a lamp and a light

1 Kings 19:1-21; Acts 12:1-23; Psalm 136:1-26; Proverbs 17:14-15

Elisha Arose, Went After, and Ministered Unto Elijah
And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: and Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him. And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee? And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him. – 1 Kings 19:15-21

There were so many stories that could have been highlighted in the few verses we read in 1 Kings today. Elijah got a message from Jezebel that sent him running to hide in the wilderness. There he sits under a Juniper tree and tells God he wants to die. Elijah falls asleep, and an angel of the Lord wakes him up and ministers to him. The angels gives him food to eat for the journey he is to go on. Then Elijah heads out and doesn’t eat for 40 days and nights. He ends up at Mt. Horeb (which some scholars say is Mt. Sinai – where Moses saw the Glory of God pass by).

At Mt. Horeb, he finds a cave for shelter and rest. There, God asks Elijah, “What are you doing here?” He tells God his problems. The Lord tells Elijah to stand on the mountain because HE is going to be out there. Before he goes, a mighty wind passes by (the Lord was not in the wind). Then an earthquake shakes the cave (the Lord was not in the earthquake). Then fire comes (the Lord was not there either). Finally, Elijah hears a voice no more than a whisper. The Bibles calls it a “still, small voice.” It is God. Elijah wraps his face in his cloak and goes out of the cave to the mountain. God asks Elijah again, “What are you doing here?” He once again tells God his problems.

The Lord tells Elijah to go back the way he came – to anoint Hazael as king of Syria, Jehu as king of Israel, and Elisha as the prophet that will take his place when he is gone. God assures Elisha that he isn’t alone that He has 7,000 people left that have not bowed down to Baal. Elisha goes back and passes Elisha as he is working. He puts his cloak on Elisha. Elisha understands what this means – that he is being called by God to go away and serve both Elijah and God.

Elisha asks first to say goodbye to his parents. He is given permission. He goes home, kills his flock and cooks it all, and feeds the people. Then Elisha arose, followed Elijah, and ministered to him (and God).

Whew!!!! There is a lot happening in these 21 verses. And in the end Elijah is ministered to by an angel, Elisha, and God Himself. Elijah thought he was alone. He was so scared and lonely that he felt ready to die, but he was never alone. Neither am I.

Because He Gave Not God the Glory
And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country. And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. – Acts 12:20-23

His Mercy Endureth Forever
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. – Psalm 136:1

Leave Off Contention, Before it Be Meddled With
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.– Proverbs 17:14

Contention – a point advanced or maintained in a debate or argument; rivalry; competition
Meddle – to interest oneself in what is not one’s concern; interfere without right or propriety

What was I, that I Could Withstand God?
And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house: and he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. – Acts 11:1-18

One of the phrases that Peter spoke that grabbed my heart today is, “What was I, that I could withstand God?” So often God says something to us by His Word, by a Pastor or Prophet, or as a still small voice in the prayer closet. How often is that Word easy to accept at the moment but then we are asked to do something with that Word and we want to resist. This passage said that when the Spirit bade Peter to go – he went, nothing doubting.

Help me Lord today to walk in obedience to ALL that YOU ask me to do – NOTHING DOUBTING. For what am I, that I can withstand God?

How Long Halt Ye Between Two Opinions?
And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. – 1 Kings 18:21

Thy Name Endureth Forever
Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations. – Psalm 135:13

Whoso Rewardeth Evil for Good
Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.-Proverbs 17:13

 

1 Kings 15:25–17:24; Acts 10:24-48; Psalm 134:1-3; Proverbs 17:9-11

Present Before God to Hear
And the morrow after they [Peter and Cornelius’s men] entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. – Acts 10:24-33

On the Gentiles Also Was Poured Out the Gift
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. – Acts 10:44-48

What was the Gift? The Holy Ghost!!!

This group of Gentiles was saved, filled with the Holy Ghost, and baptized because God was moving and speaking and because those He was speaking to were obedient to His voice. 

Peter was obedient to receive the vision God gave him and learn from it, and He was then obedient to go to a group of Gentiles when he was sent for. This obedience was significant because Jewish people did not go into the homes of the Gentiles

Cornelius and those with him were obedient to hear from God and call for Peter, a Jew. Once Peter was there, he was obedient to speak all that God commanded, and the Gentiles were obedient to hear all that God commanded. And the Holy Ghost was poured out on them. 

These events and the obedience to God are important to us because as they were commanded of God and received all that Jesus died to give them, I (being a Gentile) can also now receive the same. 

Thank You, Jesus, for dying for all of us and each one of us. Thank You, Jesus, for dying for me!!! Thank You, Holy Ghost, for filling me!!! Thank You, Father, for making a way that I might have eternal life through Your precious Son, Jesus, and that I might know of You through Your Word!!! Thank You for loving me! Thank You, my God, that You loved each of us and desire to be in a relationship with each one in this world that You created. Help us love like You love and see and remember the “each one” as we go throughout this day. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen!!!

I have Commanded a Widow Woman
And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. – 1 Kings 17:8-9

By This I Know…
And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son? And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into a loft, where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed. And he cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son? And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child’s soul come into him again. And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived. And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth. And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth. – 1 Kings 17:17-24

Bless Ye the LORD
Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. – Psalm 134:1-2

He that Covereth a Transgression
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. – Proverbs 17:9

1 Kings 14:1–15:24; Acts 10:1-23; Psalm 133:1-3; Proverbs 17:7-8

The Kings Slept with Their Fathers and Their Sons Reigned in Their Stead
And the days which Jeroboam reigned were two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead. – 1 Kings 14:20

And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother’s name was Naamah an Ammonitess. And Abijam his son reigned in his stead. – 1 Kings 14:31

And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. – 1 Kings 15:8

And Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead. – 1 Kings 15:24

The kings lived, reigned, and the kings died, as did their fathers. And just as the kings reigned after their fathers, so their sons reigned in their place. We all have an appointed time to live, a set time to reign, and an appointed time to die. What we do with our “time to reign” is written down in the books of heaven. Did we obey and serve the Lord and lead others to Jesus, or did we spend our “time to reign” seeking after other gods and using our time leading others into idolatry?

Reign – to possess or exercise power and/or authority.

Peter’s Vision
On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: and he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, and saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. – Acts 10:9-16

How Good and Pleasant it is for Brethren to Dwell in Unity
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. – Psalm 133:1-3

A Precious Stone
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. – Proverbs 17:8

This verse seems to mean different things in different translations. However, to me, this verse is saying – Any way you look at it, a gift is precious! It is as precious to the one giving it as it is to the one that receives it.

Prosper – to become strong and flourishing

 

1 Kings 12:20-13:34; Acts 9:26-43; Psalm 132:1-18; Proverbs 17:6

Two Prophets, One Word, One Lie, and a Lesson
Now there dwelt an old prophet in Bethel; and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel: the words which he had spoken unto the king, them they told also to their father. And their father said unto them, What way went he? For his sons had seen what way the man of God went, which came from Judah. And he said unto his sons, Saddle me the ass. So they saddled him the ass: and he rode thereon, and went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak: and he said unto him, Art thou the man of God that camest from Judah? And he said, I am.

Then he said unto him, Come home with me, and eat bread.

And he said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee: neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place: for it was said to me by the word of the LORD, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest.

He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him. 

So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water.

And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the LORD came unto the prophet that brought him back: and he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the LORD, and hast not kept the commandment which the LORD thy God commanded thee, but camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which the LORD did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers.

And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread, and after he had drunk, that he saddled for him the ass, to wit, for the prophet whom he had brought back. And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcase was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase. – 1 Kings 13:11-24

God was not pleased that king Jeroboam led Israel into idolatry. He sent a prophet to curse the altar Jeroboam built. The king heard the curse, pointed at the prophet, and demanded that he be seized. The king’s hand froze, and the altar split. The king had the prophet pray, and God restored the king’s hand. The king then invited the prophet to dine at the palace, promising a reward.

But the prophet refused and said, “Even If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place: for so was it charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way thou camest.”

Another prophet heard of this and set out to find this prophet who cursed the altar. When the old prophet located him, he invited this traveling prophet to come back, rest, and eat at his home. The traveling prophet said he couldn’t and told him what the Lord had instructed.

The old prophet replied, “I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water.”

Then that Bible verse (1 Kings 13:18) ends with these words – But he lied unto him.

The traveling prophet fell for it and went back, ate, and drank. He disobeyed three direct instructions given to him by the Lord. That decision cost him his life as a lion killed him once he left the old prophet’s home.

There is a valuable lesson in this passage.

The traveling prophet had almost completed the assignment given to him by the Lord. He had obeyed precisely what he heard from God. Then an old prophet came along, claiming God-given instructions that contradicted what God had said directly to him. Those instructions were a lie, and he ended up disobeying God by heeding them. Had the traveling prophet obeyed what God had told him and not what someone else claimed God had said, the story would have ended differently.

The same is true for our own lives. Counsel and community are essential, and they can offer direction, clarity, and confirmation. But the words and thoughts of others cannot replace intimacy with and direct instruction from God. When we have heard from God, we are to take those words and obey them. If someone contradicts His instructions by saying, “God told me to tell you . . . ” even if it seems well-meaning, we still must abide by God’s original Word to us. Otherwise, we may find ourselves face-to-face with a lion, as this prophet did.

While God does use people to speak into our lives, God wants you to know His will for you more than He wants others to know it. He wants a personal and intimate relationship with you, with you abiding in Him. And He wants you to have confidence in that relationship, so you have confidence in His Word.  He wants YOU to have confidence in HIM!!!

Then Had the Churches Rest
And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. – Acts 9:26-31

The Lord Hath Chosen Zion
For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.  I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish. – Psalm 132:13-18

The Crown of Old Men
Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. – Proverbs 17:6

1 Kings 11:1–12:19; Acts 9:1-25; Psalm 131:1-3; Proverbs 17:4-5

Let Israel Hope in the Lord
Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever. – Psalm 131:3

King Solomon Loved Many Strange Women
But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. – 1 Kings 11:1-4

The Lord was Angry with Solomon
And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded. Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father’s sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake which I have chosen. – 1 King 11:9-13

King Rehoboam Consults the Old Men and the Young Men
And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people? And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him: and he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter? And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins. And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. – 1 Kings 12:6-11

The King Forsook the Old Men’s Counsel
And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men’s counsel that they gave him; and spake to them after the counsel of the young men. – 1Kings 12:13-14

Israel Rebelled Against the House of David
So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents. But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day. – 1 Kings 12:16-19

As He (Saul) Journeyed
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. – Acts 9:3-9

There Was a Certain Disciple at Damascus, Named Ananias
And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. – Acts 9:10-14

A Chosen Vessel to Bear My Name Before the Gentiles, and Kings, and the Children of Israel
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: for I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. – Acts 9:15-17

Straightway He Preached Christ
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. – Acts 9:18-22

He that is Glad at Calamities Shall Not Be Unpunished
Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. – Proverbs 17:5

1 Kings 9:1–10:29; Acts 8:14-40; Psalm 130:1-8; Proverbs 17:2-3

My Soul Doth Wait, and in His Word Do I Hope
I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. – Psalms 130:5-6

I Have Hallowed this House
And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD, and the king’s house, and all Solomon’s desire which he was pleased to do, that the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon. And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel. But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them: then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people: and at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house? And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil. – 1Kings 9:1-9

Then Philip Preached Unto Him Jesus
Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: in his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea. – Acts 8:29-40

The Lord Trieth the Hearts
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts. – Proverbs 17:3

1 Kings 8:1-66; Acts 7:51–8:13; Psalm 129:1-8; Proverbs 17:1

That Thine Eyes May Be Open Toward this House Day and Night
But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded? Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee today: that thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place. And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive. – 1 Kings 8:27-30

The Lord Our God Be With Us, as He was With Our Fathers
The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us: that he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers. And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the LORD, be nigh unto the LORD our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require: that all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else. Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day. – 1 Kings 8:57-61

Stephen’s Death; Saul’s Consent
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

And Saul was consenting unto his death. – Acts 7:51-8:1a

Therefore They that Were Scattered Abroad
And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. – Acts 8:1b-4

Therefore – for that reason; because of that; to that end

The death of Stephen was the start of great persecution against the church. Saul was a ringleader and, according to this text, made havoc on the church. BUT the Bible says, THEREFORE. 

Therefore because of Stephen’s witness and therefore because of Stephen’s death, and therefore because of that persecution, the people were scattered, and they went everywhere preaching the Word. THEREFORE we have the Gospel today, and THEREFORE we have salvation and eternal life through our Lord JESUS CHRIST! Amen!!!

Let Them All Be Confounded and Turned Back that Hate Zion
The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked. Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion. – Psalm 129:4-5

Better a Dry Morsel, and Quiet
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife. – Proverbs 17:1

1 Kings 7:1-51; Acts 7:30-50; Psalm 128:1-6; Proverbs 16:31-33

The Hoary Head is a Crown of Glory, If…
The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. – Proverbs 16:31

Hoary-Headed – having the gray or white hair of advanced age.

King Solomon Finished the Work for the House of the Lord
So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the LORD. And Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated; even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the LORD. – 1 Kings 7:51

Stephen Speaks of the House Solomon Built
But Solomon built him an house. Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things? – Acts 7:47-50

Blessed is Everyone that Feareth the Lord
Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. – Psalm 128:1-2