Todays readings.. 1 kings 3, Jeremiah 30, Mark4

“BEHOLD THE STORM OF THE LORD” 

We have an interesting and challenging mixture of chapters’ to read today.  First, in 1 Kings 3 we read how Solomon, now king, had a challenging ‘encounter’ with the LORD.   He “appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” [v.5].  And he asks for ” … an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”[v.9]

This pleases the LORD and he not only gives him that, but also “riches and honour so that  no other king shall compare with you, all your days.” [v.13] And the riches and honour become a test for him – which he fails in his latter years as we will see when we come to ch. 11.  A lesson for us.  It is intriguing that Solomon in Proverbs was to write, “give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me.” [30 v.8]  What “food” is that?  Let us make sure we know!  Psalm 111 v.5 tells us the LORD “provides food for those who fear Him.”

In Jeremiah our chapter describes, a “storm of the LORD” – but first we will look into Mark’s chapter 4 where the disciples “leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat …. and a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat …” [v.37.  But Jesus is] asleep on the cushion. And they woke him …” [v.38], they are afraid they “are perishing” [v.38].  Jesus, “rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’ ” [v.39,40]

Is that going to be a question for us to answer?  There are good reasons to believe that it is! Consider now how the words in Jeremiah ch. 30 challenge us!

It is a fascinating prophecy of the latter days!  Speaking of Israel, the LORD, through the prophet declares, “For I will restore health to you … because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!'” [v.17] “Thus says the LORD: Behold, I will restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob and have compassion….” [v.18]

It is the last 3 verses that challenge our attention most of all.  Israel is told “And you shall be my people, and I will be your God.” [v.22] This could happen very soon!  But when it happens, then other events will occur! ” Behold the storm of the LORD! Wrath has gone forth, a whirling tempest; it will burst upon the head of the wicked.  The fierce anger of the LORD will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intentions of his mind. In the latter days you will understand this.”  Let us be fully aware of God’s “intentions” to act in our days, our godless days! Let us “wake” Christ – making sure he is in our minds, making sure we truly belong to him.