READING FOR AUGUST 18, 2025: 1 KINGS 5, LUKE 10, PSALM 82                                                      1 KINGS 5 Sometimes when reading the Bible, we get the idea that Israel only had enemies and no allies. Here is a chapter about Hiram of Tyre, an ally of David and now possible supporter of Solomon.  What are some characteristics of good allies, both for countries and for churches? Here we see that Hiram kept informed of what was happening in Israel and knew that Solomon had succeeded David to the throne. Also, we see that, despite Hiram’s personal relationship with David (vs. 1), he desired that the good relationship between their countries outlive just their personal connection.  This can be challenging with some democratic countries where the leadership changes hands frequently and new leaders have different priorities. Let’s pray that countries can maintain alliances over multiple administrations so that the benefits of trade, peaceful coexistence, and sharing best practices can enrich all countries. 

For a church such as Yorktown Methodist, allying ourselves with other Gospel-believing churches and parachurch groups can also help us share best-practices, unite together in evangelistic outreach, and work in cooperation to address material needs in the community. This occurs with REACH, Kids in the Meadow, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Isaiah 117. Potentially enormous allies are the three Christian universities located in Grant and Madison Counties. They employ world-renown scholars desiring to use their knowledge for God’s glory. Applying principles from these verses, are we staying up to date with what’s going on at these organizations, and are we reaching out to them to strengthen our relationships?                   Solomon’s comments and actions provide helpful principles: 

• He reminded Hiram of the limitation God set on David; apparently David informed Hiram earlier. 
• He updated Hiram about the changed circumstances, particularly about his desire to build a House for the “Name of the Lord.” 
• He asked Hiram to help him, specifically by cutting down and transporting cedar and juniper timber.
• He praised the workmanship of Hiram's men and trusted Hiram to set a fair price for the work. 

How was Solomon’s rather direct approach received by Hiram? 

• “He greatly rejoiced; and he said, ‘Blessed be the Lord today, who has given to David a wise son over this great people’” (vs.7).
• “Hiram gave Solomon all that he wished of the cedar and juniper timber” (vs. 10). 
• “There was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a covenant” (vs. 12).

This deal is tremendous, but without an equal commitment to implementation, it is worthless. Perhaps Solomon’s greatest wisdom is his willingness to follow through. He drafts many thousands of workers to the task, not taking no for an answer. Although these workers did not get their names into the biblical text, and although so often essential workers at churches do not receive any credit, they are not overlooked by God: “Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matt. 6:4).                                                                                                            

READING FOR AUGUST 18, 2025 CONTINUED: LUKE 10, PSALM 82   

LUKE 10 Jesus had already sent His twelve disciples out to minister on their own. Now he sends out 72. They will be preparing communities for when Jesus Himself visits later. Jesus’s parting words are unusual. As He sends them, He says there are lots of folks ready to be reached, so pray for even more workers to reach them all. Often, we pray for more people to reach out to the community, but we don’t get off the couch to go ourselves. Jesus’s followers who are already going seem to have much more credibility before God with their prayers. In fact, is it even legitimate for a church to pray for growth if the members themselves are not going out to the harvest? 

If the harvest is so plentiful, does that mean we should expect it will be easy? Jesus said we will be like sheep among wolves. But He gives a plan: travel light; stay focused; look for and bless potential allies; don’t waste time with the uninterested; accept hospitality; minister to any needs encountered; and leave the area if rejected. That’s what it means to sow the seed, to do our part. We are not responsible for the results, but we are responsible for sharing. 

Notice that those who reject the truth will be judged and that apparently there will be levels of punishment based upon the amount of light or information received. It turns out Jesus’s plan was a good one. Are we surprised? When the 72 said that demons submitted in the name of Jesus, Jesus casually reminded them of His eternality:  He was present when Satan fell from heaven. If we act in the name of Jesus, Satan, look out! Yet, Jesus reminds us that our greatest joy is having our names recorded in Heaven. ARE WE SAVED? 

Jesus gives thanks to the Father and notes the intelligent don’t often receive spiritual truth. Those who are comparatively and intellectually infants are more likely to understand. His disciples were working men. His opponents were more like seminary teachers. What’s the problem? The Lord’s brother said we must humble ourselves to be exalted (James 4:10). Right after, an intelligent, but self-justifying, lawyer gives the “correct” answer about the law’s meaning. Jesus responded he now had to “do this” to gain eternal life. 

This led Jesus to tell the story of the “Good Samaritan,” an outsider to the Mosaic covenant, as an example to follow. A final example is the comparison between the hard-working, but perhaps also self-justifying, Martha and Mary, who developed a personal relationship with Jesus. We’re saved by faith in Jesus, not works.

PSALM 82 Verse 6 is quoted by Jesus in John 10:34, who adds that scripture cannot be broken. This verse is central to the Mormon position that humans can become divine. On the surface it does appear to contradict the belief in one God. Let’s see. In verse 1, God has a position of authority over this group translated as “gods.” He tells the group they are judging unjustly. (If they are gods, they are very flawed—not like our God.)

In verse 6, God calls them gods again. Yet this group will “die like men” and “fall like princes.” Again, we see them falling and ceasing to exist, not typical characteristics of God. The word used here for gods, elohim, is translated as “judges” in Ex.21:6 and 22:8-9. These human judges may represent God to the people, which fits the context in this Psalm perfectly. This is also the interpretation given by John Calvin and John Wesley. Jesus states, He alone is “whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world” (John 10:36).