DECEMBER 29, 1 Kings 11:26-40

Israel enjoyed peace during Solomon’s reign, not because he formed political alliances, nor because of the many foreign wives he married. It was God who gave Israel the peace (1 Kings 4:24). However, Solomon’s reign was later plagued with many problems and no peace. 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, had 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 (1 Kings 11:40).

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 Bible verse of Matthew 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 the Bible 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 I pray, Amen.