The First And The Last Kings Of Israel

The First and the Last Kings of Israel

The first often fights battles that the last gets to enjoy the victory from.

Saul was the first king of Israel. His reign was marked by relentless battles with the Philistines. Solomon, the last king of the united kingdom of Israel, inherited a very different experience—a kingdom enjoying peace, security and contentment.

The difference reminds us of a greater truth: what you experience can be determined by who you are connected to.

Scripture

“All through Saul's life there was war, bitter and relentless, with the Philistines. Saul conscripted every strong and brave man he laid eyes on.”(1 Samuel 14:52)

“Throughout Solomon's life, everyone in Israel and Judah lived safe and sound, all of them from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south—content with what they had." (1 Kings 4:25)

And concerning Adam and Christ:

“One man said no to God and put many people in the wrong; one man said yes to God and put many in the right.”(Rom 5:19)

Explanation
Saul, as the first king, spent much of his reign fighting battles. The Scripture says that throughout his life there was “war, bitter and relentless.”

Solomon, the last king of the united Israel, experienced something remarkably different. His people lived safely and were content with what they had.

The contrast between these two kings gives us a picture of a much greater contrast—the first Adam and the last Adam, Jesus Christ.

Through the first Adam, sin entered the world, bringing death, condemnation and misery. But through the last Adam, Christ, came righteousness, life and victory.

The first Adam opened the door to a life of separation from God. The last Adam opened the way back to God.

In Adam, humanity inherited a battle it could not win by its own strength. In Christ, we receive a victory we could never earn by our own works.

Application
The question is not simply, “Who was your first?” The question is, “Who are you in now?”

You cannot enjoy the benefits of the last Adam while remaining in the first Adam.

The Bible repeatedly describes the believer's new position as being “in Christ.” In Christ, you are no longer defined by Adam's failure. You are identified with Christ's victory.

You may have inherited a broken story, but you don't have to remain in it.

You may have known defeat, condemnation and separation from God, but in Christ there is righteousness, acceptance, life and victory.

The first Adam determined your natural beginning; the last Adam determines your new beginning.

Reflection
Are you still living from what you inherited in Adam, or are you consciously living from what you have received in Christ?

Your greatest advantage is not what you have, where you come from, or what you have accomplished.

It is being in Christ.

Prayer
Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ, the last Adam, to give me what the first Adam lost. Help me to understand and fully embrace my position in Christ. Let me live from His righteousness, His life and His victory. May my life reflect the benefits of being in Him. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Discussion Question
What does being “in Christ” mean to you, and how should it change the way you face life's battles?

Happy Independence Day Celebrations

Have a fruitful day.

(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro
(aka Dr. Lift)

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