20 Walk with the wise and become wise,
for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13
We saw yesterday how an ageing King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, had his heart turned away from God by those closest to him. Solomon started well, but didn’t finish well. His father, King David, had a much tougher life but loved the Lord to the end. We have to run the whole race to receive the prize, we can’t opt out before the finish.
7 When a man’s ways please the Lord,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16
Solomon, whose name means ‘Peace’, was chosen to build the Temple for God in Jerusalem, because unlike David he hadn’t shed man’s blood. However, when Solomon’s heart turned away from God he lost that Peace.
14 Then the Lord raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom. 1 Kings 11
23 And God raised up against Solomon another adversary, Rezon son of Eliada, who had fled from his master, …
26 Also, Jeroboam son of Nebat rebelled against the king. He was one of Solomon’s officials, an Ephraimite from Zeredah, 1 Kings 11
When we lose peace in our lives we should definitely seek God for the reason. Peace can also act like an umpire if we’re seeking to know God’s direction for our lives – no peace, don’t take that way.
29 About that time Jeroboam was going out of Jerusalem, and Ahijah the prophet of Shiloh met him on the way, wearing a new cloak. The two of them were alone out in the country, 30 and Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing and tore it into twelve pieces. 31 Then he said to Jeroboam, ‘Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “See, I am going to tear the kingdom out of Solomon’s hand and give you ten tribes.
A new cloak for a new day and the twelve tribes were to become separated, no longer one people. THE FIRST THING DISOBEDIENCE BROUGHT WAS DISUNITY, A TEARING APART. ALL PEACE WAS GONE.
40 Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam, (Solomon was no longer at peace, murder was in his heart) but Jeroboam fled to Egypt, to Shishak the king, and stayed there until Solomon’s death. 1 Kings 11
21 ‘You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.” 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, “Raca,” is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, “You fool!” will be in danger of the fire of hell. Matthew 5
Jesus took the whole concept of murder a lot further, anyone with murder in their hearts would be deemed guilty. Thank God through Jesus sacrifice we can confess, repent and receive forgiveness for all such sins.
To be continued.
God bless and keep you today.