Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 10, Jeremiah 36, Mark 10) for Aug 15th

The record in 1 Kings 10 tells of the visit to Solomon by the Queen of Sheba, a wealthy spice kingdom. She was left breathless after seeing his glorious dominion and spoke of her doubts as to what she heard in her own realm. This queen says to Solomon that there had been no exaggeration in what she had heard in her homeland. This queen graciously gave great gifts in tribute to Solomon. The chapter gives us a glimpse of the glory of Solomon's realm. Solomon was not only master in his domain, but also the broker for the cloth trade and for buying and selling of horses and chariots for all the surrounding kingdoms. Jeremiah's 36th chapter occurred in the 4th year of Jehoiakim and the first year of Nebuchadnezzar. Verses 11-19 record Baruch's reading of the scroll that Jeremiah had dictated. It was read in the hearing of the citizens of Jerusalem. After having read it to the populace Baruch and Jeremiah are told to hide themselves knowing the reaction that this prophecy would cause to the king and his nobles. This was the year when the king of Judah burned the Bible and Yahweh revealed His will to the Gentile despot, Nebuchadnezzar - see Daniel 2 verses 31-45. Read and think about this remarkable prophecy that reveals the history of the world from the time of Nebuchadnezzar's empire until the establishment of our Lord Jesus Christ's kingdom in the near future. Verses 20-26 speak of Jehoiiakim's seizing the scroll, cutting it to pieces with his penknife and casting it into the fire. Verses 27-31 describe Yahweh's rebuke to Jeconiah and his pronounced punishment for his contempt for the Word of the LORD. Verse 32 says that Baruch was commanded to rewrite the burnt scroll with additional material. In the record of Mark 10 Jesus tells us, that the Mosaic law sought to regulate putting away. The practice of divorce had become rife in our Lord's time. Jesus indicates that 'putting away' was foreign to the Father's purpose in marriage described at the end of Genesis 2. The Almighty's purpose in marriage is elaborated in Malachi 2 verses 11-16. The record says that children were invited to come to Jesus for blessing and to show that humility is essential for entry to the kingdom. The chapter says that a rich young ruler, who was deeply loved for his sincerity by Jesus, found his love of his possessions an obstacle too great to overcome. Jesus goes on to say how hard it is for all those who trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God. Because the amazed Apostles had left all and followed Jesus they were promised a place in the kingdom for faithfulness. Carefully read aloud verses 29-31 and meditate on the message for us. For the third time Jesus foretells of his suffering, death and resurrection. We are told that James and John came secretly to Jesus seeking the positions of honour in his glory - to sit at our Lord's right and left hand - in his kingdom. Those two Apostles are told that they would suffer for his sake and that the Father alone could give such honours. The Lord's ministry, Jesus says, is service. This must also be true for all of Christ's followers. The chapter concludes by telling us that blind Bartimaeus was cured and follows Jesus. More here https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/ Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here... https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-bible-readings-1-kings-10-jeremiah-36-mark-10-for-aug-15th/?feed_id=98175&_unique_id=689d707bcff5a