These two proverbs are essentially the same, both speaking to the theme of dishonesty. They harken back to Deuteronomy 25:13-16 where instruction is given “not to have in your bag two kinds of weights, large and small.” An ephah and an ephah¾a stone and a stone, diverse weights and measures allowed the possibility for deception, overcharging for what is being purchased. The issue here is dishonest intentions and such intentions are an “abomination” to the Lord.

Boy, do we ever need Jesus to help us with our assumptions.

Zacchaeus knew he was a loser. It likely started when he noticed he was always picked last because he was short. So, suffering with “short man syndrome”, he decided to get the upper hand by sticking it to them. And as a chief tax collector, he did. Let them look down on him if they wanted to. He didn’t care and he didn’t need them.

Do you remember the first time you got to stay at home alone for a weekend? There’s something heady about being trusted.

What is the sensation? Is it feeling the power of choice … the freedom to do whatever you want – whenever you want? In the back of your mind you know what your parents expect. They look around when they come home and give EACH OTHER a high five!

The first eight chapters of the book of 1 Kings provides a bleak landscape for the devotional reader. It is a book that seems to appeal mainly to historians. As is often the case with relatively arid scenes, one must look a little closer. The Hebrews were living in a very primitive era. At that time there was a belief that the fertility of the king had a direct impact on the fertility of the nation. King David had become impotent, and, his kingship was in jeopardy.

The oldest of David’s sons, Adonijah, decided to “exalt” himself (KJV) in light of his father’s frailty and proclaim himself king. He began by enlisting the support of several of the nation’s key leaders. Nathan, the prophet, heard about this and quickly plotted with Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba, to preempt the coup d’état. He told her to remind King David of a vow he had made to her that Solomon would be his successor to the throne.

This chapter is grim reading. Looking at it through a 21st century lens, David’s instructions to Solomon about the treatment of his enemies seem ruthless and cruel. We wonder how the gentle poet of the Psalms can act in such a bloodthirsty manner. Our idealistic view of a pastoral artist is offended by the reality of life for an ancient king. But David was a king, with countless enemies threatening both him and his kingdom.

Can you imagine what a difference it would make in our nation if our leaders acted as God’s representatives – spiritual leaders who inspire us to pray, seek justice and live lives dedicated to God! This was God’s intention for the leaders of his people.

Moses began leading as God’s representative when he went to Pharaoh with the message: “Let my people go!”