The Gospel According to Kings (1 Ki. 1)

Michiana Covenant Presbyterian Church

There are three basic stories in the book of Kings. 1 Kings begins the three stories:1) the story of the kingdom of Solomon and the building of the temple in Jerusalem (1-11)2) the story of the Northern kingdom – the rebellion of Jeroboam – and the building of the golden calf shrines at Bethel and Dan (12-16)3) the story of Omride Dynasty – the line of Omri and his son, Ahab – and the building of the temple of Baal in Samaria (16-22)These three stories then end in reverse order.And, of course, at the very center of the book of Kings are the prophets Elijah and Elisha. Their narrative is woven into the story of the Omrides. And at the very heart of the book of Kings you find two resurrections and an ascension.First, Elijah raises the Sidonian widow's son. Resurrection comes first to a Gentile – and not just any Gentile – a member of Jezebel's people!Last, Elisha raises the Shunammite's son – resurrection comes to the Gentile first, but also to the Jew!And at the very heart of the book is the ascension of Elijah.It is only when God raises the dead that Life will come to the people of God. And – what is more – it is only when the prophet like Moses ascends to the right hand of God, that Israel will be restored to God's presence.Resurrection and Ascension are at the heart of the gospel according to Kings.We begin, however, with the death of David...