Great But Tragic

 

December 11 – Today’s Readings – 1Chronicles 28-29 and Proverbs 11

In these passages we find the second and “official” coronation of a new King. King David was old and Solomon young, yet he was selected by David and by the “word of the Lord” to be the next ruler of Israel. As we will soon learn – this new king faced difficulties he wasn’t prepared for. Yes, God would bless Solomon financially in a manner not yet known to mankind. He would eventually be the envy of the entire then-know world. The “spotlight” would shine on him in such a way that our secular society still refers to his grandeur today. Herein lies a great problem. Whenever a human being is “investigated”, flaws will be discovered sooner or later. It wouldn’t take long for a good investigative team of scientists and “snoops” to turn up some “dirt” on any and every human being alive or dead. This is no surprise – but when “the man” in question is touted to be above all moral failure, the news of his misdeeds becomes as famous as the legend of his grandure.

This sadly was to be Solomon’s legacy – “the bigger they are, the harder they fall”. Solomon however is no different than you and I. Humanly speaking, we all “fall short of the glory of God”. Deep down, none of us would like to be the subject of a critical investigative television documentary. When God chose us, it was not because we were beautiful, talented, educated, wealthy, or sinless. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Christ’s death did something miraculous for the world. It enabled ordinary people to become extraordinary we were deemed to be holy because of a “holy” relationship with God.

It no longer matters what others may think of me. I’ve been forgiven – I am holy in the eyes of God – I am “made perfect” by being “in Christ”, and I will never be ashamed again! Now that’s freedom – moral freedom – freedom from the enemy of our souls. If only Solomon would have remained “free” in the grace of God, we would have been reading an altered story in 2 Chronicles. As it was, Solomon slipped into a “serving other gods” mode and lost the glory of the Lord. He would have been far better off without any of the riches, wives and kingdom greatness and instead had simply stayed faithful to the Lord.

It was the people Solomon hung around with that turned him away. For others it’s the things or the money or the fame or the pride. No matter what, we need to Love God first – serve God first – humble ourselves before Him first. If our hearts are steadfast toward God, then riches, people, fame, or anything else God blesses us with will take their proper place in our lives. The blessings are meant for the furtherance of the Kingdom of God. This is a true saying – God wants you to prosper in every way. As we prosper however, we desperately need to stay humble and submissive to the Holy Spirit or we too will end up like Solomon – a great, but tragic character.

Questions:

1. Name and describe another Bible character who had great potential but lost spiritual focus and finished poorly.
2. Name a modern day “great” who did the same.