Psalm 38; 1 Kings 9:24-10:13; James 3:1-12; Mark 15:1-11
Solomon’s wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom have begun to gain a fame of their own in the region. New trade routes are opened in the alliance with Hiram, king of Tyre. The Mediterranean Sea is opened to Israel and the inland Red Sea is now open to Tyre, extending the influence of both countries. Word of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth comes to the queen of Sheba who must see for herself whether what she has heard is true. She finds that, if anything, his wealth and wisdom are greater than she has been told. The prestige of the kingdom is further enhanced by this new trading partner. In addition, the queen properly ascribes glory and honor to Solomon’s God for these things. She is impressed with Solomon but apparently recognizes that the source is his God.
Pilate questions Jesus concerning the accusations against Him and Jesus answers him quite simply. This is not a time for eloquence or apologetic, that time has passed and plain speech is the order of the day. Pilate, the leaders and the crowds, must decide about Jesus based on all the evidence He has provided in the years of His public ministry. Pilate has no idea what to do with Jesus, desiring to release Him, and believes that surely they will choose Jesus over the man Barabbas. How wrong he was to assume such a thing. The queen of Sheba has shown wisdom of her own in ascribing Solomon’s wisdom to the Lord but these, the people of God, do not rejoice at being blessed by having the Lord Himself among them, they reject Him and His wisdom utterly in favor even of an insurrectionist.
James certainly speaks truth here concerning the power of the tongue. Jesus has taught that it isn’t what goes into a person that defiles them but what comes out of them for it is the overflow of the heart. Even if we could fully bridle the tongue, could we say that we were perfect? Our hearts betray us and we know that we, over time, have indeed learned well not to say everything that comes to our hearts and minds. The tongue is the most powerful weapon the enemy has against us, too many times the problems in our churches are completely due to idle gossip and slander but the source is envy and jealousy and covetousness. Indeed we often will praise God during worship and then slander one another immediately thereafter. Let us use our words to edify and exalt and confess both our faith and our sins.
For her my tears shall fall
For her my prayers ascend,
To her my cares and toils be given
Till toils and cares shall end.
No comments:
Post a Comment