All the wealth, pleasure, wisdom, and power do not keep you close to God. — 1 Kings 11: 9-12, Matthew 6:33
1 Kings 10 tells a condensed report of the great wisdom Solomon had. It tells of how dignitaries from around the world came with lavish gifts and were in awe of his wisdom, wealth, and power.
It goes on to tell how he acquired great wealth every year from all the kings of the region and from his traders. How he had many chariots and horses and so much gold that he made hundreds of shields with them just to decorate his palace.
Chapter 11 tells of how he loved many women and made treaties with many kings and had over 700 wives and 300 concubines (think harem).
Yet, with all this and more.
1 Kings 11:9–12 (NIV84): “The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the Lord’s command. So the Lord said to Solomon, ‘Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates. Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son.'”
There are so many thoughts this morning from this text. Like the cost of his sin to his children and to the entire future of Israel.
But one major focus, in light of coming out of reading all the wisdom literature, only God can satisfy.
I have a saying (a Philism). “God likes to keep us dependent.” And I have a kicker, a followup, “and He is good at it!”
Looking at Solomon’s life, you can better understand why. We have this false belief that if we had every need met and every desire satisfied, then we would run hard after God.
Not true!
We are prone to sin and selfishness, and we can never seem to get enough in this life.
I am reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33
Matthew 6:33 (NIV84): “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Solomon is a great example and reminder of why having everything will not make the difference of us moving closer to God.
We need to make that decision right now. Another Philism – “When is the right time to do the right thing? Right now!”
Let’s put God first in our lives today. Let’s seek Him. Let us not lie to ourselves and say once I have this or that, THEN I will go hard after God.
Now, today. In the midst of your pain, your lack, your need, and your dependence on Him. These are gifts to keep us centered on the One who is and was and will always be.
Father, we come to you today. Broken, humble, and in need of you. Depending on your love, your grace, your mercy, and your provision.
We seek you and your kingdom first.
