DECEMBER 29 1 Kings 11:26-40

THE START OF GOD’S JUDGMENT

1 Kings 4:24 tells us that God gave Solomon peace on all sides. Israel enjoyed peace all these years, not because Solomon formed political alliances, or because he married many foreign wives. Israel had peace because God gave it to them. However, now we read that the rest of Solomon’s reign was plagued with problems. Where there was previously peace, there were now enemies. God stirred up the hearts of Hadad the Edomite, and Rezon of Syria, to trouble Solomon for the rest of his reign.

Enemies were not just from outside, they also came from inside Solomon’s household. Even Solomon’s trusted servant, Jeroboam the Ephrathite, “even he lifted up his hand against the king.” Through the prophet Ahijah, God tells Jeroboam that he will be given ten tribes. Therefore, Israel would be divided into the northern and southern kingdoms. The north would be known as Israel; the south as Judah. God started to act out His judgment against Solomon. But instead of repenting and submitting to God, Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam (v40).

How powerful is God? When God executes his judgment, there is no way for any man to run away, no matter how wise or smart they may be. Even Solomon who was the wisest man on earth could not stop God from taking away the kingdom from him! The hearts of all men are in God’s hands. He can turn people and circumstances to fulfill His will and judgment.

Do you tremble and fear before a holy and powerful God? Do you believe that only the blood of Jesus Christ, is able to turn God’s anger away, and save you from punishment in hell?

Unscramble the words of Matt 10:28b below.

him body but destroy fear hell both 
in and which is soul to rather able
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Thought: May the fear of God keep me from sin!
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You for the warnings in Your Word that remind me that You are a holy and just God who hates sin. May the fear of God keep me from sinning against You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.