In these verses John paints for us one of the most breathtaking pictures of Jesus. It is both beautiful and terrifying all at once. It leaves us in awe of his power and glory, and should change us. True gospel change comes from steadily gazing at the glory of Jesus.

These verses function as an introduction and as a bit of a trailer of what’s to come. Most of the important themes are here. As we look at this introduction, there are important details of why this book exists and who will benefit from reading and understanding it.

North and south spiral around each other into the banality of idolatrous oblivion. Does God have a plan? What now for the Kingdom promised to David and the God who would dwell with his people?

As Jeroboam secures his throne in the north, God sends a prophet from the south to remind him whose kingdom it is. But the destinies of south and north are entwined, and a deadly encounter with a lion reminds us that their fate is not in their hands.

Solomon’s legacy is a mess. His son, Rehoboam, tussles for power with  the formerly disgraced administrator, Jeroboam. The kingdom God promised  to David tears itself apart, and we finally learn what it would take to  be a righteous king.  If you're enjoying our series in Kings (or any of our other series) then  please like, share and subscribe. We would love to continue growing the  Word at Work community.

Food for thought: What would it look like to be a righteous king? Is  such a thing even possible in the actual world of politics? In this  episode, God sends a prophet with a wrenching verdict on Solomon’s life  in the Kingdom of God.   If you're enjoying our series in Kings (or any of our other series) then  please like, share and subscribe. We would love to continue growing the  Word at Work community.

We're halfway through our first season in the Books of Kings.   Solomon’s later years are marked by power, wealth, influence, and every  other excess he could have possibly desired. There are signs of God’s  blessing in this. But all that glitters in Solomon’s kingdom isn’t gold.    If you're enjoying our series in Kings (or any of our other series) then  please like, share and subscribe. We would love to continue growing the  Word at Work community.  #1Kings

In this episode, Nathan works through one of the major milestones and  events in Israel's history.  Israel gathers to dedicate the temple as Solomon prays to the God who  can’t be contained by it. The temple will channel God’s blessings to  Israel for as long as they remain faithful. But what will happen if they  stray?  If you are enjoying the Word at Work, then become part of our community  and subscribe to our channel.   #1Kings

The temple is Solomon’s most enduring achievement. Breathtaking in scope, it is built to mirror the cosmic order itself. And it teaches us something about the God whose stubborn intention is to dwell with his people.

Solomon has the throne, but what will he do with it? God’s surprising  gift of overwhelming generosity gives Solomon the ability to do whatever  he wants. But the fine print in the gift of wisdom, as well as  Solomon’s actions, raises some questions for the future of this kingdom.  Intrigued? Watch, share, subscribe and become of our growing online Word  at Work community.  #1kings