Bible Reading Blog
“No Excuses For Other Rivals”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: 1 Kings 3-11
Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father… (1 Kings 3.3)
Solomon began his reign with clear vision. He definitively secured the throne (1 Kings 2.13-46) but also rendered fair assessments of his ability (1 Kings 3.7-8). His humble vulnerability was pleasing to the Lord; and that’s what Solomon cared about the most during this season of life (1 Kings 3.5-14). It would propel him to finish the temple project, and to lead the people in a culminating moment of worship and dedication (1 Kings 5-8). But over time, Solomon’s love and loyalty shifted.
Now King Solomon loved many foreign women… Solomon clung to these in love… and his wives turned away his hearts… after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. (1 Kings 11.1-4)
He invested himself in wealth, women and power that had clear impact on his decisions (1 Kings 11.3-8). His wives held the trump card even over YHWH who had appeared to Solomon twice in profound and powerful ways (1 Kings 11.9). The result was devastating for the future of the kingdom as YHWH would tear away the kingdom in two and give part of it to another (1 Kings 11.11-ff)
His downfall is a case study for Jesus’ teaching, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6.24). One thing will rule our lives, and we know it should be God… but is that truly where our affections lie? Do we desire God above all else because we know and trust him with our whole heart? I can tell you from experience that we are easily deceived about our affections because we don’t expose the truths in our heart through honest introspection and confession. Hence the pervasive warning of scripture to, “guard your heart with all diligence for from it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4.23).
But the pressing question we must consider is why did Solomon’s love change? Did God become less worthy? Were these other relationships more important than God? The answers are obvious, and yet this deception has captured many throughout history. Perhaps it has even captured you. The passing of time and the entrance of new and immediate gratification is deceptively pleasurable. We easily become bored and apathetic towards God. Solomon sought the LORD in his younger days; but it didn’t last because he clung to things of this world and didn’t cling to God. Sometimes that is the case for us. We cling to comfort; we cling to happiness; we cling to people who we think will offer that to us. But that won’t work. We need to cling to God and seek him only. We must choose this day whom we will serve and make no excuses for other rivals. God will satisfy our souls, but we must seek him with our whole heart. And so let this be our anthem:
“My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63.5-8)
