DECEMBER 30 1 Kings 11:41-43

FINISHING WELL

Solomon’s life is a warning and reminder to all of us. Although he started well, he didn’t end well. Solomon desired to walk in the ways of God, to rule as a wise king, and to build the temple. His heart was right before the LORD, and the LORD was pleased with him. But what happened? How is possible that someone so close to God, and who had such wisdom and deep knowledge of God’s Word, become so rebellious and disobedient?

Solomon reigned for forty years. That’s a long time! But out of these forty years, about half of it was wasted in the pursuit of women, wealth, and the worship of other gods. Most of us start our Christian life with energy and enthusiasm. We look forward to coming to church to praise and worship God. We like to go to Sunday School to hear the teachers teach, and we want to attend every church camp. We are excited when we learn new lessons from God’s Word! Sadly though, when many children grow up, they start to focus their attention on other things. Some pursue after good grades in school, others desire the company of friends, still others chase after pop celebrities, worldly music, and TV serials. Very soon, they slip and no longer desire to walk in God’s ways. Just like Solomon, they started well, but allowed their hearts to be filled with worldly affections. Ask yourself, “Will I end up like them too?

At the close of his life, Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes. In it he tells us that in his pursuit of every worldly pleasure, he found only emptiness and his spirit was troubled. Solomon had everything he set his eyes on. But at the end of his life, what advice does he have for us?

Read Ecc 12:13-14 and fill in the blanks below.

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: __________ God, and keep his commandments: for this is the __________ __________ of man. For God shall bring every work into __________, with every __________ thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

Thought: It is important to start, continue and finish well.
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You for the lessons that I’ve learnt from Solomon’s life. Help me to be faithful to You until the day I see You face to face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.