June 6 – The First Political Campaign Parades!

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
1 Kings 1:1-53
Acts 4:1-37
Psalm 124:1-8
Proverbs 16:24

We are now in 1 Kings! Fourteen books of the Bible done! Great job staying
faithful to God’s Word!

1 Kings 1:4 — Interesting comparison to Esther. In 1 Kings 1:2, the suggestion is almost identical “Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin” to Esther 2:2 “Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king.” Abishag was “very fair” (1 Samuel 1:2), while Esther was “fair and beautiful.”

1 Kings 1:5 — Note the similarity between this verse and Absalom in 2 Samuel 15:1. Lest you think this is an outdated tradition, be sure to go to your local 4th of July Parade! From 6 Quick Parade Tips for Political Candidates:

Have a huge group of supporters. This is especially important in smaller races, and in smaller towns where a big, loud group really stands out. It doesn’t take many people to look ‘big,’ but I recommend at least 20.

1 Kings 1:7 — Joab was also instrumental in bringing back Absalom (2 Samuel 14:22-23).

1 Kings 1:41 — For some reason Joab is sticking out to me as I read. Interesting that he is caught unprepared. Joshua also heard an unexpected noise of what he thought was war (Exodus 32:17).

1 Kings 1:49 — Instead of another war for the kingdom, God blessed Solomon by putting fear into the hearts of his opponents, neutralizing his opposition.

Acts 4:12 —

No other name but the name of Jesus,
No other name but the name of the LORD,
No other name but the name of Jesus,
Is worthy of glory, is worthy of honor,
And worthy of power and all praise!

Acts 4:24 — Some may say that understanding creation isn’t an important issue. But if God didn’t make the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all that in them is, then God has no authority to dictate to them. But the Creator does have the authority, and He has given us power to speak His Word with boldness (Acts 4:31)!

Psalm 124:8 — Speaking of the Creator, enjoy this song by Earl Martin, “Our Help Is in the Name”: