Then Solomon woke up and realized it had been a dream. He returned to Jerusalem and stood before the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, where he sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he invited all his officials to a great banquet. 1 Kings 3:15
In these few verses, we can see how Solomon became known as the wisest and richest man ever, and it also tells us why he failed.
- He began by watching his father David and wanted a relationship with the Lord so he too would know the powerful grace of the Lord. Once he became King, he sought that relationship by offering multiple sacrifices and worshipped the Lord.
- When asked by God what he wanted, he asked for an understanding (listening, discerning) heart so he could know the difference between right and wrong. His request was so he could become a better King to lead the Israelites better.
- Because he sought the Lord and wanted wisdom instead of something selfish God gave him also what he didn’t ask for wealth and fame and if he followed God’s decrees and commands he would have long life.
- After he woke up he offered sacrifices and worshiped the Lord again.
So how could the wisest and richest man walk away from the God who showed this great favor upon him? He forgot how much he needed God and replaced him with his wives according to 1 Kings 11:4, his wives turned his heart away from the Lord. The lesson learned is to always keep God our focus and the center of our lives. Otherwise we can become distracted and before we know it we can be led astray. Learn from the wisest man whoever lived, turn your eyes on Jesus.
Tomorrow many Christians will go to church, but many will go in unprepared, simply because they view their going as a duty, obligation or just “what they’re supposed to do.” Why not this week we prepare out hearts and minds not only to meet with others and Jesus in His house, but to truly worship Him in Spirit and in truth. To let all our distractions at the door, and truly praise Him with everything that is in us. To intently listen to the word so it can speak to us way beyond what we just hear. To allow Holy Spirit to speak to us and look for someone who needs a smile or a hug, etc. Worship is active not passive or just being present, but by being interactive with Abba our Father and Jesus our Savior and our bother. This week go all in and enjoy how His presence will stay with you the rest of the day.
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