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June 21st

The bible reading today is in 1 Kings 10,11 and 2 Chronicles 9.

“....the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David his father. And Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.”

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭11:42-43‬ ‭

The end of Solomon’s story. Solomon reigned, Solomon died, and Solomon was buried in Jerusalem and Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.

These are true words, true words from God about Solomon. But they are not exactly words that delight the soul. I rather like to fill in the obituary with other true words from God.

For instance, David’s words to his soon to be king son, Solomon..."I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways....”

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭2.

David had a promise from God that his son Solomon would rule after him all the days of his life. God would make sure of that. But David still charged his son to be strong and act like a man, and walk in God’s ways. Solomon’s first act as king proved his father’s hope.

At age 20, after his ordination as king, Solomon asked for God’s wisdom in order to rule Israel well. Young Solomon saved the life of an infant and restored the child to his rightful mother. He acted, not like a boy king, but acted like a strong man walking in God’s ways.

“And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they “stood in awe” of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.”

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭3:28‬ ‭

To me, that’s a Wow.

At age 24 Solomon was building the “God designed” House for God’s Name, but instead of taking credit for the great accomplishment,

Solomon rightly deferred to his late father’s accumulation of the abundance of supplies for the construction and ultimately to God’s providential hand. That’s wisdom, acting like a man, as his father charged him.

“...the Lord my God has given me rest on every side. There is neither adversary nor misfortune.”

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭5:4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Three years later, the young king officiated the dedication of that Temple to God. Let us listen to his prayer at the dedication...

“O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart;”

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭8:23‬ ‭

Lord, Savior. No God like you Almighty. Keeping your covenant to your servants with Grace and Mercy to undeserving sinners Showing steadfast love to your servants. Determined and always faithful!

A heart full for his Lord, just like his father hoped.

And then we read today’s text...

Solomon turns from the Lord, how could it happen? It could happen to us...and that’s the rest of the story.

Have a great day!