2023_08_23 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- 1 Kings 11-13, Luke 4
We read about how Solomon started off his administration with humility, a desire to honor God, and to lead with wisdom – see 1 Kings 3. Unfortunately, the path he started on is not the one he stayed on. Some people start well with God and stay on track. Others are shaky at the beginning, but over time become stronger and more faith-filled. Then, some like Solomon, have a genuine trust and dependence on God and appear to be great examples of faith in action… but along the way, success and fame feed their pride, and they lose their way. When this happens, we can expect God to treat us like any loving parent does, and discipline us. Hebrews reminds us, “And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” Hebrews 12:5–6 (NLT)
In Solomon’s case, he ignored God’s clear command and married women who were devoted to other Gods. “In Solomon’s old age, they turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the Lord his God, as his father, David, had been.” 1 Kings 11:4 (NLT) The impact of Solomon’s disobedience was on much more than just him. As the king, he was in a prominent position and his example was on display for all to see. Generations were impacted by his willful disregard for God’s instructions. “Then the Lord raised up Hadad the Edomite, a member of Edom’s royal family, to be Solomon’s adversary.” 1 Kings 11:14 (NLT) Along with other enemies, Solomon was seriously opposed, and later the kingdom of Israel divided.
I wonder if we take this idea that God disciplines seriously… Do we pick and choose what commands and instructions we obey based on our own desires, circumstances, and inclinations because we assume He won’t really care? Or do we remember that as followers, our lives are now His, and all we do should reflect our heavenly Father’s values and purposes? Love, real love, cannot ignore a loved one’s dangerous behavior. Without confronting what is wrong we end up tacitly endorsing it. Parents that regularly ignore or cover for their children’s irresponsibility or disrespect are subsidizing their behavior. A truly loving parent cares so much that they will not let willful defiance or disobedience go unaddressed. Our God is a loving parent that cares too much not to confront and correct us, and when we repent, He is ready to comfort and restore us!
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor