Psalm 119:1-24; 1 Kings 3:1-15; Acts 27:9-26; Mark 14:1-11
We avoid reading chapter 2 where David advises Solomon further concerning the kingdom and dealing with those who have proven themselves disloyal to David and Solomon’s actions to rid himself of these men, Joab and Shimei. David apparently had a long memory concerning those who had done him wrong. Solomon begins his reign without a house for the Lord and so offers sacrifices and worship at the high places. At Gibeon, the Lord meets him and makes him an offer, ask me for something and I will give it to you. Solomon, at this juncture, is a humble man and apparently desires to rule this people well. He asks for wisdom to be a good ruler and because he asks for this rather than wealth, victory over his enemies, or some other such thing, he receives not only wisdom but everything else in return. If he will keep the law and obey the commandments, he will also have long life. What are you asking for from the Lord?
The woman, whom we assume was a prostitute because she carried nard in a flask to make her more alluring to men, becomes immortalized in Scripture for offering the most important thing she had to Jesus. That which enhanced her allure is given to Jesus to anoint Him. This scene tells us much about Jesus, he is at the home of a man known as “Simon the leper” and the only other person identified is the woman. Some there scolded her concerning the value of the ointment, noting that it could have been sold and the poor assisted but Jesus affirms her for offering this as an anointing for his burial. What a somber note to introduce into the conversation! He rightly prophesied that she would be remembered for this act. This, however, is the final straw for Judas who leaves in order to arrange the betrayal of Jesus. He has had enough of this nonsense of lepers and prostitutes it seems, but what is his motive? What do any of these people want from Jesus?
Paul prophesies that if they set sail from Fair Havens they will lose both ship and life and yet the centurion decides to strike out anyway. Paul’s words prove true as the ship comes into a storm and for many days cannot make land and it looks as though all will be lost. Paul has clearly been in prayer for all concerned and receives assurance from the Lord that the lives of those on board will be spared. What does it mean that “God has granted you all those who sail with you”? Does that mean they will live to see another day or does it mean that they will be truly and eternally saved? It seems likely that Paul was more interested in the second than the first? Are we praying for our friends and neighbors that they receive eternal life?
See! the streams of living waters,
spring form eternal love,
well supply thy sons and daughters
and all fear of want remove.
Who can faint, when such a river
ever flows their thirst to assuage?
Grace which, like the Lord, the Giver,
never fails from age to age.
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