1 Kings 11

Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Friday, June 17.

As I read about the sad ending to Solomon’s life in 1 Kings 11, I couldn’t help but to reflect on how I want to finish my race– with my eyes on Jesus. Solomon experienced a long season of peace and prosperity during the first half of his kingship, but his final years were marked by anxiety and turmoil. Solomon lost focus on God! In 1 Kings 11:11-13, God declared His verdict on Solomon for his idolatry:

Because you have done this, and you have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you, and will give it to your servant. Nevertheless I will not do it in your days for the sake of your father David, but I will tear it out of the hand of your son. However, I will not tear away all the kingdom, but I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem which I have chosen.

God raised up adversaries against Solomon, including Jeroboam, the man who would be the one to fulfill this prophetic judgment. Ahijah the prophet declared Jeroboam to be the future king over ten of the tribes of Israel, dividing the kingdom after Solomon’s death (29-39).

God had given Solomon’s kingdom great peace and abundant prosperity for many years, but instead of using that time and that wealth to lead his nation to more deeply love and worship God, Solomon sought pleasure from many women and privilege from his position. His loss of focus destroyed his life and divided Israel. It’s amazing how one person’s focus can bring life or death, blessings or curses, upon themselves and others.

Seize the moment and keep your eyes on Jesus, all the way to the finish line of your life (Hebrews 12:1-3).