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June 16th

Our bible reading today is in 1 Kings 9 and 2 Chronicles 8.

Solomon has been on the throne of Israel for 24 years. The last 20 years he has given all of his “desire” and strength to build the Temple and his palace there in Jerusalem. In some contexts, that measure of determination could be admirable. But knowing the end and the beginning of Solomon’s life and reign as king, this might have been the beginning of Solomon’s fall.

The word “desire,” in the beginning of 1 Kings 9, signifies the wholehearted, single-minded devotion that a young bridegroom has for his bride. Some might say that Solomon became “obsessed” with his work. In our day, counselors tell us that “obsession with the job” is second or third on the list for separations in marriages...just behind: “we never talk”...and “he just doesn't understand me”.

Solomon’s work of building the Temple was important. And his work of building a house for his family was commendable. However, God never intended Solomon to find his desire and contentment and satisfaction in his work. Solomon’s “greatest desire” was to be found in fellowship with God...not in personal fame acquired.

But I'm getting ahead of the text. God speaking to Solomon...“And as for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and keeping my statutes and my rules, I will establish your throne over Israel forever...” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭9:4‬ ,5 ESV‬‬

“If you will walk “before” me...” not in front of me...but......In my company...in my presence...”with me”. God didn't just give Solomon a King-sized job to do, God wanted to walk with Solomon and do that king-sized job together. In other words, God wanted to do life with Solomon. So now listen...God was inviting Solomon to join Him for a walk. Join him for a lifetime of walks. See it in your mind’s eye. Solomon next to God listening to God’s every word going where God was going and doing what God was doing.

No wonder Jesus told his disciples that he only spoke what He heard the Father speaking, and he only did what he saw the Father doing. Jesus was “walking” with God the Father. Just what Solomon was invited to do. And just what you and I are invited to do in our love relationship with God.

Time after time, Jesus said...”Come, follow me.” And what were those believers...those disciples called to do?...” walk with me...go with me...stay with me...do the rest of your life with me.”

I can't help but remember a narrative in Luke 24...just after the resurrection of Christ. Two men were on their way home from Jerusalem when they came upon Jesus walking to Emmaus. They didn't recognize him at first. But they walked with him, listening to him, and finally, their eyes were opened and their hearts burned within them with faith and hope again.

Their testimony thereafter was that they walked and talked and ate with Jesus. And that is what the Lord wants for us and with us. Let’s take a walk ...a literal walk...with Jesus ...soon!

Have a great day