There was division in the land. In the southern Kingdom of Judah, there was a good king who had done much to spread the word of God. In the northern Kingdom of Israel, the king was opposed to all that was godly. However, the good king, Jehoshaphat, made an alliance with the wicked king Ahab. This should never be the case.

There is universal agreement that the Lord Jesus Christ is meek and mild. Most certainly, Bible reading Christians know this to be so. He is described as a Lamb. However, the Apostle John also presents Jesus as being filled with a righteous indignation e.g. In Revelation 6:16, we read of the wrath of the Lamb. Something of that righteous and holy anger can be seen in Today's passage.

Jesus dealt graciously with Nathanael. We also see the ladder which speaks to us of Jesus in his incarnation; He is the only way to heaven; the only way of reconciliation with God. Hallelujah to Jesus who died on the tree.

They had left their first love - be mindful of pride. It affects nations, individuals and churches. Beware of pride.