When Happiness Goes Too Far.

Scripture: Happy are your wives! Happy are these your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 2 Chronicles 9:7

Observation: While the beginning of Solomon’s rule was marked by widespread prosperity and protection for the people, the last days saw the focus shift. When the Queen of Sheba visits Solomon, she is amazed by the luxury and wealth he has amassed. The throne of wisdom has become a gaudy, glitzy thing. The court of Solomon is a happy place, because luxury rules. It seems that success + drifting from God = decadence. The ultimate cost of this is a divided kingdom.
We have been talking in our Small Group about money, and the proper use of it. We learned that the love of money is the root of all kinds of problems. You can see that here. Solomon had too much success, and failed to temper it with the wisdom God gave him. The wisdom that starts with a healthy fear of God.

Application: As God brings success into my life, I must remain moored to Him. I need to remember to “dance with the one who brung ya.” I need to remember what got me here, and who got me here. Staying grounded in the word is key for me. With increased responsibility comes the increased pressure to squeeze out this time with God, to fill it with more productive things. But that is how it starts. I need this summer to make sure I stay close to God in his word.

Prayer: God, grant me success, that I might serve you and your people better. But don’t let me get caught up in the glamour and trappings of success. Don’t let it go to my head. I trust you to be my priority.

To see my kids eating and drinking and being happy...

Scripture: Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy. 1 Kings 4:20

Observation: Under Solomon's leadership, the people were happy. They grew. They were able to tackle immense projects for the glory of God, like the building of the temple. They had safety from their enemies and prosperity. Nations from all around heard of their growing reputation and came to seek the wisdom of Solomon. Why was God's hand on them in such a powerful way?
A clue is found in something Solomon himself once observed. When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. Proverbs 29:2. The way Solomon lived his life impacted the way he led, which impacted the way the people lived. Another clue is found in the psalm of Solomon's father, David. In psalm 101, David outlines the kind of man and ruler he intends to be. I will ponder the way that is blameless...I will walk with integrity of heart within my house. (v.2). I believe it is clear that the blessings Judah and Israel experienced were related to Solomon's walking in wisdom and integrity. Later, we see the flip side of this, but for now, everyone is eating and drinking and happy.

Application: As a father, my "kingdom" is subject to these same things. As I go, my family will go. How I conduct my life and character and walk affects my family. I need to heed Psalm 101 as an aspiration for fatherhood. I think I will memorize that over the next few weeks, and aspire to a higher level of integrity in my parenting.

Prayer: God, I know my life is not a guarantee for my kids. But the odds are much better if I walk with you. Help me to me a father of integrity. Help me lead myself that I might lead others.

Get off your Bed and Make a Decision!

Scripture: And now, behold, Adonijah is king, although you, my lord the king, do not know it. 1 Kings 1:18

Observation: David is advancing, and it is time for him to choose a successor. His oldest living son, Adonijah, plans to take the throne, even though God had identified Solomon as David’s successor. David learns of this news on his sickbed, when his wife comes to tell him that Adonijah is acting like the next king. David has to act quickly to install Solomon, lest rebellion and division arise.

Adonijah was right—the oldest living son is supposed to take the throne from his father. This was the world’s custom. However, God had already picked Solomon. So contrary to public opinion of “the way things are done around here,” Solomon was the right choice for David.

Application: As a leader, one burden we must carry is the burden of leading where God is going, even when it may not be popular or even customary. There are many things I face in the church, for example, where I have to act on what God has shared with me or our leadership, things that may not make sense according to the customs of the day. Now, I need to make sure we are hearing from God, and we are communicating that to people. But in the end, sometimes we just have to install Solomon on the throne and let the chips fall.

What I realize today is that by not dealing with problems, I can let bitterness and rebellion grow. There comes a time when David has to get off his bed and make a decision, for the sake of the kingdom.

Prayer: God, I need your guidance in when and how to deal with people. When do I need to get off my sickbed and deal with a potential problem before it blooms into a big one? I pray today for wisdom in hearing from you and identifying the time to act. I also ask for grace and truth when the time comes.