Bad Apples预览

Solomon 

Born to comfort and privilege, Solomon led what we might consider a charmed life. His warlike father, King David, had conquered all of the nations surrounding Israel. Solomon inherited peace, the largest amount of territory Israel would ever hold, and stupendous wealth. It was his privilege to oversee the building of the grand temple in Jerusalem. And then on top of all that, in a shocking personal interview, God gave him the ultimate “genie in the lamp” experience—he allowed Solomon to request a gift from God, whatever he wanted. In a burst of faith and humility, Solomon asked for wisdom, wisdom to govern well. It was granted. He was now the richest and smartest guy on the earth.

But good apples can turn rotten, especially when they’re in a barrel with a lot of rotten ones. “King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh’s daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. They were from nations about which the Lord had told the Israelites, ‘You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.’ Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray” (1 Kings 11:1-3).

How did that happen? Pride. Arrogance. Materialism. Wanting the admiration and approval of other kings more than from God. Deafness to the counsel of godly advisors.

It can happen. Now you know. Be warned.

Sign up for more devotions like this!