Read: Deuteronomy 17:14-20 And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away. (v. 17) If you’ve been on this earth for a while, you’ve seen some notable person “fall from grace” in a shocking and tragic way. Perhaps it was a popular pastor who was caught in an affair, or a politician discovered in a financial cover-up. “How did this happen?” we ask. But as we look back, we can often see clues that we …
The Splendor of Solomon
Read: 1 Kings 10:14-29 Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. (v. 23) In Psalm 145:13 we read, “The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.” Certainly he was faithful to the promises he made to Solomon. In 1 Kings 3 we read about Solomon’s prayer for wisdom, and how it pleased the Lord. God promised to bless Solomon not only with wisdom, but with riches …
The Witness of Solomon
Read: 2 Chronicles 9:1-12 Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on his throne as king for the LORD your God! (v. 8) During the years I taught at a Christian school, we had a number of international students attend for a “study abroad” year. While the students came to improve their English skills, a number discovered something unexpected—a new life in Christ! Many heard about Jesus for the first time, and some …
God’s Reply to Solomon
Read: 2 Chronicles 7:11-22 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. (v. 15) In a recent sermon, my pastor reminded us that “past experience does not determine future faithfulness.” It is good to begin well—but that is not enough. A believer’s life should be marked by perseverance in the faith throughout their years on earth. It’s important to “stay the course.” Up to this point Solomon has done …
The Dedication of Solomon (Part 2)
Read: 1 Kings 8:22-30 And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. (v. 30) Every parent knows that the best way to teach a child is by one’s own example. Mere words can only go so far; children learn what they see modeled—whether good or bad. And that’s true of all of us! We learn best when we first see something demonstrated. As he leads his nation in worship …
The Dedication of Solomon (Part 1)
Read: 1 Kings 8:1-13 The priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD. (v. 11) Imagine the president asks you to organize a reception for an important foreign dignitary. You compose the guest list, plan the menu, and pay attention to every last detail. But the night of the event—the guest of honor never shows! Despite your hard work and all your planning, the reception could …