Day 162 – June 11, 2021
Scriptures: 1 Kings 7, 1 Corinthians 8 Concern for others, over self. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church, he does battle with the self-focused customs of their past and present. The me-first mentality is something that runs rampant through 1 Corinthians. He tackles the topic sexual desires and immorality, and now he addresses food. “Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.” (1 Cor 8:13) That radical sense of others-over-self is what makes Paul such an inspirational witness of Christ. Willing to forego his personal rights for the sake of others is what makes Paul so much like Jesus. In our Kings reading, we get the details around the palace for Solomon. There is nothing inherently wrong with it. But the opening really does set the stage well for what is to come. Solomon builds a very nice palace, and the time spent on it is greater than the time spent on the temple. Whose house is more important Solomon? Paul will deny himself, for the sake of others relationship with God. We ought to be considerate and thoughtful as Paul is for the sake of others and their relationship with God. Solomon’s delay on the temple while he works on the palace is an indictment on himself. Because of the delay, people were worshiping on the high places “Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt and married his daughter. He brought her to the City of David until he finished building his palace and the temple of the Lord, and the wall around Jerusalem. The people, however, were still sacrificing at the high places, because a temple had not yet been built for the Name of the Lord. Solomon showed his love for the Lordby walking according to the instructions given him by his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places.” (1 Kings 3:1–3) Because Solomon was looking to himself first, the whole spiritual life of the nation suffered. Because the temple wasn’t built, the people continued to worship on the high places. Their devotion to God would have many competitors. The great wisdom of Paul builds community, and the spiritual life of the community is strengthened. Solomon seeks his own benefit. Paul, the benefit of others. Which way will we choose? Jordan
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AuthorJordan Ickes, Minister of Etna Green Church of Christ. Archives
December 2022
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