April 3, 2010 - From Blessings To Warning

Meditation on 1 Kings 9

After King Solomon had finished the temple and dedicated it to God. The LORD appeared to him the second time just like He did the first time at Gibeon. The LORD said that He had heard his dedicatory prayers and plea. He promised that His eyes and His heart will always be there at the temple. With the condition of his obedience to God's decrees and laws, Solomon's throne over Israel will be established forever. (v. 3-5)

As if God had predicted the apostasy of Israel, He had given severe warning to Solomon and his descendants. Even though they had experienced God's tremendous blessings, their temple and their land will be devastated. They will be rejected and ridiculed. (v. 6-9) These words of warning should be considered very carefully for Solomon. But he did not. The care of the world, the pride of life, and the love of women at his old age had led him astray.

God loved Solomon. But his following heathen wives to worship other gods caused God's anger. (1 Kings 11:9) Do you love any other idols than the LORD today? (1 John 5:21)