DAY 1: The Role of a King
Living in a democracy, it’s difficult to think about what life may be like under the rule of a king. In the ancient world, it made complete sense for people to live under the rule of a king. The problem, however, is that every nation had their own style of government. While they each had a king, they all fulfilled this role in their own unique ways.
For the people of Israel, God had given them some specific instructions for how a king ought to live and rule (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). God was most interested in a king not being rich, as well as reading and following God’s Word. The New Bible Dictionary notes, “The main responsibility of the king was the maintenance of righteousness…to preserve justice and proclaim [God’s Word].”
In other words, a prophet had the role of speaking on behalf of God, a priest had the role of being a mediator between people and God, and a king had the role of upholding the Word of God by righteous rule. Each role was unique. In the Old Testament, God created each of these roles to ensure He was understood, and to show that He could be trusted. And until Jesus, nobody was able to fulfill all three roles.
READING & JOURNALING:
Why do you think God outlined the role of a king hundreds of years before the people of Israel asked for a king?
In the Old Testament, the kings that most strayed from God were the ones who did not proclaim His Word. What are 2-3 barriers that get in the way of you proclaiming God’s Word to your family? Friends? Others? What steps can you take to overcome these barriers?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, my desire is to follow You so closely that the idea of not proclaiming Your Word would be a completely foreign concept to me. Help me to know Your Word, live it, and proclaim it by my words and deeds. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). It is a separate reading from the above devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.
Read: Judges 6 & 7
Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?
Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.
Next Message Series: Beginning January 5
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