The craftsmen of Solomon and Hiram and workers from Byblos cut and prepared the timber and stone for the building of the temple. – 1 Kings 5:18

Today's Scripture Reading (November 28, 2025): 1 Kings 5

During Passover week, Jesus entered the Temple in Jerusalem and was not pleased with what he found. We often seem to think that the problem Jesus discovered was that commerce, the buying and selling of stuff, was taking place inside the Temple. As a result, some churches have become hesitant to allow the buying and selling of anything within the church. But the truth was much worse. What was being sold in the Temple were the specific things needed for the worship of the God of Israel: the sacrifices and Temple coins. It was not mere commerce about which Jesus was upset.

The Mosaic Law made it clear that sacrifices needed to be perfect. The people were not to bring their leftovers or unwanted items into the Temple for sacrifice. God wants our best (and He still requires our best). Sure, you could offer a newborn lamb from your flock at home, which was the original intent of the Law, but the sacrifice experts at the Temple had become specialists at finding imperfections in a sacrifice. So, if you brought that firstborn lamb from your flock to be sacrificed at the Temple, there was an excellent possibility that you would be returning home with the same lamb because the priests had rejected your sacrifice. Instead, the priests would offer to sell sacrifices from their own herds. The lamb you could purchase from these experts would be pre-approved and guaranteed to pass the Temple inspection. But it was going to cost you. These sacrifices were being sold at a highly inflated price.

The same was true for the Temple coinage. The Temple Tax had to be paid with Temple currency. Wherever you came from, that currency would need to be exchanged for a Temple coin, and again, the money changers at the Temple inflated the prices of the Temple Coin, which meant that paying the Temple tax was going to cost you significantly more than it should have.

All of this had one significant effect: it often stopped people experiencing poverty from fulfilling their religious obligations. They simply couldn't afford the inflated prices they were being forced to pay. So, they didn't. They didn't partake in the sacrificial system; some didn't bother to come to the Temple even during compulsory days, and they didn't believe that it was even possible for them to be full-fledged worshipers of the God of Israel. Some came, but they were made to feel like second-class citizens, not worthy of God's attention. Being an observant Jew had become a privilege of the wealthy.

Enter Jesus. He entered the Temple and declared the charge he had against these Temple merchants to all who were present. "Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers'" (Mark 11:17). The quote is actually from Isaiah, spoken sometime near the end of the Babylonian Exile. At the time it was written, the Second Temple, also known as Zerubbabel's Temple, was the prophet's primary focus, and later it would become the place where Jesus would drive out the money changers. But Isaiah had written:

And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord
    to minister to him,
to love the name of the Lord,
    and to be his servants,
all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
    and who hold fast to my covenant—
these I will bring to my holy mountain
    and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
    will be accepted on my altar;
for my house will be called
    a house of prayer for all nations" (Isaiah 56:6-7)

Once again, we are confronted with the idea that the Temple in Jerusalem, both Solomon's and Zerubbabel's, was intended not just for the Jews but for the world. It was to be a Temple for the Nations, all of them. Isaiah insists that Gentiles or non-Jewish people would be brought to God's holy mountain. These Gentiles would love God, keep the Sabbath, and hold fast to the Covenant of God. Because of this, the Temple would be a House of Prayer for the nations, not just a House of Prayer for Israel. It was to be a place of worship for both the rich and the poor. So, perhaps it shouldn't be a surprise that foreigners also played a significant role in the construction of Solomon's Temple. The Temple used both material and men foreign to Israel in its construction. From the very beginning, the Temple was embraced by both those living in Israel and those outside the Jewish religious system.

It was a Temple for all of us. And today, the church is to reflect that purpose. The Christian Church exists for all the people, and everyone is welcome within its walls.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 6

See also 2 Chronicles 2:18

He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. – 1 Kings 4:33

Today's Scripture Reading (November 27, 2025): 1 Kings 4

Solomon's wisdom extended to many areas. Like many Kings of this time, Solomon wanted to be seen as someone who understood all of life. And so, his wisdom was said to extend from the cedar of Lebanon, which was the foremost of all plants, down to the hyssop that grew out of the city walls, which was thought to be the least. These plants symbolized the Alpha and Omega of Solomon's wisdom and knowledge.

He also understood the animals. In fact, it might be surprising to many, at least according to the stories of the ancient rabbis, that Solomon was the original Dr. Dolittle: even the animals were said to have brought their disagreements to Solomon for a resolution.

One such story told by the rabbis concerned a man who was walking in his field on a hot day carrying a jug of cool milk. As he walked across his field, he came upon a serpent who was struggling with thirst in the heat of the day. The serpent asked the man for some of the milk, but the man refused to give it. So, the serpent, who had slithered through the length and breadth of the property, offered to share a secret with the man. The serpent had discovered a rock under which a buried treasure was hidden, and he was willing to give the treasure to the man in exchange for the milk (I mean, what was a serpent going to do with buried treasure, that was more the man's area of expertise?)

The man agrees and shares the milk with the serpent. And the serpent fulfills his part of the deal and leads the man to the buried treasure. But as the man bends over to move the rock, the serpent attacks the man and coils itself around the man's neck. The man immediately protests that the serpent is reneging on the deal the two had made. The serpent insists that the man will never take the treasure because the agreement itself was inequitable; the treasure was worth much more than a bit of milk.

The man suggests that they take their dispute to Solomon, and the serpent agrees. So, the pair appears before Solomon with the snake still coiled around the man's neck. Solomon asks the serpent what it is that the serpent wanted, and the serpent replies that he wants to kill the man because the Holy Scriptures prophecy that this is right; "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers … and you will strike his heel" (Genesis 3:15).

Solomon listened to the serpent, but refused to issue a judgment until the serpent had let go of the man, because in a trial, both parties must be of equal standing. Once the serpent was on the floor, Solomon repeated his request about what it was that the serpent wanted. And again, the serpent repeated that according to Scripture, the task of the serpent was to kill the man, for it says that the serpent will strike at the man's heel. Solomon turned to the man and said, "And God's command to you was to crush the head of the serpent; Do it.

The man crushed the head of the serpent as Solomon had commanded. Such was the wisdom of Solomon, even among the animals. 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 5

Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. – Psalm 45:3

Today's Scripture Reading (November 26, 2025): Psalm 45

G. K. Chesterton wrote that "The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him" (G. K. Chesterton). I believe that there are times when every man wants to be seen as a warrior, and that desire is never greater than when we are around the ones that we love. And maybe there is no moment when a man wants to be seen as a warrior more than on the day that he gets married.

The title of Psalm 45 tells us that the Psalm is intended as a wedding song. More than just a wedding song, it is likely the wedding song of a King, in this instance, likely King Solomon. Perhaps it is worth remembering here that Solomon's understanding was that his father, David, was the warrior. And because of the blood Dad had spilled, he didn't have the opportunity to build the Temple that had been his dream. That had been delayed until the reign of the builder, Solomon. Yet, in this moment, even Solomon wants to be seen as the warrior and the mighty one.

So, the Psalmist tells Solomon, and the groom in other wedding settings, to clothe himself in splendor and majesty, and to place the sword on his side, because on this day, he was the warrior.

Psalm 45 is a wedding song, possibly written for Solomon, but by extension, it is a psalm written for every bridegroom on his wedding day. It is a Psalm that reminds men that they are supposed to be warriors, not because of what they hate, but because of who they love.

Some experts also believe that this is a Messianic Psalm, that it is Jesus who ultimately clothes himself in splendor and places the sword on his side as he steps out as the warrior who battles the evil forces of this world. Some even suggest that this verse is the basis for a description of the heavenly warrior in Revelation 19.

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

king of kings and lord of lords (Revelation 19:11-16)

Until then, go and be a warrior willing to defend all that you love.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 4

Then the king gave his ruling: "Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother." – 1 Kings 3:27

Today's Scripture Reading (November 25, 2025): 1 Kings 3

I am lucky; I grew up in a strong, loving family. I think most of my friends growing up also experienced strong family units, but there were a few where the family unit seemed to be damaged. I remember, as a small child, having friends who were locked out of the house early in the morning, only to be welcomed back for a short time at lunch before they were locked out again until supper time. I was of preschool age at the time, but even to my immature mind, something seemed wrong. I also admit that I didn't understand the circumstances that were the realities of this family; how could I, at such a young age? But to my young mind, something wasn't right.

Another friend was adopted as a child. And perhaps it was just the personality of his parents, but when I was at the house, there was a noticeable difference between the loving manner of his adoptive mother and the sterner, more distant attitude of his adoptive father. But the one thing that I never doubted was that both of his adoptive parents loved him. They may have loved him differently, and I know my friend didn't always appreciate the efforts of his adoptive father, but the love was present from both parents.

Two prostitutes are brought to Solomon with a problem. Both had become pregnant and both had given birth to a child. One of those children had died, and now both women were claiming the surviving child as her own. The story is one with which most of us are familiar, but I think we often miss the point of Solomon's judgment. First, we need to be reminded that both women wanted a child. So, they came and presented the problem to the wise King Solomon, and Solomon had to deliver his judgment. Solomon has no way of knowing which woman is the mother of this child, a fact that remains unchanged throughout the story. At no point can Solomon tell which woman is the mother. This question of ancestry is often overlooked. We believe that the story reveals which woman is the birth mother, but that is not what the story actually tells us.

Solomon demands that a sword be brought to him, and then orders that the child be cut in half, with half of the child being given to each mother. It was a gruesome judgment, and I often wonder what Solomon would have done if both mothers had agreed with his decision. But that doesn't happen. Instead, one woman celebrates the decision while the other is horrified. The one who is horrified immediately surrenders her claim. The child will at least live, even if he lives in the presence of the other woman. Solomon's wise decision is that the woman who was willing to relinquish the child so that it could live was the true mother.

Was she? Yes, but perhaps not in the way we might think. The woman who was willing to give up the child might have been the birth mother, but her willingness to give up the child to ensure his survival was what a loving mother, birth or adoptive, would do. Whether this woman was the birth mother or not doesn't really matter; she was the one who would be willing to sacrifice so that her child would live, and that made her the right mother for the child.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Psalm 45

Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the LORD his God was with him and made him exceedingly great. – 2 Chronicles 1:1

Today's Scripture Reading (November 24, 2025): 2 Chronicles 1

Officially, it is called the "Commonwealth of Nations." Informally, it is more often referred to as the "British Commonwealth" or simply the "Commonwealth." Currently, the Commonwealth is led by King Charles III, comprising 56 sovereign nations, none of which rule over another. The nations that comprise the Commonwealth of Nations have declared that they share certain values and goals, which they have chosen to pursue and promote. These values include a belief in democracy, the existence of inalienable human rights, adherence to the rule of law, the equality of people before the law, free trade among nations, and a desire for global peace. These beliefs are the glue that holds these 56 nations together.

What I find interesting is that while the Commonwealth is built around these principles, there was an understanding late in the reign of Queen Elizabeth II that it was the Queen who was actually holding the Commonwealth together. The fear on the part of royalists, and even part-time royalists like me, was that when the Queen died the Commonwealth of Nations might die with her unless the crown skipped a generation to the reign of King William V. Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96, and the crown did not pass to King William V; instead, it went to King Charles III. And why shouldn't Charles have taken the crown? It was a position that he had prepared for all of his life, more than seventy years of learning how to be King. Charles felt like he deserved to try to reign as King. At the time, I think most of the royal watchers expected that the days of the Commonwealth were growing short. Without Elizabeth to keep the nations focused on the shared vision, the member states of the Commonwealth would likely quickly begin to drift apart.

Fast forward three years, and so far, the predicted exodus has not materialized. Charles III has acquitted himself reasonably well. There is no doubt that cracks remain in the Commonwealth of Nations, with many who view the idea of a monarch as antiquated and something the world no longer needs. That is a discussion we should have. But, maybe unexpectedly, Charles has emerged as a better King than most thought he would be. And, maybe, we could even say that he has established himself over his kingdom of nations.

As Chronicles begins the tale of King Solomon, it would have been natural for the nation to wonder how Solomon would do as King. He had received every advantage that a King could want at the beginning of their reign. But, at the same time, and much like Charles III, Solomon could never live up to the King that his dad, David, had been. Yet again, possibly unexpectedly, Solomon established himself over the nation. However, Chronicles also tells us why Solomon was able to establish himself as the ruler of his kingdom. Solomon's greatness originated with God. And Solomon would only be great if he were willing to depend on God.    

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 3

Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one. – Psalm 132:17

Today's Scripture Reading (November 23, 2025): Psalm 132

Jerusalem. The Holy City has become a divided city. It is still a city promise, but it is also a place of great pain. Today, Jews, Christians, and Muslims hold the city to be one of the most sacred places on the planet. The three Abrahamic religions have converged in this city. There, the faiths argue, fight, or sometimes attempt to ignore each other. All are waiting for the day when Jerusalem will stand once again for something more than just its divisions.

Some seem to want to rush the day, to have Jerusalem internationally recognized as the Capital city of Modern Israel. Others believe that this is not the time for such a move. Someday, maybe, but not now. They are waiting for a time after a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian question. Still, the hold that the three faiths have on the city means that an acceptable solution to the problem might be a long time coming. If there is any evidence that Jesus' return may be delayed, it might be the current status of Jerusalem.

As with many of the Psalms, there is a question about when this Psalm was written. Some prefer to place this Psalm at the tail end of David's life. Others believe that it was likely written during the exile. I lean a little toward the latter, possibly on the strength of this verse. During the days of David, Jerusalem was a powerful city and a light to the world. It was a city of trade and power. It didn't have to be made into that. However, as the exiles prepared to return to Israel, Jerusalem wasn't just a divided city; it was a broken one. There was no Temple, and no wall to protect the city. It was neither a possessor of power nor a light for God's anointed one. Jerusalem was little more than a home for jackals and the wildlife that surrounded the city.

However, in this Psalm, God promises to restore Jerusalem's power. And not only that, but a light for his Anointed One, literally, the Messiah. It is a promise, straight from God, that assured the exiles that this pile of broken rocks that was once the City of David would stand again, and that God's Messiah was still on the way. God wasn't finished with Jerusalem, not yet.

I believe that is still true. Even in a day when Jerusalem is divided and peace seems to be so far away, God still has plans for David's city. And he will restore it, heal the divisions, and it will be a light for the second coming of his Messiah. I don't know when that might happen, but I am certain that it will. And it is that day for which I patiently wait.  

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 1

Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness. – Psalm 72:1

Today's Scripture Reading (November 22, 2025): Psalm 72

In our enlightened state, or perhaps in our skepticism, we often question the notion that the King, or later a Pope, could be thought to have ruled in the place of God. Our skepticism likely stems from the numerous failures of those in positions of power. I recently commented on the number of Pastors that I followed a couple of decades ago, who have since fallen off their perch and been removed from their ministries due to moral failures. Maybe power really does corrupt. It is a principle that we see almost daily in our headlines, as King Charles struggles to punish his brother, Prince Andrew, for his alleged misbehavior, as he supposedly participated in the sex scandal that surrounds the late Jeffrey Epstein.

The reality is that we have missed the central message of our belief about ruling in the place of God. Kings and leaders were thought to rule in the place of God, not as a reminder of their power, but as a reminder that they were designed to be a fountain of justice. After all, if a King or a Pope did not dispense justice with the power that they possessed, then no one would. If those who could not afford a bribe could not get the justice they needed from the King, then justice would be unavailable to anyone. It is why, even today, the idea that a politician can be bought is one of the worst crimes that can be brought against our political leaders.

And it is one of the worst charges that can be brought against a pastor. A friend who was responsible for dispensing tax receipts in a congregation shares a story about a pastor who asked him for donation information so that he would know who to visit, wanting to ensure that he only visited with significant donors. My friend was rightfully offended by the request, believing that it was just another example of a "pay to play" philosophy.

There is some question of whether this Psalm was written by Solomon or to Solomon. I think it might have been the latter. The Psalm somehow feels like it is the prayer of a father who wants to leave his son with a positive thought that stems from what was believed to be the central responsibility of a King. If it were David, maybe we could rephrase the prayer as "God, make the new King a fountain of your justice; Lord, please give to my son your righteousness that he might genuinely be your King.

Today, maybe we can't depend on the Kings to be a fountain of justice. And maybe our leaders will let us down, but as Christians, that is who we must be. We must stand up against injustice wherever it may be found. And when our leaders refuse to be the "Fountain of Justice," we must step up and declare a righteousness that is for everyone, regardless of the economic and social realities that might want to point us toward something less.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Psalm 132