Day 176, 23rd February: 1 Kings, Acts and Proverbs

Straight Paths
By Gavin Calver

Today’s readings
1 Kings 14:21-16:7
Acts 16:16-40
Proverbs 15:21-30

Isn’t it refreshing to read about a king who did right in the eyes of the Lord?

We have Rehoboam who led Judah to do evil in the eyes of the Lord (14:22). Following him, his successor, Abijah, whose heart is not fully devoted to the Lord (15:3).Then Nadab, who walked in the ways of his father Jeroboam; committing his sin (15:26), and finally Baasha who caused Israel to sin (16:2). Baasha is an interesting example of a man who God lifted up from the dust (16:2): Those in positions of power were not always there due to family line; sometimes it was a divine appointment- even if they mucked it up.

Thankfully we read about Asa, who God raises up for King David’s sake to be a lamp in Jerusalem. Not only does Asa get rid of all the shrines and idols, he is a capable man who builds cities and knows what he believes. More than that, Asa’s heart was fully committed to the Lord (15:14)! On the flip side Asa was not perfect and did not always do the ‘right’ thing: check out 1 Chronicles 16 – even with God we can fall.

How terrifying for that jailer? He had been told to ‘guard Paul and Silas carefully’ and he puts them into an inner cell (interesting -makes it impossible for them to do anything). Then as he listens to them singing the whole prison foundations are shaken, everything goes black and all he hears are chains loosening and doors opening. No wonder he drew his sword! Amazing: No matter how bound you are only God has the power to set you free.

Then a fascinating response from the jailer; ‘Sirs what must I do to be saved? (16:30)’ He has witnessed God’s power and for some reason he knows that Paul and Silas can show him how to find the way. Like Lydia, the jailer’s whole family believe and are baptised. And this is just one man’s story – who knows how many more encountered Jesus because of others testimonies.

If we are going to stay on a straight path we need to gain understanding, counsel from others, wisdom and humility. None of us are exempt from discipline no matter our calling or position – we need to hear words of rebuke with an open mind. Timely words, good news and cheerful looks feed the soul.

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Today’s picture was taken by…
Lauren Hollingum. Thanks Lauren!

If you’d like to take your own picture to potentially be featured on the blog, then get your Soul Survivor Bible in One Year, and take a picture of yourself – and your Bible – at some interesting or colourful location. Then email it to us at editor@soulsurvivor.com.

The pictures will need to be a pretty good resolution (we use 640px by 360 px so at least as big as that), landscape photos work best and if you include the day of the reading in the picture then make sure you send it to us a good few days before that reading, so we have time to include it in that day’s post! We’ll credit all photographers!