Tag: Solomon
The untold story!
Scripture reading for April 24th: 2nd Chronicles 6-9
Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived other than Jesus Christ. Solomon got his wisdom by asking for it! (James 1:5) Solomon asked for wisdom to rule God’s people and knowledge. (2nd Chronicles 1:7-10) God granted him his request and gave him fame and fortune as well. Solomon became well-known for his wisdom and for the wealth that God had lavished on him.
The Queen of Sheba was a foreign dignitary of Solomon’s time who had heard reports of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth. She came to see for herself and when she arrived and took it all in, her recorded remark was “not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me”. (2nd Chronicles 9:6) She praised Solomon’s God for delighting in Solomon and placing him on the throne. She noted that the Lord loved his people and appointed Solomon as king to uphold them and rule them for God! She had great understanding herself as she stood in Solomon’s presence. She also lavished gifts of gold (over 25 tons) and spices on Solomon.
Solomon had a distant grandson, Jesus Christ, who was also filled with wisdom from God. Luke records that he grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man. (Luke 2:51) Paul records that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2-3) This same Jesus has been made unto us wisdom from God. (1st Corinthians 1:30) If we need wisdom, we can simply ask God and He will give us liberally! (James 1:5) We have record of Jesus’ unequaled wisdom, yet the half has not been told! When we see Him we will know fully what we only know in part now!
As the Queen of Sheba gave lavish gifts to Solomon, so Gentile wise men from the East brought gold and spices at His birth! Christians are to honor Jesus Christ by giving our tithes and lives! We are to tell of the riches of His glorious Kingdom and publish his fame and wisdom to the whole world! We bring him the precious “gold” of our faith and the “spices” of prayer and worship. All nations will worship Him of whom “the half has not been told”!
The Glory connection!
Scripture Reading for April 4th: 1st Kings 5-8
Solomon, David’s son, had heard God’s decree that he would build the house where God’s Name would reside among His people. He had a vision and purpose for his life. He knew of the desire of his father David and willingly offered himself to the Lord to build this “House”. (1st Kings 5:5)
In building the temple, Solomon employed many people. Some came from lands outside Israel. The temple was made of stone, cedar and pine wood, and precious metals. Craftsmen worked off site on the stones so that the temple could be assembled without saws, chisels or hammers used on the site. (1st Kings 6:7) The temple took seven years to construct with thousands of workers meticulously adding every piece and detail in precise order and design. (1st Kings 6:38) God was truly a God of order and a master craftsman!
The crowning moment at the dedication was when God filled His house with His Glory! The priests had carried the Ark into the Holy of Holies and then withdrew. The priests could not stand to minister because of the Glory! (1st Kings 8:6-11) Solomon declared a blessing to the people gathered there and thanked God for His faithfulness!
Solomon then knelt down, raised his hands toward heaven, and prayed a magnificent prayer of dedication! In this prayer were eight petitions centering on the need for forgiveness! Since man’s troubles are caused by sin, the temple would be a place where they could meet with God and find mercy. As God’s people cried out, God’s glory was that He showered grace on them.
Solomon also asked God to hear the prayer of foreigners so that all peoples of the earth might know His Great Name! (1st Kings 8:41-43, 60) This prayer reminds us of Jesus command to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations! His house was to be a house of prayer for all nations! (Mark 11:17) Believers are the new “temple” of God. God’s presence fills each believer with His Glory and gives them power to reach the nations with the message of His saving grace! The “living stones” are being gathered from around the world without chisel or hammer through the power of the Gospel!
What do you want from God?
Scripture Reading for April 3rd: 1st Kings 1-4
I often ask people who come to me for advice a simple question. If you could do anything you wanted, what would you do with your life? This question opens us up to many possibilities and helps us discern the true desires of our heart. If we have truly committed our way to the Lord and delight ourselves in Him, He tells us that He will give us the desires of our heart! (Psalm 37:4)
Newly crowned King Solomon had an encounter with the Lord. He had gone to Gibeon to sacrifice to the Lord and that day offered a thousand burnt offerings! Extravagant worship marked the life of this newly anointed king! That night as Solomon lay asleep, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said: “Ask for whatever you want Me to give you.” (1st Kings 3:4-5) Solomon first thanked the Lord for his kindness to his father David in placing him on the throne. Then he confessed his need for God’s help in ruling His people. He asked for a discerning heart and wisdom to rule wisely. (1st Kings 3:7-9)
This pleased the Lord! Solomon was granted what he asked for and also given by grace what he did not ask for! God gave him riches and honor so that there would be no equal among kings of that time. (1st Kings 3:10-14) God’s Word has proved true in history in the life of this son of David!
What would you ask the Lord for today? Are you passionately worshiping the Lord each day–offering Him extravagant worship and thanksgiving for who He is and His great faithfulness? Would you ask for riches and honor or something physical? These things are fleeting and of no eternal value if you are not delighting yourself in the Lord and willing to offer Him what you currently have!
Jesus Christ has been made to us wisdom from God! (1st Corinthians 1:30) God is no respecter of persons! He offers us the same choice given to King Solomon. Ask today for what you want God to give you! Wisdom is found in Jesus Christ and a true walk with the wisest King of Kings who has ever been!
The half has not been told!
Scripture reading for April 24th: 2nd Chronicles 6-9
Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived other than Jesus Christ. Solomon got his wisdom by asking for it! (James 1:5) God appeared to him early in his rule and asked him what he needed. Solomon asked for wisdom to rule God’s people. (2nd Chronicles 1:7-10) God granted him his request and gave him fame and fortune as well.
The Queen of Sheba was a foreign dignitary of Solomon’s time who had heard reports of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth. She came to see for herself and took it all in. Her recorded remark was “not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me”. (2nd Chronicles 9:6) This Gentile queen praised Solomon’s God for delighting in Solomon and placing him on the throne. She noted that the Lord loved His people and appointed Solomon as king to uphold them and rule them for God! She had great understanding herself as she stood in Solomon’s presence.
The Queen of Sheba also lavished gifts of gold and spices on Solomon. She gave him over 25 tons of gold helping to fulfill God’s word to Solomon! A king who is full of wisdom deserves great honor and recognition!
Solomon had a distant grandson, Jesus Christ, who was also filled with wisdom from God. Luke recorded that he grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man. (Luke 2:51) Paul stated that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2-3) This same Jesus has been made unto us wisdom from God. (1st Corinthians 1:30) If we need wisdom, we can simply ask God and He will give us liberally! (James 1:5) We have record of Jesus’ unequaled wisdom, yet the half has not been told! When we see Him we will know fully what we only know in part now!
As Solomon’s fame spread far and wide, so Jesus Christ’s fame is spreading to all the nations! As the Queen of Sheba gave lavish gifts to Solomon, so we are to honor Jesus Christ and give our tithes and offerings. He alone is worthy! We are to tell of the riches of His glorious Kingdom and publish His wisdom for all who will listen! We bring Him the precious “gold” of our faith and the “spices” of prayer and worship. All nations will worship Him of whom “the half has not been told”!
Israel’s history of rebellion!
Scripture reading for June 10th: Acts 7:30-50
Stephen’s sermon defense to the rulers of Israel who crucified Jesus and now were plotting to get rid of him was taken from their own Scriptures. Stephen went on to show how the Moses that the Israelites had rejected was picked by God 40 years later to be their deliverer. He was sent to them with signs and miracles and led them out of Egypt. (Acts 7:35-36) Moses also prophesied that God would raise up another prophet like him from his own people.
While Moses was on the mountain of God getting the Ten Commandments, the people rebelled by making a golden calf. They began to worship the works of their hands and turned away from God. God gave them over to the worship of the creation and idols that they made. Their rebellion would eventually send them to captivity in Babylon. Stephen quoted Amos 5:25-27 showing that God knew about the rebellion and promised to punish them.
Stephen was being used by God to instruct these men, showing God held the Israelites accountable for their idolatry. They had always rejected His prophets and refused to follow His ways. Even now, these men were rebelling against the same God by persecuting those who were preaching Jesus Christ as Lord and performing signs and miracles in His name. They had rejected God’s chosen leader Moses and had also rejected the prophet like Moses that God raised up, Jesus! They were in danger of being given over themselves to their own idolatry of the Law and the temple!
Stephen used Isaiah 66:1-2 to show that God had already stated that He dwelled in heaven and that any earthly house could not contain Him. These truths were made plain by Stephen’s preaching to those who were ruling in Jerusalem. But truth will either bring conviction and repentance, or bring hardening and God’s judgment. Stephen’s job was simply to present the truth in the power of the Holy Spirit and let the people choose their response. How are you at listening to God’s truth when you are living outside of it? Do you like it when God reveals an area of rebellion in your own life? Is Jesus the leader you are following?
The half has not been told!
Scripture reading for April 24: 2nd Chronicles 6-9
Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived other than Jesus Christ. Solomon got his wisdom by asking for it! (James 1:5) God appeared to him early in his rule and asked him what he needed. Solomon asked for wisdom to rule God’s people and knowledge. (2nd Chronicles 1:7-10) God granted him his request and gave him fame and fortune as well. Solomon became well-known for his wisdom and for the wealth that God had lavished on him.
The Queen of Sheba was a foreign dignitary of Solomon’s time who had heard reports of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth. She wanted to come and see for herself and when she arrived and took it all in, her recorded remark was “not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me”. (2nd Chronicles 9:6) This pagan Queen also made another remark that is amazing. She praised Solomon’s God for delighting in Solomon and placing him on the throne. She noted that the Lord loved his people and appointed Solomon as king to uphold them and rule them for God! She had great understanding herself as she stood in Solomon’s presence. It appears that this wisdom rubs off!
The Queen of Sheba also lavished gifts of gold and spices on Solomon. She gave him over 25 tons of gold by our measure! A king who is full of wisdom deserves great honor and recognition!
Well, how does this story from 3000 years ago affect us today? Solomon had a distant grandson, Jesus Christ, who was also filled with wisdom from God. Luke records that he grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man. (Luke 2:51) Paul records that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2-3) This same Jesus has been made unto us wisdom from God. (1st Corinthians 1:30) If we need wisdom, we can simply ask God and He will give us liberally! (James 1:5) We have record of Jesus’ unequaled wisdom, yet the half has not been told! When we see Him we will know fully what we only know in part now!
Not only that, but as Solomon’s fame spread far and wide, so Jesus Christ’s fame is spreading to all the nations! As the Queen of Sheba gave lavish gifts to Solomon, so we are to honor Jesus Christ and give our tithes and lives to Him who is worthy! We are to tell of the riches of His glorious Kingdom and publish his fame and wisdom for all who will listen! We bring him the precious “gold” of our faith and the “spices” of prayer and worship. All nations will worship Him of whom “the half has not been told”!
Fame, Fortune, Falling Away!
Scripture reading for April 6th: 1st Kings 9-11
“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.” Proverbs 27:21
Fame and fortune bring lots of praise from the lips of men. Everyone wants to be around a famous person and the rich have many friends. These blessings can easily lead our hearts away from faith in the Lord and a vital relationship with Him. God warned the Israelites that when they entered the promised land and settled down and became prosperous, they would be tempted to forget God. (Deuteronomy 8:10-13) In a sense, prosperity and fame can be a more difficult test than sexual lust. Solomon found that this was true.
After Solomon finished dedicating the temple and achieving all he had desired to do, God appeared to him a second time. God promised that He would hear the prayers said at the temple and watch over it. God then warned Solomon against turning away from Him and going after other gods. (1st Kings 9:6-9) God understood the test that Solomon would face as his fame and fortune grew.
Solomon was soon headed down a wrong path. His heart was not obedient to the Lord. He left many of the Caanites in the land and put them in forced labor. Solomon married many foreign women and took 700 wives and 300 concubines from among the nations that the Lord forbid the Israelites to marry from. God had warned that their hearts would be led astray to idolatry and His Word is always to be trusted. (1st Kings 11:1-6) Solomon’s heart was not fully committed to the Lord and he did evil in God’s sight! He built high places for these gods of his foreign wives and they offered sacrifices, further angering God.
The result of God’s anger and Solomon’s drifting away was that God raised up adversaries against Israel. Hadad the Edomite and Rezon from Aram (Syria) were both hostile towards Israel. One of Solomon’s own officials, Jeroboam, son of Nebat, also rebelled against the king. Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam, but he fled to Egypt.
What can we learn from all of this? We can easily see how our hearts can be distracted from the Lord by fame and fortune. We all think that it would be wonderful to have what Solomon or some other famous figure had, but we must be reminded of how are hearts are tested by this. The pride and power of prosperity can make one as drunk as wine! God is jealous (Exodus 34:14) and will not tolerate idolatry. This test brings out the worst in us from our sin nature. The Apostle Peter reminds us that when we suffer for Christ’s sake, we cease from sin and live for the will of God. Suffering is a test but it purifies us much easier. (1st Peter 4:1-2)
Pray today for someone who has fame or fortune, who is in a position of authority and influence. Pray for God’s grace to protect and keep that person–that he’ll not fall away and lead others astray.
The Glory of the Lord filled the temple!
Scripture Reading for April 4th: 1st Kings 5-8
Solomon, David’s son, had heard God’s decree that he, Solomon, would build the house where God’s Name would reside among His people. He had a vision and purpose as a focus of his life. He knew of the desire of his father David and willingly offered himself to the Lord to build this “House”. (1st Kings 5:5)
In building the temple, Solomon employed many people. Some came from lands outside Israel. Solomon made covenants with many nations and the nations were drawn to Israel during this time of peace. God granted favor and peace during the reign of Solomon for this purpose.
The temple was made of stone, cedar and pine wood, and precious metals. Craftsmen worked off site on the stones so that the temple could be assembled without saws, chisels or hammers used on the site. (1st Kings 6:7) The temple took seven years to construct with thousands of workers meticulously adding every piece and detail in precise order and design. (1st Kings 6:38) God is truly a God of order and a master craftsman! His temple would be magnificent!
The crowning moment at the dedication of the temple tells how God, Himself, filled the House with His Glory! I’d have loved to have been there to see it! The priests had carried the Ark into the Holy of Holies and then withdrew. The priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud of God’s glory! (1st Kings 8:6-11) Solomon declared a blessing to the people gathered there and thanked God for His faithfulness!
Solomon then knelt down, raised his hands toward heaven, and prayed a magnificent prayer of petition and dedication! In this prayer are eight petitions of God to “hear from heaven” when His people call upon Him for help. The central focus is forgiveness! All of man’s troubles are caused by sin, either against God or man made in God’s image. The consequences of sin bring famine, disease, plague, war, and death. As God’s people cry out, God’s glory is that He will hear and forgive and act to bring healing and restoration!
Another focus of Solomon’s prayer was for the foreigner and those drawn to the temple from other lands and peoples. Solomon asks God to hear their prayer as well so that all peoples of the earth may know His Great Name and fear the Lord! (1st Kings 8:41-43, 60) This prayer reminds us of Jesus instructing his followers to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations! His house shall be a house of prayer for all nations! (Mark 11:17) God has always had a world-wide vision!
Take time today to pray! Ask the Lord to fill your temple with His glory! This happened again on the Day of Pentecost when the new “Temple” built by a greater son of Solomon, Jesus Christ, was dedicated and filled with God’s Glory! Tongues of fire and other tongues marked the new “Temple” as filled with the Holy Spirit, and they went out to witness God’s Glory to the nations! The “living stones” are still being assembled without the sound of hammer or chisel! To God be all Glory forever and ever!
What do you want from God?
Scripture Reading for April 3: 1st Kings1-4
I often ask people who come to me for advice on direction for their lives a simple question. If you could do anything you wanted, what would you do with your life? This question opens us up to many possibilities and helps us discern the true desires of our heart. If we have truly committed our way to the Lord and delight ourselves in Him, He tells us that He will give us the desires of our heart! (Psalm 37:4) We will want what He wants!
Newly crowned King Solomon had an encounter with the Lord. He had gone to Gibeon to sacrifice to the Lord and that day offered a thousand burnt offerings! Extravagant worship marked the life of this newly anointed king! That night as Solomon lay asleep, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said: “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1st Kings 3:4-5) Solomon first thanked the Lord for his kindness to his father David in placing him on the throne. Then he confessed his need for God’s help in ruling His people. He asked for a discerning heart and wisdom to rule wisely. (1st Kings 3:7-9)
This pleased the Lord! Solomon was granted what he asked for and also given by grace what he did not ask for! God gave him riches and honor so that there would be no equal among kings of that time. (1st Kings 3:10-14) God’s Word has proved true in history in the life of this son of David!
As we think about the question God asked Solomon, what would you ask the Lord for today? First, are you passionately worshiping the Lord each day–offering Him extravagant worship and thanksgiving for who He is and His great faithfulness? If you are not in love with the Lord, your heart will not be focused on doing His will. Would you ask for riches and honor or something physical? These things are fleeting and of no eternal value if you are not delighting yourself in the Lord and willing to offer Him what you currently have!
Jesus Christ has been made to us wisdom from God! (1st Corinthians 1:30) We are told that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God for it and He will give us liberally! (James 1:5-7) God is no respecter of persons! He offers us the same choice given to King Solomon of old. Ask today for what you want God to give you! Wisdom is found in Jesus Christ and a true walk with the wisest King of Kings who has ever been or ever will be!