Scripture: 1 Kings 11:1-43, 2 Chronicles 9:29-31, Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
"And in fact, they did turn his heart from the LORD." 1 Kings 11:3b (NLT)
In this reading, the word "they" refers to the foreign women King Solomon married. These women are blamed for turning his heart away from the Lord. I couldn’t help but think of the “theys” in my life—the things I blame for pulling my heart away from the Lord. But should the “theys” take the fall for it all?
I have discovered that only an unsatisfied heart and an unfulfilled life can be turned from the Lord. Solomon's heart must have been ripe for the taking.
My heart broke when I read the turn his life took. The Israelites were finally at peace and ruled by a wise and just king. His disobedience not only cost him dearly, but God's people would pay a price as well by following their leader.
Solomon's unfaithful living brought the Lord’s discipline. His choices teach us a great deal. In applying the lessons to our lives, we can obtain a satisfied heart and fulfilled life.
• The Lord warned Solomon of his sin.
The Holy Spirit is our "Warner" and "Reminder." (vs. 10)
• The Lord showed mercy in His discipline because of His covenant with David.
The Lord is faithful to keep His promises to us. (vs. 11-12; 34)
• The Lord brings about discipline. He raised up leaders against Solomon.
The Lord is serious about doing what it takes to bring us back to Him. (vs. 14; 23)
Despite God’s warnings, Solomon did not change his ways. Though he’d been given riches, wisdom, wives, and fame like none had ever received before, he still wasn’t satisfied. The king reached out for more and more, beyond what God had granted him permission to have. He allowed the “theys” to crowd his heart until little room was left for God’s ways.
John Piper says, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” I will add that the more glorified we see Him in ourselves, the more satisfied we are. Then, we are more inclined to obey and keep our heart turned toward God rather than tainted with the “theys.” What do you say we seek to have a satisfied heart? It sounds better than the alternative.
