Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 9, Jeremiah 35, Mark 9) for aug 14th.

In the 1 Kings' record Yahweh appears to Solomon in a dream. This was the second time that God had appeared to Solomon by  dream. In the earlier promise God offers to Solomon a covenant like that to David Solomon's father. This was an eternal covenant, that was conditional on obeying the terms, and having a perpetual heir to his throne. The readings in Jeremiah 33 reminds us of David's unbreakable covenant. We also saw, that because of Coniah's corruption, the line of kingship ended with him and therefore terminated Solomon's line of succession. Luke 3 tells us this was to be transferred to Nathan , David's son. The chapter finishes in verses 10-28 with further great acts of Solomon, not all of which were well received. The first of these acts was the completion of the two houses - Yahweh's and Solomon's own house - twenty years these projects took. We are told of Solomon's gift of cities in Galilee to Hiram king of Tyre. Hiram had greatly helped Solomon in the construction of the Temple. Hiram was displeased with the gift and described the cities as "dirty". We are also told of Solomon's store cities, the trade in horses and chariots, the ships Solomon built at Ezion-Geber. The chapter speaks of a well organised administration and vast tributes coming to his realm from surrounding subject kingdoms. 

Jeremiah's 35th chapter tells of an incredibly faithful family - the Rechabites. Their adherence to the rules imposed by their ancestor - Jonadab son of Rechab - went back almost 800 years, to when Israel under Moses were about to enter the Promised Land. Jeremiah is told to put wine before the Rechabites as a test. These men stay faithful to the charge of Jonadab and drink no wine. The Almighty commends their upholding of the 5th commandment - honouring their father (and mother) and pointed to the fact that these faithful Gentiles stood in marked contrast to God's disobedient children. Note God's covenant with the Rechabites stands on a par with that to David and to the offer to Solomon in our first reading.

Mark 9 deals with the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ in power and glory, as seen in his transfiguration. The three, Peter, James and John, witnesses our Lord Jesus Christ being seen with Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration. These three Apostles were asked to keep secret what they had seen until after Jesus' rising. In the meantime the remainder of the twelve are frustrated by their failure to heal a deaf and mute boy. Our Lord points out that miracles of healing are not automatic, but dependent on the involvement of the healer. Once more Jesus spoke of his death and resurrection which left the Apostles dumbfounded - possibly their minds had been blinded by the witnessing of our Lord's glory. A dispute arose among his Apostles as to who was the greatest. Jesus answered the question via the lesson seen in the humility of a child being seen by them. Out Lord reminds those Apostles that without humility none can enter the kingdom. Christ next warns us not to categorise people who are not identical to ourselves. The chapter closes with the need for self examination and drastic action in order to enter the kingdom.
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