Make up your Mind

 Read 1 Kings 18. 

Three years passed.  The famine in Israel was so great the king had to search the land for grass to feed the animals.  Meanwhile, Jezebel sat at her royal table and fed 450 false prophets of the god Baal.  It was time for the one true God to intervene again.  He sent Elijah to meet with Ahab for a showdown.  

This was not an ego-driven power game between Ahab and Elijah.  Rather, it was a public opportunity for God to display His power and bring Israel to repent of its false worship.  The challenge is in verse 21: "How long will you go limping between two different opinions?  If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him."

The Hebrew word translated "limping" in the ESV means "to hop".  It may be used of one who steps as if lame or dances.  The nation claimed by heritage to be the people of God, chosen by Him from the time of Abraham.  Yet, their lives and resources went to worship a made-up god of their choosing and reject any claim the God of heaven made upon them.  Doing both is not possible.  It was time for them to make up their minds. 

The confrontation is graphically detailed for us.  The prophets of Baal prepared their sacrifice, danced around, cried out, and cut themselves in self-punishment for their sin.  But "there was no voice.  No one answered; no one paid attention" (v.29b). 

So many people claim they believe in God, even say they believe the Bible, yet there is no evidence in the way they think, speak or live.  When trouble comes or tragedy strikes, they cry out but all the stuff they lived for does not help them. 

Elijah's prayer was a simple one calling for repentance.  "Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back."

God acted. What is our response?

 Read 1 Kings 17. 

There are three acts of God recorded here with varying responses. 

Even after the death of his two sons, proving the word of God to be accurate, King Ahab of Israel did not repent of his sin.  Then God acted and sent the Prophet Elijah to announce that rain would be withheld for three years.  The drought was devastating to the entire nation.  Everyone suffered.  Still there was no spiritual change. 

God instructed Elijah to cross the Jordan River and leave the country.  There God provided for him.  Next, God sent Elijah to Zarephath and have a widow take care of him. 

The unnamed widow was destitute.  Due to the drought, there were no crops which meant food was scarce.  To demand her to feed him seemed cruel.  But God acted to provide for her, her household, and Elijah.  There is no recorded response from this widow to what the LORD had done for her. 

Then, her son died.  The widow's first reaction was guilt for her sin and that this death was a punishment.  But God acted to bring her son back to life.  Her words appear to reveal that prior to this she only observed what God had to say and what He did for her.  The light went on and faith became personal.  "Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth." 

Ahab experienced the painful consequences of disobeying God's word and refused to repent. 

The widow experienced God's blessings and showed no change. 

The widow experienced a spiritual confrontation about her sin and she personally embraced God's word as truth. 

The Lord is at work every moment of every day.  The question is: Are we paying attention to what God is doing throughout the day and responding obediently? 

Ignoring God's Word comes with a Price

 Read 1 Kings 16. 

Once the kingdom divided, there was not a single good king in the northern kingdom of Israel.  One right after the other, these leaders did evil and led the people in false worship.  Each time this provoked the Lord to anger.  And, each time that leader came to some tragic end. 

With the demise of a king also came the killing of at least all the males in his family who might desire to claim a right to the throne.  Many times total destruction of possessions, property, even cities belonging to the king ensued.  In short, when one person does evil, many other people suffer the consequences. 

When Ahab became king of Israel, he married Jezebel and worshipped the false god Baal.  There is no argument that Jezebel was an awful, sinful woman.  But, concerning Ahab, the scripture states that he "did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him" (v.30).  He thought he could do whatever he wanted in total disregard for the God of heaven. 

One of his famous projects was to rebuild the ancient city of Jericho.  In Joshua 6, when the walls of Jericho fell and the Israelites conquered that city, Joshua pronounced a prophecy.  "Cursed before the LORD be the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho.  'At the cost of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest son shall he set up its gates'" (Joshua 6:26).  Though more than 600 years had passed, God's word proved true and Ahab's family experienced these painful consequences. 

God means what He says.  His word is totally reliable.  Neither His word, nor His character, changes with time or culture.  This provides all the confidence we need to live for Him today.  He is worthy of our trust. 

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) 

"Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.  Your faithfulness endures to all generations;" (Psalm 119:89-90a)

 

Watch your Influence

 Read 1 Kings 15. 

Abijam became king of Judah.  He was the great-grandson of David.  The scriptures are clear that Abijam continued the sinful practices of his father Rehoboam and "was not wholly true to the LORD his God" (v.3).  However, notice that God remained faithful to the promises He made to David. 

Next, Asa, David's great-great-grandson became king of Judah.  He was a good king and pleased the LORD in his life and in his leadership of the nation.  It required spiritual courage and boldness to cleanse the nation morally, even removing his own mother from her national position. 

Meanwhile in the northern kingdom of Israel, the kings that followed Jeroboam aggressively maintained their evil ways.  

There is a huge reminder for all us here.  We never know how our decisions and actions directly affect those around us, particularly the generations within our own family.  Our personal spiritual commitments and our moral choices leave a legacy for others to remember us and follow.  The Apostle Paul wrote: "For none of us lives to himself and none of us dies to himself." Romans 14:7 

Every interaction with others is a moment of influence.  May all who come behind us find us faithful.

Today is filled with Opportunities

 Read 1 Kings 14. 

The LORD is good and gracious.  He gives each person opportunities to use the resources He has provided to accomplish His purposes.  Think of those opportunities as tests.  Success or failure depends on doing what God wanted done.  When a person refuses to listen and obey God, He will eventually intervene to gain their attention.  

Here we are told that it was God who divided the kingdom and set Jeroboam as king over the ten northern tribes.  These steps were meant to discipline "the house of David" and to test Jeroboam.  In spite of the prophet's warning, Jeroboam used this God-given opportunity to pursue his made up religion and lead the people to do evil.  God then intervened.  Feeling totally hopeless, the king sent his wife in disguise to seek God's help.  And, indeed, God had a message waiting. 

The very direct message explained the details of Jeroboam's opportunity and failure.  He did what was right in his own eyes, praying to metal images that he had made, "and have cast me behind your back" (v.9).  The prophecy includes the loss of the entire family of Jeroboam, the total destruction of his kingdom, and the capture of the northern tribes by an invading army from the north (Assyria).  

In the southern kingdom of Judah, things were not any better.  Headquartered in Jerusalem, they had Solomon's beautiful Temple, priests and prophets.  Yet, King Rehoboam led the nation to worship false gods "under every green tree" v.23).  So, God intervened.  For them he used Shishak, Pharaoh of Egypt, to take away the nation's treasured possessions. 

If we understand who the Owner is and what He wants done, then we will use the opportunities God gives us today to obey and please Him.

Does it matter? Yes it does.

 Read 1 Kings 13 

We all do not worship the same God.  So, what does the LORD, creator of heaven and earth, think of made-up religion? 

Jeroboam, the king of northern ten tribes of Israel, decided to make up his own worship and build his own altars.  This was done to prevent the people from traveling to Jerusalem in the southern kingdom to worship.  He did not have to wait long to discover what God thought his false religion.  God sent an unnamed prophet from Judah to deliver His message. 

The king's attempt to stop the prophet resulted in a temporary physical deformity and his altar destroyed.  When Jeroboam saw the power of God, he asked for prayer.  Note that he did not ask for forgiveness of his sin, nor to lead the people in a right way, but only for his hand to be restored.  Jeroboam continued in his sinful religion, practicing a pretense of worship on his own terms (vv.33-34).  The worship on a mountain in Samaria prompted the discussion centuries later with Jesus in John 4. 

When God is at work in one life, He is simultaneously at work in all the lives around that person.  The prophet was given strict and specific orders.  He had been given a mission with a message.  He delivered the message but failed to obey the mission.  Who would ever want this on their tombstone: "It is the man of God who disobeyed the word of the LORD." (v.26a) 

Jeroboam thought he could just do something religious and please God.  The prophet partially obeyed but allowed himself to be influenced by a lying man claiming to have an overriding word from the Lord.  Both were tragically wrong.  If these men had taken the truth of God’s word seriously and fully obeyed, their lives and memorials would have been far different. 

Jesus said, "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him." (John 4:23)

 

 

Are we listening to Wisdom?

 Read 1 Kings 12. 

Now we are told the details of the rift that divided the nation.  The majority of the people had thrown their allegiance to Jeroboam.  However, they sent for Solomon's heir apparent, Rehoboam, who was living in Egypt at the time.  The number one issue that needed change in order to keep the nation together was taxes.  Solomon's tax burden on the people had become unbearable. 

Rehoboam had an opportunity before him that needed the wisdom of his father.  He sought out his father's counselors who advised him to lower the taxes and serve the people.  Then, he went to his young foolish friends who told him he should exercise the power of his position and raise taxes.  With that the kingdom divided and Rehoboam prepared for civil war. 

As the new northern kingdom settled in, it became apparent that the people would want to travel to the Temple in Jerusalem for worship.  To counter this, Jeroboam made up his own religion.  The result plunged most of the nation into false worship away from the LORD. 

The surface issue may have been taxes, but the root issue was much deeper.  When one begins to demand their own way and refuse to listen to wisdom, sin will be the result. 

Rehoboam did not listen to wise counsel. (v.8) 

Rehoboam did not listen to the people. (v.16) 

Rehoboam did finally listen to God. (24) 

Jeroboam did not listen to God.  "This thing became a sin." (v.30) 

May our hearts be open and pliable as Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:10-"Speak, LORD, for your servant hears."

Warning: Guard your Heart

 Read 1 Kings 11. 

Up to this point, Solomon sounded almost perfect.  But now we learn just how human he was. 

Two weaknesses became evident:

1. The desire for women more than maintaining a faithful relationship with a wife.

2. The desire to please others more than maintaining a faithful relationship with God. 

Though his marriages may have been mostly for political expediency, these pagan women turned his heart to worshipping their false gods.  The ones named in this chapter are of the worst sort in terms of immorality and even human sacrifices. 

God knew Solomon's weaknesses and therefore, clearly warned him.  Such a warning was not solely directed at Solomon but based upon Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 17:17).  Ignoring and/or disobeying God's Word is sin and will have dire consequences 100% of the time.  The LORD loves His people too much to allow them to continue in sin. 

After years of peace and prosperity, the LORD raised up an adversary.  Allowing adversity is one way God deals with sin in the lives of His people. 

Because Solomon had a divided heart for God, he left a divided kingdom.  Jeroboam, a trust leader turned enemy, became the ruling king over the ten northern tribes of Israel.  The two southern tribes, Judah (the largest of the twelve) and Benjamin (the smallest) were ruled by Solomon's son, Rehoboam.  

It is a sad finish for the life of this great king and a warning to all of us.  "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

 

The purpose of our blessings from God

 Read 1 Kings 10. 

This chapter tells of a pinnacle in Solomon's reign.  Everything appeared to be beyond belief.  His ability to understand and apply wisdom to every situation became internationally known and sought.  His riches surpassed anything the world has ever seen.  Indeed, verse 27 states that silver became as common as rocks. 

We are provided one vignette of his encounter with world leaders.  The Queen of Sheba came for a visit.  Do not miss what took her breath away and how she responded.  More than the wisdom and wealth was his worship and sacrifice to the LORD (v.5).  Notice that Solomon's riches and power were not oppressive to those in his kingdom.  The Queen commented that everyone around Solomon was blessed.  And, then came her most important pronouncement: 

"Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel!  Because the LORD loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness." (v.10) 

1. She praised God as the source of all these blessings. 

2. She realized that the LORD is ultimately in control of national leadership. 

3. She understood the main responsibilities of leadership are to make decisions that are just and to do what is right. 

God blesses us to be a blessing and to point others to Him. 

Psalm 40:3-"He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD."

 

God has something to Say

 Read 1 Kings 9. 

The LORD appeared to Solomon again, just as he did before.  What do we learn about God from this passage? 

1. God hears and answers prayer. (v. 3a)

Solomon's prayer was for God's glory and worship.  It pleased the LORD to respond positively. 

2. God's "eyes and My heart will be there for all time." (v.3b)

The land of Israel, the city of Jerusalem, and the Temple site in particular, have God's special attention.  He has plans for that area today, just as He stated here some 3000 years ago.  Solomon's father, David, wrote in one of his songs, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!  May they be secure who love you!" (Psalm 122:6) 

3. God holds individuals accountable for their obedience to Him. (vv.4-9)

Even the king served under God's accountability.  This is true whether a person acknowledges the LORD or not. 

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer."  (Psalm 19:14)

 

 

When God stopped the Service

 Read 1 Kings 8:1-21. 

The construction of the Temple and its surrounding areas were completed.  The furnishings had all been put in their position.  However, the most important part, the Holy of Holies, the place for the Ark of the Covenant, remained empty. Solomon and the Levites understood the care needed to transport the Ark and what this would mean once the priests set it inside the Temple.  As David discovered in a previous move, death could be the result of failing to follow God's clear instructions.  

The Ark was to be transported on poles, carried by the priests.  It contained the two tablets God gave to Moses (the Law).  Then, the visible presence of God, like a cloud, filled the Temple.  The LORD stopped the celebration so they would simply stand in awe of His presence. 

The wings of the cherubim spread out over the precious box.  Once a year, the High Priest (and only the High Priest) was allowed in that sacred spot.  Representing the nation, on the Day of Atonement, he would go in and sprinkle sacrificial blood on top of the Ark.  Therefore, when God looked down at the demands of the law, He saw them through the shed blood of the atoning sacrifice. 

Hebrews 9:22b-"...and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins."  When Jesus shed His blood on the cross it was the full and final payment for the sin of the world.  "For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf (Hebrews 9:24)."  "...he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself (Hebrews 9:26b)."

Priority Alert

 Read 1 Kings 6-7. 

Solomon began construction on the Temple in the 4th year of his reign.  Most would be surprised to realize the building itself was only 90'x30'x45'.  All the materials were pre-fitted outside of the city so there were no sounds of hammers or axes during the construction.  The place was incredibly ornate with carvings everywhere and many overlaid with gold.  Including the surrounding areas, it required seven years to build. 

In 6:11, the LORD spoke directly to Solomon again.  Here God reaffirmed the Davidic Covenant to this second generation king.  Though there were clear expectations of Solomon's behavior to enjoy God's blessings, the covenant was everlasting and would not change.  This understanding is crucial because it directly relates to the Messiah ultimately fulfilling that covenant. 

Next, Solomon built his own house.  That project took thirteen years to finish.  This fact in itself is not an indictment against Solomon but a pattern began to develop in this king's life.  While he did a great thing for God, on the other hand he did great or greater things for himself.  As his life unfolded, he became a man with a divided heart for God. 

It is not the size or amount of stuff one possesses, great or small, which gives any indication of one's spiritual priorities.  The determination has to do with one's recognition of their stewardship for any and all that God has given to them.  Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and money." 

The wisest man on earth tried to do both and it often led to behaviors that displeased the LORD.  May the LORD who owns it all and has redeemed us to eternal life, be our consistent priority!

 

 

Wise people need People

 Read 1 Kings 4-5. 

These two chapters provide insights into how Solomon applied some of the understanding and wisdom that God gave him.  In brief, "he was wiser than all other men" (4:31). 

And, he was wise enough to know that with all his skill and understanding he could not do his job alone.  Solomon chose good and capable people who were organized to accomplish the work of leading the nation.  These trusted leaders took care of responsibilities of spiritual, financial, personal, domestic and foreign affairs. 

Then, when it came time to construct the project of his life, he was wise enough to realize he needed a partner.  The Temple would need natural resources from outside Israel.  Solomon turned to his father's friend, Hiram king of Tyre. 

Wisdom is displayed…

1. When we realize that we need other people to help us. 

2. When we surround ourselves with the right people. 

3. When we recognize the need for a special partner for a particular task.