March 14, 2022 - 1 Kings 10-13

The Queen of Sheba came to Solomon, saw his great riches, and said, “Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel!” (10:9) “Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom” (10:23). How greatly the Lord blessed Solomon. Thus, how much more wicked was his turning away from the Lord, the story which is told in the following chapters.

Solomon loved foreign women. He built the high places for their gods, and “when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father” (11:4). And though, in response, the Lord raised up adversaries against Solomon (ch. 11), yet God did not tear the kingdom from Solomon’s hand because of his promise to David (11:13). At times, it seems as if God’s plans were doomed to failure. Oh, no! The worst that man might do cannot derail God's plans. He has promised a Messiah from the line of David, and a Messiah from the line of David there will be!

It's good to remember, through the sweep of history, and all the days which seemingly scream to us that all is lost, that God remains on his throne and that he will accomplish all that he intends to do. That's a good thought to begin the week with! Solomon had his riches, but we have ours!

I know I love Thee better, Lord

Than any earthly joy:

For Thou hast given me the peace

Which nothing can destroy.

The half has never yet been told,

Of love so full and free;

The half has never yet been told,

The blood, it cleanseth me. -- Frances R. Havergal (1878)