INSTRUCTION Posted 11.7.07
1 Kings 9
“You learn something new every day” is not just a cliché at our house. Since I’ve been taking a writing course, our dinner table conversation often ends up with the dictionary open to examine pronunciations, definitions and even the existence of challenging words. Likewise, I typically learn at least one new thing every day about my computer – sometimes positive, sometimes negative! Nevertheless, I’m learning!
How about spiritually? As God is building in our lives, the practical aspect involves our willingness to allow Him to instruct us daily. “What has God taught you today?” is a valid and exciting question to pursue!
In 1 Kings 9, God revealed three major lessons needed for effective spiritual growth. We must learn to listen, learn about people, and learn to examine our priorities.
LEARN TO LISTEN (Read 1 Kings 9:1-9)
Verse 3 points us to the One who deserves our attention, “The LORD said.” In our very noisy world, we have many audio options. Who do you spend time listening to? Sports talk shows, news reporters and public television combined with friends and family provide a steady stream of choices. Learning to listen for God’s voice requires commitment and practice.
I doubt this was only the second time Solomon heard God’s voice. The Scripture says it was the second time “The LORD appeared to him” (verse 2) (emphasis mine). This encounter was “a biggie.” The building projects were completed and it was time to enter a new season. God is faithful to provide instruction during life changes if we will only choose to listen.
The most precious elements of this conversation are the phrases “to him” and “As for you” (verses 3, 4). When God speaks, He is not confined to generalities and group ministry. He is personal. He has instruction specifically for you. In these verses, He revealed to Solomon important truths for his unique life. You are no less important than Solomon. When God tells him that His Name will be on the temple forever and, “My eyes and My heart will always be there” (verse 3), those promises are for you. You are the temple of God now (1 Corinthians 3:16), and His eyes and heart are fixed upon you.
Every one of us should pursue the “as for you” instructions from God. How? Make time to listen. He is speaking in His Word. He speaks through prayer and fasting. He speaks through His people. Actively disengage from the worldly, unnecessary chatter and listen for the voice of God. It’s the sweetest voice of all.
What does He typically say? Our God is an Encourager. The personal blessings of verse three would be plenty, but there are more. In verses 4-5, He encourages Solomon to continue walking with Him and repeats His many faithful promises. Some of the healthiest listening we can do is to study the promises of God in His Word. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 1:20 that all the promises of God are “yes” in Christ. Have you heard them lately?
I am disturbed by those who denigrate Christianity as an intolerant, unkind religion. They malign the One they do not know. Our God is merciful and loving. He is the most wonderful Father known to mankind and perfect in every way. He longs daily for those very nonbelievers to receive His grace. Who are you listening to?
God also teaches us through His warnings. Verses 6-9 are warnings tailor made for Solomon. The Lord sees the many temptations awaiting Solomon in the future and desires great victory for him. It is heartbreaking to discover in later chapters that Solomon failed to learn from these warnings. How is God warning you? Is He repeatedly showing you relationships or activities that are interfering with your spiritual growth? How are you responding?
How can you make more of an effort to listen to God today?
LEARN ABOUT PEOPLE (Read 1 Kings 9:10-14)
The incident described in theses verses demonstrates the importance of knowing who you are in Christ and discerning truth about others.
Through my study, I found nothing to indicate that Solomon’s gift to Hiram was inappropriate or unfair in God’s eyes. Based on the final condition of these cities (Solomon rebuilt them), it seems they were a generous gift. Unfortunately Hiram disagreed.
God teaches us to interact with people, as He desires, not as they desire. If we are walking according to God’s Word and God’s call on our lives, He is pleased and that is the goal. Solomon appears to be completely in line with God’s best here.
So what do we learn through Hiram? Beware of the expectations of others. We have no idea what Hiram expected, but it was obviously a great deal more than he was given. Cabul, the name he assigned this region (verse 13), means “good for nothing.” He was not pleased.
Has that ever happened to you? I’d be surprised if it hasn’t. Often we offer our services, volunteer to give, settle a debt or agree to some arrangement, only to find out the other party wants more. Our society oozes with expectations. From our closest friends to minor acquaintances this lesson applies. What unfair expectations have been placed upon you? We are entering the holiday season - prime time for disappointment. Will you choose to be who God wants you to be or allow others to manipulate you?
I am so thankful Solomon gained the victory here. It is one of the few we will see from this point on.
What is God teaching you about the people around you? About yourself? I pray you will experience victory as well.
LEARN TO EXAMINE YOUR PRIORITIES (Read 1 Kings 9:15-28)
Examine your work life. Verses 15-19 expound on the building projects Solomon undertook following the completion of the temple and palace. God appreciates hard work, but we must be careful we are prioritizing for God’s glory and not our own. Verse 19 indicates Solomon could have been out of balance. It tells us that he began to build “whatever he desired.” Has God been removed from the picture? It certainly sounds that way.
What about you? Why are you doing what you are doing? Is your daily work life a reflection of God’s call or has it become your own driving force?
Examine your relationships. Verse 16 begs the question, was the king of Egypt a healthy relationship for Solomon? His violence seems random and self-centered, not to mention God’s admonition in Deuteronomy 17:16, “The king must not…return to Egypt…for the LORD has told you, you are not to go back that way again.”
The reminder in verses 20-24 of all the slaves and employees under Solomon also revisits the issue we will see in chapter 12: Solomon’s mistreatment of his workforce. Did the king become completely headstrong and uncaring? Chapter 12 certainly implies as much.
What about you? There are many temptations today to spend every waking moment chasing the dollar, acquiring responsibility and pushing ourselves beyond healthy limits. And our relationships are the first to suffer. How many stories have we heard of young children who never knew their dads because the schedules were always full, or the elderly adults who never see their grandchildren for the same reason?
Let’s learn to examine our relationships for God’s priorities and guidance.
Examine your spiritual life. God challenged me with verse 25. I was prepared to give Solomon kudos for moving forward with the Lord. Unfortunately, closer study showed me Solomon’s lack of spiritual growth. First, notice the last four words, “fulfilled the temple obligations.” Solomon was not engaging in worship because he delighted in God’s companionship. He was merely checking off his to do list.
God is not interested in being an unwelcome item on our day planner. He loves you and desires a relationship with you, just as he did with Solomon. Solomon drifted far away. What about you?
The second clue is in the first four words, “Three times a year.” That was it. Solomon gave God his time less than once a quarter. Someone recently introduced me to “CHE” Christians. Christmas, Homecoming and Easter is their only time of worship. I had never heard of such a thing, and sadly, I am not surprised. But I pray we will all reexamine our priorities of spiritual growth and encourage others to do the same. Our God is worth all our time!
Examine your heart. Verses 26-28 are more of the same: building, sailing, acquiring, delivering. Solomon was completely driven in his quest for material goods and riches. What is driving you? Let’s examine our hearts for God’s priorities. It’s never too late to put everything back in its proper place. God wants your heart above all. Will you give it to Him afresh today?
What is God teaching you about your priorities? How are you responding?
Who are you listening to and what are you learning?
Would you choose to learn from God how to listen, about people, and how to examine your priorities today?