Sunday, 10th September 2023
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: KING-SIZE ERROR: SOLOMON’S PASSION
THEME SCRIPTURE: “Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, forasmuch as this is done of you, and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely rend the kingdom from you, and give it to your servant.” – 1 Kings 11:11
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- Why did Solomon veer off from following after God and keeping his covenant?
The writer of the books of Kings presents to the postmodern Christian the royal biography of the nation Israel during his days. The purpose of his writing was not to retell history but to convey to generations to come an important message. His aim is didactic, the teaching of lessons.
Before Solomon died, God had informed him, “I will surely rend the kingdom from you and give it to your servant” (1 Kings 11:11).
This was because Solomon followed strange women, and his heart was turned away from God. Solomon had forgotten the words of his dying father David. On his deathbed David charged his successor, “I go the way of all the earth: be strong therefore and show yourself a man. And keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do, and wherever you turn yourself” (1 Kings 2:2-3). David did not stop there. He reminded Solomon the word of grace given him by God, saying, “That the Lord may continue his word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail you a man on the throne of Israel’.” (1 Kings 2:4).
Precious one, Solomon veered off the path of righteousness and his heart was turned away from God all due to his inability to control his passion. Solomon had too many wives and concubines (1 Kings 11:3).
He might have felt that he deserves every beautiful woman on the planet. In his wisdom, Solomon failed to recognize the power of a strange woman to turn the heart of a man from following God. God took the kingdom of Israel from Solomon’s children, reserving for him only one tribe.
Beloved, never forget that being born again, God has brought you out of darkness to make you His king-priest (1 Peter 2:9). This, He did according to the riches of His grace.
Having made you a king-priest, God expects you to live as such by giving you His blueprint. Jesus, who is our example is the king of kings, and the Most High. We are to look up to Him and follow His leading instead of our passions (sensual desires). Hence, Apostle Paul by the Spirit spoke, saying, “I have the right to do anything, you say—but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Cor 6:12). Beloved, you have been set free; don’t become a slave to your passion or sensual desires. Don’t be like Solomon who forgot the grace of God that made him who he was, to follow strange women. It is a king-size error to forget the grace or remain under it. Yield your passions to God and follow after righteousness because you are God’s king and priest in this world. You are ordained to show forth the praises, excellencies virtues and perfections of the Only-Wise God. Remain blessed.
FURTHER READING – 1 Kings 11
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- Is there any passion that has dominion over your life?
CONFESSION
Eternal Father, I am what I am by your grace. I affirm this day that if I live, I live for you. If I should die, I’d die for you. I receive grace to remain in you all my days, showing forth your praises and perfection to my generation. Glory Hallelujah!
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
2 Kings 16; Ezekiel 6; Luke 2
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