TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 18:1-10
See that you don’t look down on one of these little ones. - Matthew 18:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
A beautiful old hymn declared, “When He cometh, when He cometh to gather His jewels / all His jewels, precious jewels, His loved and His own. / Like the stars of the morning, His bright crown adorning / they shall shine in their beauty, bright gems for His crown. Little children, little children, who love their Redeemer / are the jewels, precious jewels, His loved and His own.”

Throughout our study this month we have seen how God uses the stories of children in the Bible to reveal truth to all of us about Himself and the way He works. As we conclude this study, our passage today captures the heart of God's desire for children: to love Him and be saved.

The disciples were arguing about who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and they asked Jesus to settle the dispute. He did—though not in the way they expected. He brought a little child into the midst of the disciples, and informed them that this child provided the model for greatness in the kingdom (v. 3). This should cause us to recall the first day of our study, for Jesus again instructed His followers that humility is valued above status in the heavenly economy (v. 4; cf. Matt. 19:14).

Additionally, Jesus here affirmed the worth and value of little children. Children are welcome in the kingdom of God, and as followers of Jesus we are to welcome children too. This command has both a positive and negative component: the positive side tells us to extend an invitation of faith and love to children; the negative side warns that leading a child astray will result in judgment (v. 6).

Sin is destructive and deadly, and Jesus took the time to declare a significant warning against permitting the influences of sin to go unchecked. It is better to sacrifice something dear to us than to let that lead us into sin. Our humility, willingness to embrace children into faith, and resistance to sin are all marks of the followers of Jesus.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you have time for additional study this week, review what we have studied this past month and reflect on what God has taught you from this series on stories of young people in the Bible. Pray that the children in your life will be filled with faith in Jesus and will love Him with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength. And pray that your life will be characterized by humility, repentance, and a desire to welcome children into life with Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 8:1-36
For whoever finds [wisdom] finds life and receives favor from the Lord. - Proverbs 8:35
TODAY IN THE WORD
In a musical stage production, the overture is the orchestral introduction to the upcoming performance, typically occurring before the musical itself begins. In the case of Broadway musicals, the overture often highlights musical themes from prominent songs in the upcoming production. This way, the audience is given a musical foretaste of what is to come.

This month's study is on the book of 1 Kings, but we start today with an overture from Proverbs that highlights the themes of the book: wisdom and folly. According to Proverbs, wisdom is a way of life. The one who possesses wisdom fears the Lord and hates evil (v. 13), which leads to great blessing: wealth, prosperity, power, and life (vv. 14, 18, 21, 34-35). Wisdom is beyond compare, more precious than silver, gold, and rubies (vv. 10-11, 19). Conversely, lack of wisdom finds expression in pride, arrogance, evil behavior, and perverse speech (v. 13); eventually it leads to death (v. 36).

Wisdom doesn't come magically, nor do we possess it as an inherent birthright. Rather, Scripture tells us we must seek it (v. 17), we must respond to its call (vv. 1-6, 32-36). Moreover, wisdom belongs to God (vv. 22-31) and accordingly must be sought from Him. Today's overture from Proverbs presents two paths: the way of wisdom which leads to life, and the way of foolishness which leads to death.

Scripture specifically mentions that by wisdom, kings and princes will rule well (vv. 15-16). And so the exhortations and warnings in Proverbs 8 stand as a signpost for the book of 1 Kings. Wisdom and folly are both at play in the chapters to come. Wise kings will obtain incredible wealth, power, and life; foolish kings will receive prophetical rebukes, destruction of their kingdoms, and death. As we embark on this month's study of 1 Kings, train your mind and heart to be attuned to the appearance of wisdom and folly, that you too may learn and know the blessing of God's wisdom.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Proverbs 8:35 states that “whoever finds me [wisdom] finds life and receives favor from the Lord.” Do you believe the truth of these words? Do you value wisdom as life-giving favor from the Lord? As we begin our study of 1 Kings, pray that God would show you in His Word both the way of wisdom (that you might follow in it) and the way of foolishness (that you might avoid it), so that the words of Proverbs 8:35 would ring true in your own life this month.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 1:1-53
I will raise up your offspring to succeed you . . . and I will establish his kingdom. - 2 Samuel 7:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Nearly a year ago, the United States had a presidential election. Like so many before it, the months leading up to Election Day were filled with emotional words and strong opinions from all sides around the nation. Yet, as the election and then inauguration came and went, a remarkably peaceful exchange of power happened. No mass riots, no violent subterfuge, no civil war. Such peaceful transitions of power were not always the norm in the nations' histories.

The opening chapter of 1 Kings presents us with a kingdom in transitional crisis. King David was old and feeble, yet as he neared death he was remarkably unconcerned about the future of his kingdom. Seizing the moment, David's son Adonijah took matters into his own hands and declared himself the new king. Scripture gives an ironic description of Adonijah's qualifications—he was “very handsome” (v. 6)—and details the growing division in the priestly and military ranks (vv. 7-8). The kingdom was experiencing a crisis of leadership.

In stepped the prophet Nathan. While the kingdom teetered on the edge of disaster, Nathan informed Bathsheba of the situation and devised a plan to rouse David from his indifference. Informing David of the breaking news and reminding him of his promise to Solomon, Nathan and Bathsheba called David to action. The weak and silent David depicted in the first half of the chapter now issued a cascade of commands (vv. 28-37). Solomon was anointed king, the city rejoiced, and Adonijah and his cohort submitted to Solomon's reign. Disaster averted.

From one perspective, the fate of the Davidic kingdom hinged on Nathan; God seemed out of sight. But as we often find in Scripture, when God is not out in the open, He is often working behind the scenes. Recall that 1 Kings follows directly the events of 2 Samuel, and there God had promised that He would establish David's kingdom forever (2 Sam. 7:12-13). In 1 Kings 1, Nathan acted, but the broader context of Scripture tells us that God was at work fulfilling His promises.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps you are tempted to look at the world around you and despair that all seems moving toward godlessness. Let the message of today's passage remind you that God is still in control, and that no act of prayerful and godly faithfulness goes unused in the promise of God's kingdom. Pray the Lord's Prayer today, focusing especially upon the first three petitions that God would be honored, that His kingdom would come, and that His will would be done in your life and in the world.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 2:1-12
Observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands. - 1 Kings 2:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Many universities have a tradition called the “Last Lecture.” A professor, usually near retirement, is asked to prepare a lecture guided by the question: “If it were your last chance to give a talk to your students, what would you say?” Naturally, the topics vary, but typically professors focus on those themes from their life and work that they find most important and enduring, and which they want others to embrace as well.

David's parting words to Solomon are a kind of “Last Lecture.” Scripture tells us, “When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son” (v. 1). What can we learn from David's last words to his son? Notice first the point of emphasis: “Observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in his ways” (v. 3). Above all, David instructed Solomon in obedience to God and His Word. Next, note the implicit assumption that Solomon was already a man of faith; David personalized things by saying, “the Lord your God.” Since Solomon was a man of faith, David called him to act upon that faith in obedience.

Moreover, today's passage teaches us two important lessons about God's “way.” First, God's way is clear. David referred Solomon to God's commands “as written in the Law of Moses” (v. 3). We do not have to guess how God wants us to live; He has already given us instructions in His Word. How important it is, then, to study and know God's Scripture to us!

Second, we see that God's Word is beneficial. After exhorting Solomon to obedience, David explained: “So that you may prosper . . . and that the Lord may keep his promise to me” (vv. 3-4). God's commands are for our own good. Obedience is part of finding enjoyment and blessing in God. David's instructions do not neglect the nitty-gritty of kingdom politics (vv. 5-12), but the emphasis is clear: faithful obedience to God's Word is central to Solomon's security and blessing.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps today's emphasis upon obedience seems unusual. Does not God grant His favor unconditionally? Indeed, He does. But Jesus reminds us that the Christian life must include obedience. The wise man not only hears His words, but “puts them into practice” (Matt. 7:24). Only then will one enjoy the security and blessing of a sure foundation in times of trouble. Ask God today for a renewed heart of obedience to His Word, that you may know the joy and blessing of walking in the way of your God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 2:13-46
The kingdom was now firmly established in Solomon’s hands. - 1 Kings 2:46
TODAY IN THE WORD
With the recent economic downturn, many people are worrying about their financial security. Americans are becoming careful about how they spend money, where they invest, and whom they trust with their resources. Even established institutions once thought to be pillars of security no longer appear impervious to financial tumult.

The topic of security is central in today's passage, not economic security but rather political stability for God's kingdom. Indeed, the Hebrew word for “establish/make secure” is used four separate times in 1 Kings 2 (vv. 12, 24, 45, 46). Underlying the seemingly ruthless reign of Solomon's first days in office lies the central theological concern: to “establish” Solomon's throne “securely” (v. 24).

Seen in the context of 1 Kings 2:5-9, today's passage also demonstrates the outworking of David's call for Solomon to use his wisdom in dealing with kingdom enemies. Adonijah's seemingly innocuous request for Abishag as his wife was, in the ancient world, tantamount to a play for the royal throne. Solomon's response explicitly referenced the establishment of his throne and his dynasty by God, and the subsequent need to protect them from usurpers (v. 24).

Likewise, in Solomon's dealings with Abiathar, Joab, and Shimei, either Solomon or the narrator of the passage mentioned fulfilling God's promise (v. 27), peace for the kingdom (v. 33), or the eternal “security” of David's throne before the Lord (v. 45). Scripture ends the chapter with a summary of the preceding violence: “The kingdom was now firmly established in Solomon's hands” (v. 46).

This chapter may seem bloodthirsty, and Solomon might appear ruthless and politically calculating. The theological indications in the text suggest something else. This was part of what it meant for God to secure His kingdom for Solomon: to eliminate all threats to its peace and security, using violent means if needed. God will go to great lengths to protect His people.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's text paints a picture, not just of Solomon's earthly kingdom, but also of God's eternal kingdom on the Judgment Day. In Matthew 13, for example, Jesus describes the end as a day when “everything that causes sin and all who do evil” will be uprooted and cast into the fire (Matt. 13:40-43). Only then will peace and security be established forever in God's kingdom. Given the description of God's zeal for establishing His kingdom, our only true security is to submit to the true King, Jesus. Will you do that today?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 3:1-2
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all. - James 1:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Ever since the 1960s sitcom, “I Dream of Jeannie,” countless kids in America have imagined an encounter with a magic genie who grants one wish to the lucky finder. Numerous hours have been spent discussing the best wish: to have lots of money! to be invisible! to live forever! to travel in time! to have as many wishes as I want! Whether discussed by children or adults, what we would wish for reveals a lot about our heart.

King Solomon was given something like a one-wish opportunity, not by an imaginary genie, but by God Himself. A man who “showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the statutes of his father David” (v. 3), God responded by appearing to Solomon in a dream and saying, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (v. 5). Here was the chance of a lifetime. But God's question was also a test that revealed Solomon's true character. Given that Scripture tells us that “the Lord was pleased” with Solomon's request (v. 10), today's passage can be read as biblical instructions in prayer.

First, notice where Solomon began: not with his request, but by recounting God's activity. He referenced God's faithfulness both to David (v. 6) and to Abraham (consider his description of a nation “too numerous to count” [v. 8]). Scripture calls us to begin our prayer to God by focusing less on our own needs and more on what God has already done for us.

Second, consider Solomon's humility. Admitting his own inability to govern such a large nation (vv. 7, 9), Solomon recognized his need for divine aid. He requested wisdom: “a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” (v. 9). Solomon's request was for God's help in the task of leadership, not for glory or honor for himself.

Finally, notice Solomon's outward focus. His request was not a selfish one; rather, he wanted wisdom so he could rule his people rightly. How much of our prayer time is focused on ourselves rather than the needs of others?
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
After Solomon's request for wisdom, Scripture recounts the famous story of two women bickering over a child (vv. 16-22). Solomon's incisive response brought forth the truth and rendered justice (vv. 23-27). Scripture summarizes it well: all Israel “saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice” (v. 28). In the words of our key verse, God's promise of wisdom is for more than just Solomon—He will give it to each of us. Today, approach God as the generous, giving God that He is.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 4:1-34
God gave Solomon wisdom . . . as measureless as the sand on the seashore. - 1 Kings 4:29
TODAY IN THE WORD
One evening, a mother and child began preparing a recipe that called for a number of spices. Checking the pantry and finding none of them, the woman decided to use some substitutes, assuming the difference would not matter. After a painfully unappetizing dinner in which the flavors of the meal were all wrong, the precocious child noted: “I guess the details matter after all!

The same can be said for today's reading. The previous chapter demonstrated God's gift of wisdom. Today's reading ends with an explicit return to the wisdom motif (vv. 29-34 mention wisdom seven times). These literary bookends suggest that the intervening verses are also about Solomon's practice of wisdom. From this perspective, the otherwise tedious details of the first part of this chapter become important lessons about both the practice of wisdom and about God's faithfulness to His promises.

Our text begins with a detailed list of “officials,” “secretaries,” and “governors” working under Solomon. Why? In short, such a list demonstrates Solomon's wisdom in managing a vast kingdom (note especially the daily provisions for Solomon's court in vv. 22-23). The results underscore that wisdom was exercised: the kingdom enjoyed a long period of peace and security, and the people found abundance and happiness. Biblical wisdom impacts not only morals and justice, but also the practical, administrative ordering of our world.

First Kings 4 also demonstrates the faithfulness of God to His promises. In the description of Solomon's kingdom, Scripture uses language that echoes the promises God made long ago. The people are “as numerous as the sand on the seashore” (v. 20), echoing God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 22:17. The vast borders of the kingdom resonate with God's promise of land in Genesis 15:18-21. Finally, the abundance, peace, and exaltation of Israel recall God's promises to Israel in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. For readers keeping in mind God's earlier activity and promise, 1 Kings 4 shines as a banner of God's faithfulnes
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If 1 Kings 4:1-31 gives us a picture of wise administration, 1 Kings 4:32-34 gives us a picture of wise learning. In addition to his proverbs and songs, Solomon was also renowned for his knowledge of trees, animals, birds, reptiles and fish. Biblical wisdom can also entail a love for God's natural world. Spend time this Sunday enjoying God's creation. Perhaps take a walk in the woods, visit the zoo, or simply explore your backyard, thanking God for the ability to know His world and its magnificent order.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 5:1-18
The Lord gave Solomon wisdom, just as he had promised him. - 1 Kings 5:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
The word fulcrum has two interestingly related meanings. Most basically, a fulcrum is a point on which a lever pivots. In anatomical references, however, the fulcrum is the connective tissue supporting the eye. Without a proper fulcrum, things either go out of balance, or one cannot see.

Without properly understanding the fulcrum in today's passage, we would be left with an imbalanced reading and an inability to see the theological point. Placed in the center of the chapter, verse 12 reads: “The Lord gave Solomon wisdom, just as he had promised him.” Everything else balances around that verse. Although some scholars question Solomon's alliance with Hiram (vv. 1-12) and his choice of labor acquisition (vv. 13-18), Scripture summarizes Solomon's activity with a focus on God's gift of wisdom.

What, then, does Scripture teach us through Solomon's wisdom concerning the temple preparations? First, Solomon's project was wisely grounded in the peace of God (vv. 4-5). He did not claim credit for himself, but recognized that building success was only possible in the context of peace from God.

Second, Solomon's idea for a temple was founded on God's promise to David. Earlier, God had promised that David's son would sit on the throne and “build a house for my Name” (2 Sam. 7:13). Solomon's construction project wasn't grounded in his own vision.

Finally, Solomon's project was directed to the purposes of God. Notice who was enlisted to help with the construction of God's holy house: the king of Tyre (v. 10), Sidonian loggers (v. 6), and Gebalite craftsmen (v. 18). In other words, Gentiles were an integral part of the building of God's house, foreshadowing the words of Jesus: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Mark 11:17; cf. Isa. 56:7). Though starting with Israel, God's kingdom would eventually include non-Jews as well. Today's passage hints at the expansive purpose of God for His people.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Solomon's preparations for building God's house were centered on God's peace, God's promise, and God's purpose. Without them, his project was doomed to failure. There's a lesson here for all Christian ministries trying to “build” programs and visions. The words of the psalmist echo this message: “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain” (Ps. 127:1). Spend time praying for your church and other ministries you support, that they would be grounded in God's peace and promise, and guided by God's purpose.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 6:1-38
One thing I ask of the Lord . . . to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. - Psalm 27:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
A young married couple spent two hours being led through a home. All manner of details about the home's construction were pointed out to them: the style of house, the type of shingles on the roof, the kind of windows installed, and the way the appliances worked. Normally, the couple would be uninterested in such details, but this was different: they were preparing to buy this home.

It is tempting to pass over today's text with a yawn of indifference. Details about cubits, construction materials, and floor plans do not normally excite us. But consider for a moment whose house is being described! Although it's a dense chapter, we can learn two important lessons about our God from these verses.

First, Scripture's description of the temple reveals God's glory. Compared to the earlier Mosaic tabernacle, the temple was vast in design. Whereas the tabernacle was roughly 675 square feet (see Exodus 26), the temple was 2,700 square feet (v. 2): four times as big! And while the tabernacle was mostly curtains and dirt floor, the temple was covered in costly material. Scripture is careful to give us a full description of the beauty of the temple. The floors, walls, and ceilings were covered with cedar, pine, and gold; the temple was decorated with gold-covered cherubim, and the walls were carved with images of cherubim, palm trees, and flowers. In short, the description of the temple tells us that God loves beauty and design. He is a God of splendor and glory.

Second, God used the temple to reveal His purpose: “As for this temple you are building . . . I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel” (vv. 11-13). God intended to dwell with His people, foreshadowing that day when He would take up residence with us in the fullest way possible: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14). Although God cannot be contained by our finite space, that does not stop Him from drawing near with His radiant presence.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In light of God's splendor and glory, many psalms call for a response such as Psalm 96:9: “Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” Psalm 27:4, in particular, reflects on the longing “to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” Keeping in mind today's reading about the temple, read one of these psalms in full, asking God that you might catch a glimpse of the worship-inspiring beauty of His majesty.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 7:1-51
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name. - Psalm 29:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
A man was driving along a number of unfamiliar roads on a long trip one evening. Due to the lack of explicit signage and his wandering thoughts, the man suddenly realized that he was not on the right road. Somewhere along the way, he had missed a turn and now needed to backtrack to find the missed road.

Scripture does not always provide explicit signage for turns in the text either! Today's passage begins with a description of Solomon's house, but then moves into a fuller description of the temple furnishings. The switch in verse 13 is not wholly obvious, however, until verses 40 and 45, which indicate that the entire preceding description was really about “the temple of the Lord.” What do we learn from these two sections of chapter 7?

First, note the emphasis of the chapter. Scripture allots the first twelve verses to Solomon's palace, but spends the next thirty-nine verses on the temple. Although starting with Solomon, it is as if the narrator could not help but shift our attention back to the splendor and glory of God in the temple. Solomon's palace was splendid indeed, but God's splendor is where the true focus lies in today's text.

Second, some scholars have suggested that this text presents a negative image of Solomon. He spends twice as long to build a palace twice as big as the temple (vv. 1-2). True—yet Scripture never comments on these facts in a negative way. The glory of Solomon's palace seems to suggest an even greater glory for Solomon's God. Moreover, notice the similarities between temple and palace, both in the three-part structure (vv. 3-8) and in the materials used for each (vv. 9-12). This similarity shows that Solomon's reign was connected with divine sanction. The king's house was like God's house, and the connection between kingly glory and divine splendor and approval is underscored. As is so often the case, God chooses to use His servant to reflect His own glory.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's reading teaches us about the centrality of God's glory, but also about the way our own “glory” can point others to God's majesty. Make a list of your own talents, abilities, and accomplishments in life, recalling some of the “glory” you may have experienced from others as a result. Now take time throughout the day either to thank God that He glorifies Himself through us, or to use those gifts and abilities to point others to the source of true Glory.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 8:1-21
Praise be to the Lord . . . who with his own hand has fulfilled what he has promised with his own mouth. - 1 Kings 8:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Whenever a public building project is begun, there is usually a ground-breaking ceremony to inaugurate the forthcoming labor. Likewise, once that building is completed—whether a library, a playground, or even a church building—another assembly is typically held: the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Speeches are made recognizing the financial donors and anticipating the benefits to the community. The ribbon is cut, and a celebratory party ensues.

The dedication of God's temple in 1 Kings 8 is something like a ribbon-cutting event, with one notable distinction: the occupant of the building shows up and steals the show! Scripture tells us that Solomon gathered the leaders of Israel at Jerusalem to bring the ark of the covenant into the temple (vv. 1-2). In fact, the ark's centrality is underscored by its eight references in just nine verses. This dedication party was ostensibly about the temple, but Scripture makes it clear that it was really about God's presence. Lest the reader wonder about this emphasis, the centerpiece of the passage describes the climax: the priests withdrew, the cloud descended, and “the glory of the Lord filled his temple” (vv. 10-11). So overwhelming was God's presence that “the priests could not perform their service” (v. 11). As promised, God had come in glory to dwell with His people.

If the first half of today's reading is about God's glorious presence with His people, the second half focuses on God's character. Solomon's speech to the assembly emphasized God's fulfillment of His promises to David. Just as God had said that it would not be David, but David's son, who would “build the temple for my Name” (v. 19), so it had happened. Solomon summarized it simply, but accurately: “The Lord has kept the promise he made” (v. 20). God does what He says He will do; that is the thrust of Solomon's speech to Israel.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What promises of God do you struggle to believe? That He cares for you more than the sparrows (Matt. 6:26) and will turn all things to your good (Rom. 8:28)? That He will not abandon you (Heb. 13:5)? That He will one day come again in glory to claim His own (1 Thess. 4:13-18)? Take a hard, honest look at your own heart today to see where you might not be trusting in God's word of promise. Ask Him for forgiveness and for the grace to start living with trust in His faithfulness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 8:22-66
May your eyes be open to your servant’s plea and to the plea of your people Israel. - 1 Kings 8:52
TODAY IN THE WORD
Eight years ago, on September 11, 2001, the nation was sent into shock and mourning with the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. It was a day of fear and confusion for all Americans, and a time of profound sadness for families who lost loved ones. Around the country and the world, news videos captured countless assemblies of people joined in prayer for the nation and its families. On that day, and the days to follow, this nation lifted up its pleading cry to God.

Today's reading brings us to another assembly of people pleading to God for their country, but it was a celebratory rather than mournful occasion. And although no one should equate America with “God's nation,” we can learn lessons about praying for a nation. Notice the kinds of things Solomon raised in his prayer for the people.

First, as already seen earlier, Solomon highlighted the recurring theme of God's faithfulness to His promises (vv. 22-26). Next, Solomon confessed the unworthiness of any people or nation to contain the creator God (vv. 27-30), and then he pleaded for true justice in the land (vv. 31-32). His prayer also asked that God's glory might be known throughout the world (vv. 41-43, 60), even as he requested God's assistance in conflict (vv. 44-45). All of these petitions should inform everyone's prayers for the people of their nation.

Yet, the clear emphasis in Solomon's prayer was the need for God's forgiveness. Such petitions occupied sixteen verses, and two separate spaces in his dedication prayer (vv. 33-40, 46-53). Scripture has taken pains to highlight this important aspect of our need for forgiveness. Note especially Solomon's three-fold assumption. God's people will sin: “For there is no one who does not sin” (v. 46); God's forgiveness, truly sought, will never fail (vv. 34, 36, 46-53); and renewed obedience is essential to being a forgiven child of God (vv. 56-61). This is truly a model of how to pray on behalf of others and ourselves.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's dedication prayer has much theology, but the chapter ends with an important reminder about practice as well. The whole scene was set in the context of a joyful worship celebration! Confronted with the glory of God's presence and the promise of forgiveness, Solomon offered an immense display of sacrificial gratitude. Offer God your own sacrifice of thanksgiving for His promise of forgiveness this week, in giving your time serving your church, providing financially to a gospel-centered ministry, or in some other way.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 9:1-28
If you or your sons turn away from me . . . and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land. - 1 Kings 9:6-7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Author Steve Farrar tells of a boyhood memory when he and his father visited the Grand Canyon. As they stood looking over the impressive ravine, young Steve suddenly grabbed the railing and swung his feet over the precipice. His alarmed father quickly grabbed his son, drew him back, and scolded him for his impulsive action.

While Steve's boyhood folly might be innocent naïveté, King Solomon had no excuse, for God gave clear instructions about living a godly life and avoiding apostasy. Having consecrated the temple and promised His presence, God then offered blessing and security for Solomon if he lived a life like David. Notice that the exhortation here is not for a sinless life, but a life with “integrity of heart and uprightness” (v. 4). A life pleasing to God is a life oriented toward Him, humble before His commands, and repentant over sin (see 2 Samuel 12; Psalm 51).

But the crux of God's exhortation came when He warned against “turning” from worship of God toward idolatry. The command is clear: stay true to your God. The consequences of disobedience are dire: Israel will be “cut off” from the land, the temple will be ruined, and Israel will become a “byword and an object of ridicule” (v. 7). Notice that as the king goes, so go the people. Here is a clarion call for a faithful leader of God's people. The future well-being of the people will be determined by the wisdom or folly of their king.

These warnings must be kept in mind as we come to the rest of the chapter. We learn of Solomon's continued kingly duties: his diplomatic activity (vv. 10-14), defensive building preparations (vv. 15-24), religious observance (v. 25), and commercial trade activity (vv. 26-28). Some scholars see hints of Solomon's demise in these verses; others argue that these are normal kingly activities. Either way, the earlier warnings loom over the entire chapter. Will Solomon pursue his kingly activities with a God-ward orientation? We will see as we continue our study.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We are reminded today of the interconnectedness of godly leadership and blessing for the people. Although God's exhortations are directed toward Solomon, the consequences of blessing or curse affect the people as a whole. Who are the leaders of your church and your government? (You can find your federal and state elected officials by entering your zip code here: www.congress.org.) Spend time praying for all of these leaders today, asking God to fill them with a love of truth, righteousness, and the strength to do His will.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 10:1-29
King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings. - 1 Kings 10:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, is one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture. Taking over 180 years to complete, it boasts two large towers, three organs (one of which holds 8,000 pipes), and a number of paintings, statues, and bells. Its most famous feature is its circular stained-glass window displaying 84 panes of brilliantly colored glass; the Rose Window has a dia-meter of 42 feet. None who see it leaves unimpressed.

First Kings 10 presents a biblical version of impressive splendor. From the Queen of Sheba's visit to the description of Solomon's kingdom, Scripture highlights the glory of Solomon's kingdom. What can we take away from today's display of grandeur?

First, consider the source of blessing. Solomon's kingdom was filled with spices, precious stones, an impressive throne, happy servants, and lots of gold (mentioned ten separate times)! All of this is given a positive spin. The Queen of Sheba remarked that all she had seen was a demonstration of God's “delight” and “love” for Solomon and Israel (v. 9). Scripture then follows with its own summary: “King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart” (vv. 23-24). Don't miss the emphasis here. Solomon's blessings come from God and the wisdom He gave. Even verse 1 implies that Solomon's fame was only in connection with “the name of the Lord.” Any blessing we experience in life comes from our giving God.

Second, we are given a picture of God's eschatological kingdom. The present picture of Solomon's kingdom and the promised vision of God's eternal kingdom in Isaiah 60:1-7 overlap. Both portray a secure, joyful, and prosperous kingdom which will draw to it a multitude of nations praising the Lord. That kingdom has yet to be fully realized, but as Jesus Himself declared: “Now one greater than Solomon is here” (Matt. 12:42). Solomon is only a shadow of the splendor of God's kingdom.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus referenced Solomon's splendor on another occasion as well. When exhorting His disciples to seek the kingdom of God rather than worry about life, He pointed to the beauty of the lilies and remarked: “Not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these” (Matt. 6:29). In a way, Solomon's impressive splendor reminds us that God cares for all our needs. Perhaps you struggle to trust God with your everyday needs. Make a commitment today to seek His kingdom, and let God take care of the rest.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 11:1-13
Solomon held fast to [his foreign wives] in love. - 1 Kings 11:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
The great nineteenth-century British preacher C. H. Spurgeon once said: “A stony heart may be turned to flesh, but turn a divided heart into whatsoever you please, so long as it is divided, all is ill. . . . A united heart is life to a man, but if the heart be cut in twain, in the highest, deepest, and most spiritual sense, he dies.”

No better words summarize Solomon's downward turn recorded in 1 Kings 11. After all the praise, admiration, and grandeur of the first ten chapters, today's reading begins with an ominous “however” (v. 1). By explicitly disobeying God's commands about taking wives from the surrounding pagan regions (see Deut. 7:3-4), a slow change occurs. Solomon was turned “after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God” (v. 4).

In fact, the language of Scripture is carefully chosen. Verse 1 tells us that Solomon “loved many foreign women,” and goes on to record that “Solomon held fast [literally “clung”] to them in love” (v. 2). These are the same Hebrew words used in Deuteronomy to prescribe the loyalty a human should have toward God. Deuteronomy 11:22, for example, calls for us “to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, and to hold fast to him” (see Deut. 6:5; 10:20).

Solomon did not simply wake up and decide out of the blue to do “evil in the eyes of the Lord” and build high places for foreign gods (vv. 6-8). Rather, his singular love for God was slowly replaced with other loves. A heart once devoted to the Lord had become a divided heart.

God's response underscores this change in Solomon. His anger was precisely because Solomon's heart “had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel” (v. 9). Although there was an element of mercy in the judgment against Solomon (vv. 12-13), Solomon's failure to heed God's explicit commands resulted in a divided heart and, eventually, a divided kingdom (vv. 10-11).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Of course, God gives us many loves and delights in life, but today's passage reminds us that when an earthly love replaces our love for God, and we find ourselves “clinging” to other things for our full satisfaction, we have erected an idol in our life. Make a list of the things you may be “clinging” to above God in your life, such as a job, human praise, or a hobby. Now take this list before God and ask Him to re-prioritize your life in a way that gives Him your entire heart.