1 Kings 16:15-22

The Kingdom of Men.

Though "the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men," yet is He not responsible for the principles by which such kingdoms are actuated. For these are in shaking contrast to those which shall obtain in the "kingdom of God." In the kingdom of men as represented in the specimen before us we encounter—

I. FOLLY .

1 . True religion is pure wisdom .

2 . False religion is supreme folly .

3 . Of such folly was the kingdom of Israel flagrantly guilty .

II. RESTLESSNESS .

1 . Witnessed in frequent dynastic changes .

2 . These changes represented strong passions .

3 . These commotions were sanguinary .

III. CRIME .

1 . Foremost under this head is idolatry .

2 . Next comes the capital crime of murder .

What a contrast is the kingdom of God! Its principles are peace, righteousness, and joy. Of this those have the earnest who in heart accept Jesus as their Melchisedec.—J.A.M.

HOMILIES BY J. URQUHART