Journey Thru The Bible! (1 Kings 1 - 3)

Click on the above Scripture to read today's Bible text!

Here are a couple of lessons we can learn from today's Bible study...

1) Though God forgives us of sin, sometimes our sin can come back to haunt us! There are many people who sin in private (or in public) and think they've gotten away with it without some judgment being cast upon them. Others, tend to minimize its affect on a person's future. But, from today's Bible story (chapter 2), we see how Joab, Abiathar (Eli's descendant), and Shimei end up paying the price for their sin several years later. Joab was eventually sentenced to death by King Solomon for the senseless murders (done many years before) of two of David's captains - Abner and Amasa. Abiathar was exiled as priest for his involvement in a conspiracy to make Adonijah the new king of Israel, and fulfill the curse God cast on Eli for the horrible corruption he allowed to take place within the Tabernacle many years before. And, Shimei was eventually put to death for his cursing of King David many years earlier (as well as the breaking of the promise he made to King Solomon).

Throughout the Bible, we see the eventual effect of sin in the later lives of many Bible characters. It's important to realize that we should NEVER minimize the impact that sin has in our lives! Yes...God forgives us, but sometimes the effects of sin come back to haunt us!

One good example is the lingering effect of STD (sexually transmitted diseases). Many young people have the delusion that premarital sexual encounters are fun and have no lasting effect. They only think of how much fun they can have now without realizing the consequences they'll have to bear later in life! However, later on in their years of marriage, the lingering problems and pain associated with STD are reminders of the past. This is just one example - there are many others! Think about it!

2) Real Wisdom...is from the Lord! What if God came to you and made you the same offer He made to Solomon? What if you could have anything you wanted, what would you ask for?

Solomon asked for wisdom to govern the people effectively!

God loved his answer, and here's why! Solomon didn't seek something for himself that would promote himself and promote wealth, he sought something from God that would help others! He was thinking, not of himself, but of others! It truly was a humble, and selfless act. That's why God gave it to him, and that's why God gave him the other things he didn't ask for - fame, wealth, and the death of his enemies.

If your seeking great things for yourself, seek them not! If you want God to answer your prayers and work through your life, it must be for the benefit of others and for the glory of God! That's the key!

I hope this ministers to you today. Have a wonderful day in the Lord!