Through the Bible in 66 Days - 1 Chronicles

 

Did you realise that God knows everything? He is looking after us even if we're not aware of it. When some people realise that they say, " Why should we really need to pray? For if God knows everything, why would we need to tell them about our issues, problems and situations? We could get on with our lives, and He will sort everything out as we go along.

First Chronicles tells the story of King David, but you may remember that we read about him in 1st and 2nd Samuel. First Chronicles tells the story of David's life from God's perspective. Please note that God knows every detail of not only David's life but also our lives - our motives, deepest desires, secret sins, and so on. He is the creator, law-giver, and judge, and we will all stand before him and answer for how we have lived at some stage after we die. 

So it is with the Gospel message in the New Testament. The Gospel announces undeserved hope and unlimited redemption. It is firmly grounded in the remarkable truth that God knows every intricate detail of our lives—our struggles, fears, and dreams. Despite His infinite wisdom, He longs to have a deep relationship with us, inviting us to be honest with Him about our lives. This raises a thought-provoking question: If God is already aware of our needs, why should we bother to pray? The answer unfolds beautifully in the pages of First Chronicles, illuminating what a relationship with God is really like.

Through the Bible in 66 Days - 1 Kings

The book of 1st Kings, a detailed account of the history of the kings of Israel and Judah, is not just a collection of facts. It spans the period from the reign of the second King, David, to the times of Ahab and Jehoshaphat, covering a significant period of approximately 118 to 125 years. This historical context is not just crucial, it's a bridge that connects us to the biblical narrative, giving us a deeper understanding and a sense of belonging.

After the monarchy was established, the United Kingdom endured for 120 years before it began to break apart. This period is significant as it marks the peak of Israel's political unity under the rule of Saul, David, and Solomon. Saul, the first king, reigned for 40 years, followed by David, and then Solomon. These three kings, each reigning for 40 years, played crucial roles in shaping the nation's history. However, it is disheartening to note that two of them failed miserably, ultimately leading to the kingdom's eventual division.

The message of the book is a testament to the enduring character of Jehovah, the sovereign ruler of Israel. It underscores that He blesses obedience, punishes disobedience, and forgives those who repent. This timeless lesson is for us all to learn, as it reveals the unchanging character of God. It's a reminder that we can know God personally through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Through the Bible in 66 Days - 2 Samuel

Everybody loves a hero. King David was brave and handsome a brilliant musician, poet, leader and warrior. He was everything a good king should be. He loved God, ruled fairly, obeyed God’s commands and brought wealth, peace and joy to the people. But his story reminds me that the higher we rise the further we can fall. 

In the story of second Samuel we are confronted with the sins of David and the subsequent consequences for him and his family. He slept with another man’s wife, got her pregnant and then planned the man’s death so nobody would find out. He ended up

marrying her. His family was torn apart by these terrible choices. When He eventually repented of his sin, God forgave him but his rule as a king was never the same again. In fact, as you trace his family records we discover that the family suffered many things as a result of David’s sin.

So, what can we learn from a king whose life was a mixture of success and fear, good and bad, love and hate, inner peace and turmoil?