June 2

1 Kings 2

David charges Solomon with the urgency of living for the Lord.

INSIGHT

Parts of the Old Testament tax our understanding and our acceptance. First, we do not understand much about Judaism, the Law, and Old Testament culture and customs. Second, many of the events are violations of God’s desires—though that is not explained to us. And finally, God deals with men differently in the Old Testament than in the New Testament. While not all things are easily explained, in chapter 2, Solomon takes vengeance only upon all those people who had already committed acts that were punishable by death. This doesn’t answer every problem we might have with this difficult chapter, but it is a beginning.

PRAYER

The Lord will guard and care for those who want to follow Him with their whole heart:
I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears (Psalm 34:1-4).

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
The Lord answered Job, and said:
“Shall the one who contends with the
Almighty correct Him?
He who rebukes God, let him answer it.”
Then Job answered the Lord and said: “Behold, I am vile;
What shall I answer You?
I lay my hand over my mouth” (Job 40:1-4).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
“Do not labor for the food which perishes,
but for the food which endures to everlasting life,
which the Son of Man will give you,
because God the Father has set His seal on Him” (John 6:27).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• A friend to believe in Christ
• Greater understanding and love for God’s Word
• Whatever else is on your heart

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
The One who is and who was and who is to come,
Because You have taken Your great power and reigned (Revelation 11:17).