Solomon

1 Kings 5-7 – Beyond Imagination

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I grew up in the country, in Southern Illinois. For some reason, I never expected to leave that area.

So years ago, when I traveled to Paris, France, and stood in front of the Palace of Versailles, I was blown away. I had the same feeling a few years prior when I stood in front of Buckingham Palace in London. (Another place I never thought I would see.)

I stood in front of these structures awe-struck and amazed. I had never seen anything like them before. It was “other-worldly.”

Modern-day readers tend to skim or skip over all the measurements and details mentioned in 1 Kings chapters 5-7. But, readers of that day would have read in awe and wonder. Those readers were country people, and the wonders of such structures would have boggled their imaginations.

Perhaps 1 Kings chapters 5-7 is meant to remind us that believers in Christ await a temple and a city of God that is beyond our imagination. (Revelation 21) The Holy of Holies in Solomon’s temple (the place of God’s presence) was measured to be a perfect cube. (1 Kings 6:20) Likewise, the holy city that is to come will be a place of God’s presence. (Revelation 21:3) And it too will be measured as a perfect cube. (Revelation 21:16) But its dimensions will dwarf our imagination.

In the midst of all that is mundane in your life here on earth, never forget that there are places, structures, and sights beyond your imagination. And they await those, who like Solomon, are faithful in Christ. (1 Kings 6:12-13)

1 Kings 3 – If You Could Have Anything You Want

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It’s the age-old question: “If you could have anything you wanted, what would it be?”

As kids, we dreamed about the answer to that question. Even as adults, we’ve looked longingly at those people in the world who have the ability to have whatever they want and wondered what that would be like.

In 1 Kings chapter 3, Solomon is actually given the opportunity to have whatever he asks for. And of all the things he could have asked for, he asks for the wisdom to lead and serve the people well. This selfless request so touches the heart of God that God not only gives Solomon the wisdom he asked for but also all the other things he didn’t ask for – riches, honor, fame, etc.

This story is not intended to be a lesson on how to indirectly get God to give you everything you want. Instead, it’s a lesson on being the person God desires. It’s about having a full heart, rather than full hands. 1 Kings 3:3 says that Solomon loved the Lord, was obedient to Him, and was grateful to Him. So, when it came to making his request, Solomon put others ahead of himself. Simply put, he loved the Lord his God and loved his neighbor as himself. (Matt. 22:37-40)

Could this be the reason God doesn’t give us the same opportunity to ask for whatever we want? Would our request really honor God and others, or would our request be more selfish than selfless? (James 4:3)

May God give us a stronger desire for hearts that are full of Him than for hands that are full of stuff.

1 Kings 1 – Rivalry

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Two different factions, each trying to get the upper hand on the other. Each trying to gain control. Each trying to be on top.

This is the story of 1 Kings chapter 1…and of 1 Kings as a whole. The book begins with one brother (Adonijah) trying to grab the kingdom from the other brother (Solomon.) Adonijah is aggressive. He tries to stake first claim, and it looks like he’s going to gain the power. But then the whole thing reverses. Solomon become king, and Adonijah is left out, afraid of losing his life.

This theme is not just a theme for ancient kings. This theme of two different factions, each trying to get the upper hand and be on top, continues to play out today…in countries, in political parties, in marriage, in sibling rivalries, on the sports field, and in life in general. One person or one group trying to get more, be more, or do more than the other.

Within each of us wars two factions…the part of us that wants it’s own way and the part of us that wants a better path. And this is certainly true for those of us who have given our lives and allegiance to Christ. The Holy Spirit, Who resides within us, calls us to pursue God’s desires. But our flesh calls us to pursue our own desires. (Romans 7:15) It’s the great internal rivalry.

As you see through out 1 Kings, the key lies in our character. When we allow God to craft our character with truth and goodness, our conduct leans toward truth and goodness. Life, leadership, and legacy comes from the inside out. Allow the Spirit, rather than the flesh, to win the reign of the internal. Then God will win the reign of the external also.