For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Eph. 1
List the spiritual blessings that are yours in Christ in v. 3-14. Give thanks to God! Paul desired that the Ephesian believers would be made aware of what they received when they entered into God’s family through Christ. I’m sure he would desire the same for us. We have been called to a hope that cannot fail. We have been given the riches of the inheritance of God’s people. And we now share in His “incomparably great power”. Let that last one sink in. Paul said that the same power that raised Christ from the dead and set Him above and out of reach of every other perceived authority, power, and dominion is the power that now exists in those who believe in Christ. Just, wow.
This isn’t our power, mind you. We are not gods. It is God’s power working in and through us. And it isn’t power as the world thinks of power. The world’s view of power would have had Jesus remove Himself from that cross to save Himself. God’s power, on the other hand, overcomes self so that it can be multiplied exponentially. It is a power that recognizes that the kind of self-benefit that comes from sacrificing self to benefit others is far more valuable. But it is a power that nothing can oppose or conquer and that “fills everything in every way.” (Eph. 1:23b).
1 Kings 5-6
Solomon was Israel’s great builder. What enabled him to do this? Reading 1 Kings 5 reminded me of a story we read back in 1 Chronicles 19. Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had died and his son, Hanun, took over the throne. Nahash had been good to David, so David sent envoys to Hanun to express his sympathy. In today’s reading, Hiram, king of Tyre, did the same thing for Solomon. The two stories diverge dramatically from there.
Hanun was proud and foolish. He responded to David’s gesture with suspicion and defiance. Solomon, on the other hand, responded with wisdom. He accepted Hiram’s gesture and took advantage of the opportunity to further their alliance. Solomon brought Hiram alongside him in his efforts to build a temple for God. Not only did this please Hiram, but it gave Solomon physical and material resources that he would not otherwise have had. It was a win for all involved. A much different outcome than the war that came as a result of Hunan’s response.
All of this makes me think of yet another proverb that likely came from Solomon. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Pr. 15:1). And it also reminds me that pride makes us stupid. How much better to follow Solomon’s example, both here and when he dealt with David’s enemies, and respond first with kindness and mercy. Then the other party has the opportunity to respond in kind or to bring justice down on their own head. Hmm….seems like that’s exactly how God responds to us.