R³ Devotional - Day 176
R³ Devotional - Day 176 - 1 Kings 15
By: Omar Rivera
Scripture Focus:
"Nevertheless, for David's sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and by making Jerusalem strong."
— 1 Kings 15:4 (NIV)
Reflection:
While reading a commentary on 1 Kings 15, I came across this striking statement: “Occasionally you find truth in strange places.” The author referenced The Simpsons, where in one episode the main character comments about the Bible: “All these people in the Bible are a mess… except this one guy.” It’s a surprisingly honest takeaway—and profoundly accurate.
Scripture is full of stories about people who fall short. From Noah to Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and even David—each man had moments of faith but also moments of failure. And yet, God chose to work through these broken individuals to accomplish His plan.
In 1 Kings 15, we read about four kings—two from Judah and two from Israel. Three of them (Abijam, Nadab, and Baasha) were wicked, and one, Asa, was “sort of good.” Under Asa’s leadership, Judah saw some spiritual stability, yet his reign still lacked in significant ways. This pattern is clear throughout Scripture: God uses imperfect people to fulfill His perfect purposes.
But tucked within this passage is a promise that changes everything:
"God will preserve a lamp in Jerusalem." (v. 4)
Despite the failure of human kings, God had made a covenant with David. A future King would come—One who would bring light and reign with perfect righteousness.
That King is Jesus.
He is the fulfillment of God’s promise—the one exception in the long line of flawed leaders. He is the Perfect King who rules with justice, mercy, and grace.
Real: life principle
There are no perfect servants—but there are faithful ones. In God's eyes, good servants are not those who are flawless, but those who trust Him and point others to the Perfect King: Jesus.
God will use you despite your flaws and past mistakes!
Don’t place your ultimate hope in earthly leaders. Even the best of them will fail in some way. But Jesus—our Perfect King—never will. He is the light in the darkness, the hope for the broken, and the faithful Savior our hearts long for.
Relevant: life application
Prayer is the first step toward placing your trust in the perfect King, Jesus above all else.
How is your prayer life? Are you seeking the Lord in daily prayer?
If not, what’s holding you back?
Stop making excuses!
If you’re not serving in your church because you feel unworthy or think you don’t have what it takes, think again! I encourage you to find a place to serve in your church today and begi serving others as Jesus commanded. God will use you and equip you for His service. That’s a promise you can count on!
"Nevertheless, for David's sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and by making Jerusalem strong."
— 1 Kings 15:4 (NIV)
Reflection:
While reading a commentary on 1 Kings 15, I came across this striking statement: “Occasionally you find truth in strange places.” The author referenced The Simpsons, where in one episode the main character comments about the Bible: “All these people in the Bible are a mess… except this one guy.” It’s a surprisingly honest takeaway—and profoundly accurate.
Scripture is full of stories about people who fall short. From Noah to Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and even David—each man had moments of faith but also moments of failure. And yet, God chose to work through these broken individuals to accomplish His plan.
In 1 Kings 15, we read about four kings—two from Judah and two from Israel. Three of them (Abijam, Nadab, and Baasha) were wicked, and one, Asa, was “sort of good.” Under Asa’s leadership, Judah saw some spiritual stability, yet his reign still lacked in significant ways. This pattern is clear throughout Scripture: God uses imperfect people to fulfill His perfect purposes.
But tucked within this passage is a promise that changes everything:
"God will preserve a lamp in Jerusalem." (v. 4)
Despite the failure of human kings, God had made a covenant with David. A future King would come—One who would bring light and reign with perfect righteousness.
That King is Jesus.
He is the fulfillment of God’s promise—the one exception in the long line of flawed leaders. He is the Perfect King who rules with justice, mercy, and grace.
Real: life principle
There are no perfect servants—but there are faithful ones. In God's eyes, good servants are not those who are flawless, but those who trust Him and point others to the Perfect King: Jesus.
God will use you despite your flaws and past mistakes!
Don’t place your ultimate hope in earthly leaders. Even the best of them will fail in some way. But Jesus—our Perfect King—never will. He is the light in the darkness, the hope for the broken, and the faithful Savior our hearts long for.
Relevant: life application
Prayer is the first step toward placing your trust in the perfect King, Jesus above all else.
How is your prayer life? Are you seeking the Lord in daily prayer?
If not, what’s holding you back?
Stop making excuses!
If you’re not serving in your church because you feel unworthy or think you don’t have what it takes, think again! I encourage you to find a place to serve in your church today and begi serving others as Jesus commanded. God will use you and equip you for His service. That’s a promise you can count on!
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