April 6–1 Kings 12-14

“Jeroboam said in his heart. . .’If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will return to. . .Rehoboam king of Judah; and they will kill me’ “(12:27).

It was a conversation he had with himself. Words he whispered to his own heart. Inner conversations have great power. Even when they are subconscious. Especially when they are subconscious!

Jeroboam was king of Israel, but his heart was anxious. Worry whispered its dark predictions. As Jeroboam listened, he began to make decisions based on F.E.A.R. (false evidence appearing real).

He knew better. Should have. A fugitive from Solomon most of his life, Jeroboam received a promise from God. “I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and give you ten tribes”(11:31). Great assurance! When God gives a promise, we must rest securely in it. Trust is the essential center of true faith.

Fear was his downfall. Slowly, the nagging questions eroded Jeroboam’s certainty. What if the people go back to Jerusalem for worship and turn in allegiance to the King of Judah? What if they kill me? Rather than trust God (with obedience as its first evidence) Jeroboam assuaged his fears (tried to) with a foolish decision. He put up golden calves as alternative places of worship.

Golden calves?!! Are you kidding me? This was Jeroboam’s wisdom?!A reprise of Israel’s worst moment? An outrageous act of apostasy! See Exodus 32.

If I am honest, much of my life has been fear-shaped, too. In a desperate attempt to avoid being hurt, I adopted certain strategies and skills. Even when I was unaware, fear drove me.

Not so, our Savior. In Gethsemane, He faced His fears and conquered them in prayer. No panic. Trust. Majestic calm. If you RUN from your fears, they will bite you. If you turn to FACE them, the Lord will give you victory over them.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will take you on a straight line to a good place of His own plan” (Proverbs 3:4-5, free translation).

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6).

April 5–1 Kings 9-11

“So King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. . .but when he was old. . .his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord his God”(10:23, 11:4).

Prosperity is a test. With success, whether in riches or recognition, pleasure or power, comes temptation. Gradually, a person begins to feel bullet-proof. Exempt from the law/limitations of God. “In adversity we know our friends, in prosperity, our friends know us” (John Churton Collins).

Sadly, Solomon stumbled at this predictable place. Despite the clear warnings of God (given in two separate appearances), wealth muddied Solomon’s perspective. He began to accumulate wives (in keeping with the custom of other kings, the “normal” life of the rich and famous). Predictably, his fervor cooled, and he drifted into impurity. Tragic choice. We may think ourselves immune, but we aren’t. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon writes from an empty soul at the end of his life.

“Love not the world,” warns the Scripture. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all you soul and all your mind.” In adversity AND prosperity humans have ONE job, ONE wisdom. Ironic, isn’t it? The wisest man who ever lived was ultimately fooled by the oldest trick in the book. “The deceitfulness of riches,” our Lord called it. See Mark 4:19.

Friend, does God have your whole heart? Is HE your one ambition and confidence?

“Otherwise, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, and when your herds and your flocks multiply. . .then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God. . .who is giving you the power to make wealth”(Deuteronomy 8:12-14, 18).

“What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?” (Jesus, Mark 8:36).

April 4–1 Kings 8

“That Your eyes may be open toward this house night and day. . .to listen to the prayer which Your servant shall pray toward this place. Listen to the supplication of Your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place” (1 Kings 8:29-30).

Memorable words. Years later, Jesus referenced them. “My house shall be called a house of prayer”(Matthew 21:13).

Solomon viewed the Temple as God’s house. A place of intimate encounter with the Father. A place of soul-uniting conversation around a table. Honest and intimate. Raw and real. Even knowing that NO house is big enough to contain God, our Father allows us to think of certain holy places in these familiar terms.

Friend, shouldn’t we have a similar vision for our places of worship? Sunday by Sunday, shouldn’t we think of it as visiting His house? Of going home? A gathered family? The expectation of His real presence and attention? Shouldn’t we use our time in worship for the purpose of bold intercession, conscious of the privilege and potential for good? Without some care, we begin “going through the motions”. Very little hunger for God. Very little actual prayer.

As Solomon knelt that day to dedicate the new Temple, he did so with prayer and for prayer! The Temple doesn’t give prayer meaning. Prayer gives the Temple meaning.

I think often of the crowds that gathered around our Savior in the gospel accounts. Desperate people, urgently reaching out for God’s care. Perhaps, that is what church should feel like. A place where people go to find God. A place where God is present with His people.

There are MANY church buildings in our nation. How many, do you think, are truly houses of prayer?

“I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for the that day”(Abraham Lincoln).

“God is our place to run when we don’t feel safe, our strength when we feel weak. He is very near when trouble comes”(Psalm 46:1, free translation).

April 3–1 Kings 5-7

“Now the word of the Lord came to Solomon saying, ‘Concerning this house you are building, if you walk in my statutes and execute my ordinances and keep all my commandments. . then. . .I will dwell among the sons of Israel.’ “(1 Kings 6:11).

The temple project wasn’t God’s idea. More of a concession, really. God allowed the idea, but insisted that David refocus attention on God’s better building project. See 2 Samuel 7. The eyes of God’s people (our ambitions, our value) must always be on Spiritual accomplishments, not material.

In today’s reading, the Temple is finished. Spectacular stone structure! Center of Jerusalem. Built in silence (reverence). Considerable cost (money, material, manpower). Like the Tabernacle in design and function, the Temple symbolized the presence of the Lord and the priority of worship for the nation.

John Wayne is famously quoted saying, “I like God until He gets under a roof.” Too strong a statement, probably. Even so, Spiritual people must always remember what Stephen said before he was martyred, “The Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands.” (Acts 7:39). A high view of God insists that He is larger than any place.

The prophets later cried out against the superstition that the Temple would protect Jerusalem. The place was no guarantee of safety. God Himself was (is). The Temple was valuable to God’s people ONLY on the condition obedience. Jesus, Himself, challenged Temple-confidence when it masked the corrupted hearts of the people. See Matthew 21:13.

After years in ministry (and multiple building campaigns) I have come to appreciate the better building campaign of Christ. “On this rock, I will build My church“. He is the builder! His greater work is in the conviction of sin, the calling to faith, a Spiritual renewal that takes the hard hearts of men and gives them new life. In every generation, God is building “a Spiritual temple” in which each of us are “stones.”

Friend, will you read again God’s words of warning to Solomon? As you gather for worship this week, will you embrace the presence of God as true healing? He must dwell with us, our Guide and Defense. Holy sons and daughters gathering in the approval and protection of the Great King, we are the true temple.

April 2–1 Kings 2-4

“Because you have asked. . .for yourself discernment to understand justice. . .behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you” (1 Kings 3: 11-12).

Solomon was young. Inexperienced. Alfred Edersheim believes he was not more than twenty years old. HUGE shoes to fill! It was a stressful situation for a young leader!

After David’s death, and after a few “problem people” were dealt with, the young king went to Gibeon to worship. A grand moment. A national celebration. Encouraging! Majestic!

As Solomon slept that night, God appeared in a dream and invited him to, “Ask what you wish me to give you.” See 3:5.

What do you ask of God? What do you want? What is your ambition? What Solomon asked of God set the direction of his life. It is a spiritual reality, as true for us as it was for him.

When Solomon asked for wisdom (literally, “a listening heart, the ability to decide between right and wrong”), God commended his humility and his desire to fulfill his God-assigned duty as king.

No person is self-sufficient. Not for the challenges of life. Certainly not for the requirements of eternity. We all need God’s wisdom.

No wonder our Lord continually taught (and exampled) a life of prayerful pursuit of the will of God. Our Father is generous in wisdom toward those who ask Him. This being so, the only wise choice is to ask.

Dear friend, will you, like Solomon, pray these words? “Lord, will you give me wisdom for my assignment in your kingdom and your world? Give me ears to hear. Break through the surround-sound of my pride and my fear. I accept your assignment. Will you give me your wisdom?

“Acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding. Prize her, and she will exalt you. . .she will place on your head a garland of grace; she will present you with a crown of beauty”(Proverbs 4:7-8).

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

April 1–1 Kings 1

“Have my son Solomon ride on my own mule and bring him to Gihon. . .let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him as king over Israel”(1:33-34).

As a leader ages, he/she must embrace the important task of succession planning. “The intentional process of the transfer of leadership power and authority from one directional leader to another,” Dave Travis calls it. It is often the last and highest act of a leader’s love for his people.

A challenging assignment. Complicated. Emotionally and financially demanding. Succession tests a leader’s courage and selflessness.

In David’s failing health, he nearly missed (mishandled) this important task. Even though David knew God had chosen Solomon as heir to the throne, he was reluctant to openly communicate the decision and put it on a calendar. Another example, perhaps, of David’s flaw with family. He didn’t like to cross or disappoint them. See 1:6. Strange flaw, and more common than we usually perceive, it is very possible for a person to be a strong, decisive, effective leader in other areas, but not in his home. Misjudging David’s hesitation as weakness, Adonijah (like Absalom before him) made a grab for power. In the face of a new conspiracy, David was forced to act.

“Every pastor is an interim pastor,” say Vanderbloemen and Bird in their excellent book, Next: Pastoral Succession That Works. During my years of pastoral ministry, I knew that I was one, but only one, in a long line of pastors that would be called and equipped to lead the church I served. Age and health limitations always and eventually create the need for a new leader. God is faithful to guide the process. We must face the challenge with Him.

In Numbers 27:16-17, Moses prayed, “May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation, who will go out and come in before them. . .so that the congregation of the Lord will not be like sheep which have no shepherd”(Numbers 27:16-17). Amazing moment! The existing leader praying for his predecessor. A leader willing to step down so that the larger work may continue.

Friend, are you helping identify and train the next leader(s) in your organization and church? Are you embracing the new leaders as God sends them? Praying for them? Connecting with them? Encouraging them? Do you have a long-look perspective? A steady stream of leaders is part of God’s plan for the progress of His people.

“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

April 1–1 Kings 1

“Have my son Solomon ride on my own mule and bring him to Gihon. . .let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him as king over Israel”(1:33-34).

As a leader ages, he/she must embrace the important task of succession planning. “The intentional process of the transfer of leadership power and authority from one directional leader to another,” Dave Travis calls it. It is often the last and highest act of a leader’s love for his people.

A challenging assignment. Complicated. Emotionally and financially demanding. Succession tests a leader’s courage and selflessness.

In David’s failing health, he nearly missed (mishandled) this important task. Even though David knew God had chosen Solomon as heir to the throne, he was reluctant to openly communicate the decision and put it on a calendar. Another example, perhaps, of David’s flaw with family. He didn’t like to cross or disappoint them. See 1:6. Strange flaw, and more common than we usually perceive, it is very possible for a person to be a strong, decisive, effective leader in other areas, but not in his home. Misjudging David’s hesitation as weakness, Adonijah (like Absalom before him) made a grab for power. In the face of a new conspiracy, David was forced to act.

“Every pastor is an interim pastor,” say Vanderbloemen and Bird in their excellent book, Next: Pastoral Succession That Works. During my years of pastoral ministry, I knew that I was one, but only one, in a long line of pastors that would be called and equipped to lead the church I served. Age, health and life-stage changes always and eventually create the need for a new leader. God is faithful to guide the process. We must face the challenge with Him.

In Numbers 27:16-17, Moses prayed, “May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation, who will go out and come in before them. . .so that the congregation of the Lord will not be like sheep which have no shepherd”(Numbers 27:16-17). Amazing moment! The existing leader praying for his predecessor. A leader willing to step down so that the larger work may continue.

Friend, are you helping identify and train the next leader(s) in your organization and church? Are you embracing the new leaders as God sends them? Praying for them? Connecting with them? Encouraging them? Do you have a long-look perspective? A steady stream of leaders is part of God’s plan for the progress of His people.

“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

March 31–2 Samuel 22-24

“No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to God which cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24).

At the end of David’s life, he enjoyed great prosperity and peace. Despite David’s sin and the consequences that followed, God was faithful to this repentant son. Good reminder for us. Nations CAN heal. Churches. Marriages. “And let him return to the Lord and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7). There is a Redeemer!

At the threshing floor of Araunah, David demonstrates one of his learned lessons. Sacrifice for God is a privilege! True love costs and should!

Commanded by God to build an altar at a particular place (Mt. Moriah), David contacts the owner to purchase the property. In deference to the king, Araunah (the owner) offers to donate the land and all the supplies necessary for this required act of worship. David politely refuses. “Cost is not inconvenience,” says David. Not something to be avoided or resisted.

In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, “God loves a hilarious giver.” Rather than grumbling, resentful, constrained obedience, the Father watches for a willing and joyful and generous heart. God Himself is such a giver and, therefore, loves seeing this virtue in His children.

In an earlier chapter of my life, in my unredeemed flesh, I was a hoarder, with time, with emotions, with money. Routinely, I would NOT spend so as to save it for later. The longer I live, like David, I see that this protectiveness was fear-based and immature. Caution is good, but love is better! Like the woman with the alabaster jar (see Matthew 26) in the presence of Christ (and when are we not in His presence?), extravagant love is “the more excellent way.”

Blessed are the people who learn this lesson! Does a committee at church require your time? It is a privilege! Is your schedule stretched by a friend who needs a listening ear? It is an honor! Do the needs around you call for your money or volunteer hours? It is an opportunity to follow Christ!

“It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Authentic discipleship comes at a cost, relationally, financially, Spiritually! Late in life, David learned the lesson. Those who love the Lord gladly pay the price of doing so.

“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure–pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return” (Luke 16:38).

“I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8).

March 30–2 Samuel 20-21

“Now a worthless fellow happened to be there whose name was Sheba. . .and he blew a trumpet and said, ‘We have no portion in David, nor do we have inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tent, O Israel!’ “(20:1).

Israel had a long history of tribal jealousy. As in a church or a family, hurt feelings were often recorded and remembered. The Bible warns us all to be on guard. “See to it that. . .no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.” See yesterday’s post. The enemy regularly works to fan any spark into a flame of conflict. We should all be warned.

Having reentered Jerusalem after Absalom’s defeat, David’s task was to heal the wounds and reunite the nation. Too soon, old resentments surfaced. The ten tribes of Israel felt slighted by the tribe of Judah (David’s relatives) for leaving them out of the public arrangements for David’s return. When these feelings were verbalized, the men of Judah foolishly gave a harsh, defensive response. Almost immediately, a second revolt began along tribal lines.

Proverbs says, “A soft answer turns away wrath.” Truth! All of us have a role in either building unity or destroying it. Often, all a person needs is to be heard. In pursuit/preservation of unity, I must daily commit myself to treat my brothers with humility and respect. Even those with whom I disagree.

In Luke 22, Jesus challenged His disciples in the midst of an ugly conflict. “The greatest among you (in the Father’s ultimate approval) will be the least (in privilege, ease of assignment). Being a peacemaker is the hard job. Unity is never easy, but it is always wise.

Friend, what personal right or long-held grudge must you lay aside today in pursuit of God’s greater plan? What soft word or listening ear could you lend to a brother to prevent a flame of anger from igniting and hurting many? If the Lord gave His life to create unity, is it too much to ask us to preserve it?

“Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon”(Francis of Assisi).

“Being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”(Ephesians 4:3).

March 29–2 Samuel 17-19

“Now when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and arose and went to his home. . .and set his house in order, and strangled himself”(17:23).

Unfamiliar name. Sadly, very familiar situation.

Some scholars believe that Ahithophel was Bathsheba’s grandfather. See 2 Samuel 23:34 and 2 Samuel 11:3. For years, he had been David’s wise counselor and friend. After David’s affair with Bathsheba, and the scandal that followed, Ahitophel’s relationship with the king was never the same. With his trust shattered and conscience cold, Ahithophel joined Absalom’s rebellion. He likely felt completely justified in his anger.

Deep in his heart, however, Ahithophel knew that GOD had anointed David as King. Likely he heard the report of David’s prayer of confession. He probably knew, too, of Nathan’s pronouncement of God’s forgiveness, albeit with severe discipline. See 2 Samuel 12:13.

The bottom line? God had forgiven David, but Ahithophel had not! Deep resentments, unchecked in his heart, shaped his decisions going forward.

When his counsel to Absalom was rejected (“Go after David quickly while he is still off balance!”), Ahithophel’s conscience told him that God was at work defending David. See 17:14. Like Judas who betrayed the Lord, Ahithophel went home and took his own life.

Some people would rather die than forgive or ask forgiveness. One way or another, bitterness will kill you. “He strangled himself,” says the Scripture with words of significant symbolism. When I refuse to forgive, I do the same.

If God forgives, must not we? If we receive mercy from the Father, must we not also give it?

“Whatever you hate will always be with you” (C. JoyBell C.)

“See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many are defiled”(Hebrews 12:15).