May 2, 2024
With Solomon we find that he did not turn from the LORD with one defining act but that his heart turned away from the LORD as he progressed into sin.
Partnered with the world – Solomon married foreign women who worshiped false gods. Be careful with whom you associate with. (1 Kings 11:1-2)
Permitted worship of false gods – Solomon tolerated his wives worship of the false gods they brought into Israel. Be careful with what you permit in your life. (1 Kings 11:3-4)
Participated in worship of false gods – Solomon continued to worship the LORD at the Temple but he also worshiped false gods. Be careful with your worship of God. (1 Kings 11:5-6)
Promoted worship of false gods – eventually, to please his wives, Solomon built shrines to their false gods. One was even erected on a hill outside of Jerusalem. Be careful with what you promote. (1 Kings 11:7)
Prophecy fulfilled – sadly Solomon’s choices and consequences fulfilled a warning the LORD had previously given. His worldly wives turned his heart away from the LORD. (Deuteronomy 7:3-4, 17:17)
It seems Solomon never planned to devalue the LORD and exalt false gods but as his heart turned from the LORD he adopted the ways of the world.
Be careful and guard your heart.
Thanks for reading…
Pastor Ramirez