Solomon builds a temple to honor the Lord. In the prayer of dedication, he anticipates a time when foreign peoples will journey to the temple in Jerusalem because the God of Israel is famous for answering the prayers of all people. Yet the final chapter of 2 Kings describes a foreign nation coming to Jerusalem, not to worship there but to destroy the temple and take the people of God into exile. The tragic history that unfolds between the dedication and destruction of the temple shows how God’s people and God’s kings fail in their commission to reflect his character among the nations. Scriptures referenced include 1 Kings 8:23 ; 2 Kings 25:8–21; 2 Kings 10:12-14; Proverbs 14:12; 2 Kings 11:1–3; 1 Kings 19:17-21.
Barabbas, as Mark 15:6-15 indicates, was a criminal who had led a band of rebels against the Roman occupation. During their act of rebellion,...
This episode of 1010 Thrive delves into the significance of the Sabbath, exploring its foundational role in creation, covenant, and worship. Beginning with God’s...
Throughout the book of Acts, various questions are asked of or by the apostles. Today we explore several of these questions and reflect on...
