to serving God. He did much to achieve this, appointing princes and Levites to teach the law of God: "They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the Lord; they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people" (2 Chronicles 17:9). A return to God's word always precedes blessings, as it did in Judah during Jehoshaphat's time, until his heart became prideful. Psalm 129 Israelites sang the songs of ascents as they ascended to Jerusalem for worship. This psalm celebrates the righteousness of the Lord, which will surely prevail: "Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him" (Psalm 129:1). Matthew 1 Matthew begins his Gospel with a detailed genealogy of Jesus Christ through Joseph, Mary's husband, demonstrating Jesus' connection to God's promises. Matthew shows that Jesus is a descendant of Abraham and David, as the Messiah and King of Israel should be. Moreover, Matthew emphasizes God's grace toward Israel. The Messiah is sent not because of their merits. Matthew highlights this by mentioning four women in the genealogy, each associated with problematic stories in Israel: Tamar (Matthew 1:3), Rahab (referred to in the book of Joshua as Rahab the prostitute) (Matthew 1:5), Ruth the Moabitess (Moabites were not supposed to be part of Israel) (Matthew 1:5), and Bathsheba, referred to as "Uriah's wife," underlining David's double sin. All this is mentioned to show the Jews, for whom this Gospel is written, that they need a Savior just as much as the Gentiles do. Posted in Reading Bible Together search... Recent 2 Kings 2-3; Psalm 48; Matthew 4 July 18th, 2024 2 Chronicles 19-20; 2 Kings 1; Psalm 22; Matthew 3 July 17th, 2024 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18; Matthew 2 July 16th, 2024 1 Kings 19-21; 2 Chronicles 17; Psalm 129; Matthew 1 July 15th, 2024 1 Kings 17-18; Psalm 119; Jude July 12th, 2024

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