Solomon’s Faith Required

Read 1 Kings 9
 
1 Kings 9:8-9 “And though this temple is now imposing, all who pass by will be appalled and will scoff and say, ‘Why has the Lord done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’ 9 People will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the Lord their God, who brought their fathers out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them – that is why the Lord brought all this disaster on them.’”
 
A building can display God’s character, but it does not make a church. In a glorious exhibition of  a physical creation, God had used Solomon to reveal his grace, mercy and love for Israel. Then God personally consecrated the sanctuary. For years to come, the LORD used the inner Holy of Holies to communicate with a chosen priest on the Day of Atonement. People would come for the required festivals to worship and sacrifice to the Lord. The Lord wanted Israel to know he was with them to rule in his righteousness for their good.
    Just as we consider Jesus Christ to be our “personal Lord and Savior”, God was very personal with Solomon and Israel. He had opened heaven’s gates to grant Solomon extraordinary wealth. And Solomon’s wisdom to rule was of international reputation.
    Yet, the building, the wealth and the wisdom do not guarantee God’s presence will stay with Solomon and the generations to come. The king’s response to God’s personal gifts to him would influence the nation for generations to come. Would it be a response of faith to submit to God? Or would it be a response of self-indulgence and personal preference?
    The same is true for us. How do we respond to our personal relationship with Jesus? As we move toward the conclusion of Solomon’s life, what wisdom will we learn from Solomon’s response to God?
   
A Good Response for You: 1 Thessalonians 5:8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.