May 1, 2021
You Say That I Am
During the reign of King Solomon, the kingdom of Israel reached its greatest prosperity, but with hints of impending doom. Solomon’s lack of integrity opens the door for Israel’s enemies to raise up against the kingdom.
In Luke, the suffering and death of Jesus draw closer as He is tried before the council of the elders.
Observation and Activation
“Only he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.’ And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold.” - Deuteronomy 17:16-17
The author of 1 Kings shows how Solomon’s success led to his downfall. The details included in 1 Kings 10:26-11:8 depict Solomon turning away from the Lord and His law by violating the laws for Israel’s kings in Deuteronomy 17. Solomon’s heart turned away from the Lord as he trusted in the strength of Egypt and other gods.
In his trial before the council, Jesus deflects responsibility back on his accusers (“You say that I am”) for his identification as the Messiah. The question of the Gospels is, “Who do you say that Jesus is?”