Solomon Judges Two Mothers & Saul Blinds a Sorcerer on Cyprus | Day 169

What happens when God's authority encounters human deception? Today on Day 169, we witness a stunning demonstration of spiritual clarity operating on a royal scale and moving out onto the global mission field. In 1 Kings, the legendary wisdom of King Solomon is put on display in an intense courtroom drama involving two mothers. We watch his kingdom flourish in peace, administration, and prosperity as he prepares to build a majestic house for the Lord.In the book of Acts, the landscape of the early church shifts permanently as the Holy Spirit specifically sets apart Barnabas and Saul for the first intentional global missionary journey. Traveling to the island of Cyprus, they face direct spiritual warfare when a corrupt sorcerer tries to block their message. Saul—now explicitly called Paul for the first time—steps forward in supernatural authority to expose the fraud and bring light to an entire island.Today’s Scripture:📖 1 Kings 3:16–5:18 – Solomon resolves a bitter dispute between two mothers claiming the same living baby by calling for a sword to divide the child, instantly revealing the true mother by her compassionate cry to spare the infant. Chapter 4 outlines Solomon’s massive, organized royal court and his sweeping international reputation for writing thousands of proverbs and songs. In chapter 5, Solomon partners with King Hiram of Tyre to secure cedar and stone cutters to begin construction on the grand Temple of God.The Judgment of Solomon, AI generatedThe Judgment of Solomon. Source: Christine_Kohler / Getty Images📖 Acts 12:20–23:12 – King Herod accepts divine worship from an adoring crowd and is immediately struck down by an angel, dying a horrific death. Meanwhile, the church in Antioch fasts and prays, prompting the Holy Spirit to say, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Sailing to Cyprus, they confront a Jewish false prophet and sorcerer named Elymas who tries to turn the Roman proconsul away from the faith. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul rebukes him, causing temporary blindness to fall upon the sorcerer, which moves the proconsul to deep belief.Paul Blinds Elymas the Sorcerer, AI generatedPaul Blinds Elymas the Sorcerer. Source: mikroman6 / Getty Images📖 Psalm 74:18–23 – Asaph concludes his desperate corporate prayer, urging God to remember how the enemy scoffs and to plead His own cause: "Do not forget the clamor of your foes, the uproar of those who rise against you, which goes up continually."RESOURCES & READ-ALONG📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF📖 Follow the Text (LEB): https://biblia.com/books/leb/🗓️ Download the Full Plan: https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/CONNECT & SUPPORT📧 Questions? Scott: [email protected]🎁 Partner with Us: https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support📩 Ministry Updates: https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribeCREDITS & LEGALThe Lexham English Bible is used by permission. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software.Music: "Be The Hero" by Pumpupthemind via Free Music Archive (CC BY 4.0).