Memorise:
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Psalm 103:2
Read: Deuteronomy 8:10-14
10 When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.
11 Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:
12 Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;
13 And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;
14 Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;
Message
Solomon was a man who enjoyed the goodness of the Lord in an unprecedented way. The crown of God’s goodness to him was that God appeared to him twice (1 Kings 9:2-3). He indeed recognised and testified to the goodness of God in His life. In 1 Kings 5:4 he testified that:
“But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.”
Everything that Solomon desired, the Lord granted him. But the Bible in 1 Kings 11:4 says this about his latter end:
“For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.”
The negative turn taken by the life of Solomon when he was old can be attributed to the comfort he enjoyed. This example of Solomon should serve as a lesson to every one of us. To be blessed by God is not as important as retaining your relationship with Him. Solomon started well but he could not end well.
The real character of a man is not revealed at the time he is experiencing need but at the time he has entered into abundance. King Solomon was prospered so greatly by God that the Queen of Sheba heard of his prosperity and fame. She personally came to Jerusalem to witness those things she had heard. It is unfortunate that Solomon did not remain true to God who had prospered him. Is the Lord doing great things through you? Don’t ever be proud. He owns the content; you are just an ordinary container. As a pastor, are there many members in your congregation? Don’t get distracted by this, God is the one drawing them to Himself. Many who started well have turned away from the faith; don’t be one of them. When people are in search of one thing or the other, they will be actively involved in the service of God, but as soon as their problems are solved and their needs are met, they will disappear from God’s service. Are you in a state where everything looks alright, but in your heart you know that you have missed it somewhere? There is no need to pretend; all you need to do is come back home to your senses. God is waiting for you. Never allow the pressures of this life to lead you to destruction. Deal with all those things that are capable of keeping the blessings of God out of your life. Come out of every weakness. Don’t allow that questionable relationship to deny you the joy of your salvation.
Prayer Point:
Father, grant me grace not to fail in the place of honour.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : 2 KINGS 21-22 and LUKE 12:1-21
AUTHOR : Pastor E.A. ADEBOYE
Comments
Post a Comment