LEADERS CAN DO THAT WHICH IS WRONG

PROCLAMATION                                 

“… Reigned Abijam over Judah … And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him; and his heart was not perfect with The Lord …”  1 Kings 15:1-3 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute this book to the prophet Jeremiah.  In this fifteenth chapter Jeremiah recounts the events of the son and grandson of Rehoboam, and the son of Jeroboam in their reigns as kings.  Abijam son of King Rehoboam reigned over Judah and after the king’s death.  Abijam did evil in the eyes of The Lord as his father did before him.  After his death, his son Asa reigned in his stead.  Unlike his father, Asa did that which was right in the eyes of The Lord. (1 Kings 15:8-12)  Nadab son of King Jeroboam reigned over Israel for two years after his death.  Nadab was the first of five evil kings of Israel who did that which was evil in the sight of The Lord.  Baasha assassinated Nadab and proceeded to wipe out the entire Jeroboam family. (1 Kings 15:27-30)  There was war between Jeroboam and Rehoboam for all of their days as kings.  There was also war between Asa king of Judah and Baasha king of Israel for all of their days as kings. (1 Kings 15:32)

 

APPLICATION

We need to pray for all of our leaders, religious and political, elected and appointed, de facto and de jure.  Everyone who is in a position to influence people, and make the decisions which effect people, need our prayers.  They have the ability to negatively impact people, intentionally or unintentionally.  They can lead people the wrong way by their conscience acts or by their examples.  This includes teachers as they will be held to and judged by a higher standard. (James 3:1)  We need to pray for each other (James 5:16) as well as pray for all those who are in leadership positions.

 

YOU CANNOT FOOL ALL OF THE PEOPLE

PROCLAMATION

“And The Lord said unto Ahijah, ‘Behold, the wife of Jeroboam cometh to ask a thing of thee for her son; for he is sick; thus and thus shalt thou say unto her; for it shall be, when she cometh in, that she shall feign herself to be another woman.’ ”  1 Kings 14:5 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute this book to the prophet Jeremiah.  It came to pass that Abijah the son of King Jeroboam fell sick.  Jeroboam sent his wife in disguise to the prophet Ahijah, who told him that he would be king, to inquire as what would become of the child.  The Lord God told the prophet that she was coming to see him and what he was to say to her.  Even though the prophet had lost his sight due to his age, he heard her footsteps when she came to his door and he greeted her as the wife of Jeroboam.  Then he told her what The Lord had said for him to say. (1 Kings 14:1-16)  Afterwards she arose and departed, and when she arrived at the door of her house the child died as the prophet had said.  They buried the child and all of Israel mourned him according to the word of The Lord which the prophet Ahijah had spoken to her. (1 Kings 14:17-18)  Jeroboam and the people of Israel did evil in the sight of The Lord. (1 Kings 14:8-9)  Additionally Rehoboam and the people of Judah also did evil in the sight of The Lord. (1 Kings 14:22-23)  There was war between Jeroboam and Rehoboam for all of their days as kings.  Jeroboam reigned over the northern kingdoms for twenty-two years before he died and was followed by his son Nadab.  Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah for seventeen years and his son Abijam reigned after he died. (1 Kings 14:19-31)

APPLICATION

It is possible to fool some of the people some of the time.  There is a famous quote which says, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.” (Abraham Lincoln)  While it may be possible to fool people, no one can fool The Lord God.  He knows all and He sees all, including the heart and intentions of man. (Job 34:21, Psalm 33:13, Jeremiah 20:12, and Acts 15:8)  God has given some men the gift of discernment (1 Kings 4:29) and they can read people like a book.  The best way to avoid being deceived by people is to pray for discernment. (Psalm 119:66)

MAN WILL LIE TO YOU

PROCLAMATION

“He said unto him, I am a prophet as thou art; and an angel spoke unto me by the word of The Lord, saying, ‘Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water.’  But he lied to him.”  1 Kings 13:18 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute this book to the prophet Jeremiah.  There came a man of God out of Judah speaking out against Bethel and King Jeroboam. (1 Kings 13:1-3)  The king stretched out his hand against the man of God and it dried up.  He asked the man of God to pray for him and restore his dried up hand.   He prayed and the king’s hand was restored.  The king wanted to reward him and feed him but he told the king that The Lord God had told him not to eat or drink while he was in Bethel. (1 Kings 13:4-10)  There was an old prophet who dwelt in Bethel with his sons.  The sons had heard what the man of God had said and done to the king.  The old prophet went out after the man of God.  He found him along the way sitting under an oak tree and invited him to come home and eat with him.  The man of God explained to the prophet that he was forbidden from eating or drinking.  But the old prophet said unto him, I am a prophet as thou art; and an angel spoke unto me by the word of The Lord, saying, ‘Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water.’  But he lied to him.  So the man of God went with him and did eat and drink.  As they sat at the table, the word of The Lord came unto the prophet and he cried unto the man of God from Judah.  Thus saith The Lord, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed Me, thy carcass shall not come unto the sepulcher of thy fathers.  When he left Bethel, a lion slew him and stood by the carcass. (1 Kings 13:11-24)  As men passed by, they saw the carcass and the lion, and went back and told the old prophet.  He went and found the carcass; the lion had not eaten it.  The prophet took up the carcass and laid it upon the donkey, and took it back to the city and buried it.  The prophet mourned for the man of God and told his sons that when he died, he wanted to be buried beside the man of God. (1 Kings 13:25-31)  These events became well known in Bethel regarding the punishment for the disobedience of God.  However, Jeroboam did not repent from his evil ways.  His sin would lead to the house of Jeroboam being destroyed.

APPLICATION

When we know what The Word of God says for us to do, we ought to obey it.  It is clear that disobedience will result in punishment.  To paraphrase a quote from Maya Angelou, “When you know better, you should do better.”  Jesus, The Christ, said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)  As believers we need to be doers of The Word and not just readers and hearers of it. (James 1:22)

 

IGNORING EXPERT ADVICE

PROCLAMATION

“And King Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, ‘How do you advise that I answer this people?’  And they spake unto him … but he forsook the counsel of the old men … and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him …”  1 Kings 12:6-10 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute this book to the prophet Jeremiah.  It came to pass that Rehoboam went to Shechem to be made king of Israel.  When Jeroboam, who had fled from Solomon to Egypt, heard this he went to Rehoboam to ask if he would lighten the heavy yoke that Solomon had placed upon them in return for their service to him. (1 Kings 12:1-4)  Rehoboam told them to depart for three days while he considered their request.  Then he consulted with the old men who were advisors to his father Solomon.  He forsook their advice and consulted with the young men that he grew up with who advised him to make their yoke even heavier. (1 Kings 12:5-15)  When the people of Israel saw that the king had hardened his heart towards them, they wanted nothing to do with him.  King Rehoboam sent Adoram his work force leader to speak to the people and they stoned him to death.  This led to Rehoboam making a hasty departure and fleeing to Jerusalem to save his own life. (1 Kings 12:18)  Israel rebelled against the house of David and they made Jeroboam the king over all of Israel.  Once in Jerusalem Rehoboam gathered an army of the men of Judah and Benjamin to fight against Israel.  However, the word of God came to Shemaiah, the man of God, and he told Rehoboam not to fight with their brothers in Israel. (1 Kings 12:19-24)  In order to prevent the people from returning to The Lord, Jeroboam set up two idol calves of gold, one in Bethel and the other in Dan.  He installed his own priests, which were not the sons of Levi, and ordained a large feast sacrificing calves to the idols. (1 Kings 12:26-33)

APPLICATION

Why should one consult with experts to get their opinion if you are going to ignore their advice?  Getting a second opinion can be justified if the source is also an expert.  If you are only going to listen to the advice of your non-expert friends, why consult with an expert in the first place?  Following bad advice will usually make a bad situation much worse.  It is better to pray and trust in The Lord than to put your confidence in your friend. (Psalm 118:8)

 

SOLOMON LET HIS WIVES LEAD HIM ASTRAY

PROCLAMATION

“For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with The Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.”  1 Kings 11:4 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute this book to the prophet Jeremiah.  It is revealed that King Solomon loved many women in addition to his wife the daughter of Pharaoh.  He is said to have had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. (1 Kings 11:1-3)  In his old age Solomon let his wives turn his heart to other gods and he did not perfect in worship of The Lord.  He even began to do evil in the sight of The Lord and He became very angry with him. (1 Kings 11:4-10)  The Lord God told Solomon that because of what he had done that He was going to take the kingdom away from him.  He would leave him with one tribe for his father David’s sake. (1 King 11:11-13)  Then The Lord God stirred up adversaries for Solomon among the enemies that David had made while he was king and He took the kingdom away from him.  He took ten of the tribes and gave the to Jeroboam to rule over. (1 Kings 11:14-35)  King Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over Israel for forty years before he died and was buried in the city of David.  His son Rehoboam reigned after him over one tribe. (1 Kings 11:36-43)

 

APPLICATION

All too often we listen to and follow the people instead of following The Word of God.  It has been that way since Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. (Genesis 3:5-6)  As smart as he was, in his old age even Solomon listened to his wives and disobeyed God. (1 Kings 11:4)  While a man and his wife are to be as one flesh, (Matthew 19:5, Mark 10:8, and Ephesians 5:31) he is not to put her above God.  “Thou shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)  “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness …” (Matthew 6:33)  The advice from a spouse, family member, friends or anyone else should never be put above The Word of God. 

 

BLESSINGS CAN EXCEED EXPECTATIONS

PROCLAMATION

“And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon’s wisdom, and the house that he had built, and the meat of his table … she said to the king, ‘It was a true report that I heard … and behold, the half was not told to me; thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.’ ” 1 Kings 10:4-7 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute this book to the prophet Jeremiah.  When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame and wisdom, she did not believe it and had to see it for herself.  She came to visit him bearing spices, gold, and precious stones along with some hard questions for him to answer.  King Solomon answered all of her questions.  She was very impressed by Solomon’s wisdom, his wealth, and the house that he had built. (1 Kings 10:1-10)  King Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived (1 Kings 3:10-12 and 4:29-31) and he was the richest king during his lifetime. (1 Kings 3:13 and 10:23)  The remainder of chapter ten details the extent of Solomon’s wealth including the opulence of his throne. (1 Kings 10:11-29)

APPLICATION

There are times when the blessings that we receive from The Lord God can exceed our expectations and the expectations of others.  We can be blessed beyond our wildest dreams.  We can receive so much more that counting them would be like trying to number the stars in the sky or the sand on the seashore.  Solomon did not ask God for wealth, he asked for wisdom so that he could be a blessing to God’s people. (1 Kings 3:9)  God blessed him with much more than he asked for.  No man has seen, or heard of, nor conceived the blessings which The Lord God has in store for those who love Him. (Isaiah 64:4 and 1 Corinthians 2:9)  We just need to keep our focus on Him, on our kingdom building efforts, and on being a blessing to others.  We need to let our light shine in such a way that gives God the glory. (Matthew 5:16)  Remember, he that blesses others shall himself be blessed. (Proverbs 11:25)

SOLOMON BUILT UP THE LAND OF ISRAEL

PROCLAMATION

“And this is the reason of the levy which King Solomon raised; for to build the house of The Lord, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer … and Beth-horon … and Baalath, and Tadmor … And all the cities of store that Solomon had, and cities for his chariots, and cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.”  1 Kings 9:15-19 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute this book to the prophet Jeremiah.  After he had finished building the house of The Lord and his own house, The Lord God appeared to Solomon a second time.  He said that He had heard Solomon’s prayer and supplication.  He said that He had hallowed the house Solomon had built, and as long as he walked upright and kept His commandments that He would establish the throne of his kingdom forever as He promised David. (1 Kings 9:1-5)  Then The Lord told Solomon what would happen if he did not keep His commandments.  He would uproot Israel out of the land He had given to them and disown the house which He had hallowed. (1 Kings 9:6-9)  After Solomon built the house of The Lord and his own house, and a house for his wife, the daughter of Pharaoh, he built up the wall around Jerusalem and then built up several cities throughout Israel.  Solomon also built cities for his chariots and cities for his horsemen and horses. (1 Kings 9:10-19)  Three times each year Solomon made burnt offerings and peace offerings unto The Lord.  He made a navy of the ships in Ezion-Geber and Hiram sent his men who had knowledge of the sea to join the servants of Solomon.  Even though Solomon was very wealthy, he sent his navy out on voyages to acquire more gold. (1 Kings 9:25-28)

APPLICATION

Some of the time we are not satisfied with the blessings that we have received.  We are greedy and we want more.  We need to learn to appreciate and to be happy with what we have.  He that is greedy for wealth brings trouble to his own house. (Proverbs 15:27)  According to Roman Catholic theology, greed is one of the seven deadly sins.  Be thankful for what you have.

SOLOMON PRAYED FOR ALL OF ISRAEL

PROCLAMATION

“And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying, ‘Blessed be The Lord, that hath given rest unto His people Israel, according to all that He promised … The Lord our God be with us, as He was with our fathers; let Him not leave us, nor forsake us; That He may incline our hearts unto Him, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments …’ ”  1 Kings 8:55-58 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute this book to the prophet Jeremiah.  After he completed the house of The Lord and his house, Solomon gathered together all of the elders of Israel and had the priests bring the ark of the covenant to the newly constructed house of The Lord. (1 Kings 8:1-9)  When the priest came out after placing the ark in the holy place, the dark cloud, representing the glory of The Lord, filled the house of The Lord.  Then Solomon spoke to the people saying that The Lord said that He would dwell in this house in the thick darkness.  Solomon then blessed the congregation of Israel. (1 Kings 8:10-14)  He recounted how The Lord God had blessed his father David.  He said that David wanted to build a house for The Lord but He told David that his son would build the house.  Solomon stood before the congregation of Israel and praised God for fulfilling His promise. (1 Kings 8:15-26)  Then Solomon listed all the conditions for which the people of Israel would pray in this house. (1 Kings 8:27-53)  Then Solomon blessed the people with what sounded like a prayer for them.  Afterwards Solomon offered a sacrifice unto The Lord of twenty-two thousand oxen and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep.  Then Solomon held a seven-day-long feast for all of Israel, after which he blessed them and sent them to their homes. (1 Kings 8:54-66)

APPLICATION

The Bible teaches us that we ought to always pray. (Luke 18:1)  We are also taught that we should pray for others and not just for ourselves. (James 5:16)  Remember that after Job lost all that he had, including his health, God blessed him with twice as much as he had only after he prayed for his friends. (Job 42:10)  When we sincerely pray for and bless others, The Good Lord will bless us. (Proverbs 11:25)

THE HOUSE OF THE LORD

PROCLAMATION

“And the word of The Lord came to Solomon, saying, ‘Concerning this house which thou are in building, if thou wilt walk in My statutes, and execute My judgments, and keep all My commandments to walk in them, then I will perform My word with thee, which I spoke unto David thy father.  And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake My people Israel.’ ”  1 Kings 6:12-13 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute this book to the prophet Jeremiah.  It was four hundred and eighty years after the children of Israel had come out of captivity in Egypt that construction began on the house of The Lord.  The dimensions of the house were given in chapter six. (1 Kings 6:1-14)  The elaborate details of the inner workings of the house were also given in chapter six. (1 Kings 6:15-35)  It took four years to build the structure of the house and another three years to complete the inside of it. (1 Kings 6:36-38)  Then Solomon took thirteen years to build his own house.  Chapter seven provides the details for the elaborate workings that went into his house and into the house that he had built for Pharaoh’s daughter whom he had taken as his wife. (1 Kings 7:1-51)  The word of The Lord God came to Solomon while he was building the house of The Lord and said to him that if he kept His commandments and lived them that He would dwell among the children of Israel. (1 Kings 6:12-13)

APPLICATION

The Lord God always keeps his promises.  However, some of the promises and blessing of God are conditional.  They will only be received if, and only if, we fulfill the conditions that are associated with them.  The Lord God will do His part if we do our part.  God never fails us, but all too often we fail Him.

 

TOGETHER WE CAN DO GREAT THINGS

PROCLAMATION

“And Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders did hew them, and the cornerstones; so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.”  1 Kings 5:18 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute this book to the prophet Jeremiah.  Because The Lord God had blessed Solomon peace and rest from his enemies on all sides, he prepared to build a house unto The Lord.  He sent to Hiram king of Tyre and requested cedar trees for use as lumber and gave him wheat for food in exchange for the cedar. (1 Kings 5:1-12)  There were tens of thousands of men working on the house.  Solomon also requested some very large costly stones to be used as the foundation of the house.  Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders worked together to build the house for The Lord. (1 Kings 5:13-18)

APPLICATION

It is amazing what we can accomplish when we work together in peace and have respect for one another and our differing abilities.  When we disregard our individual differences and combine our skills, talents, and abilities, we can do great things for The Lord.  Let us pray and work together for the glory of God.

 

THE WISEST MAN IN THE WORLD

PROCLAMATION

“Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.  For he was wiser than all men …”  1 Kings 4:30-31 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute this book to the prophet Jeremiah.  Solomon was wiser than all men. (1 Kings 4:29-31)  Chapter four listed the names of the officials and administrators which were under King Solomon including the priests and the commanders of his army. (1 Kings 4:1-19)  This chapter also detailed the area over which Solomon ruled and the amount of provisions which were required to feed his hosts for one day. (1 Kings 4:20-25)  Solomon’s wealth was also described. (1 Kings 4:26-28)  He wrote three thousand proverbs and over a thousand songs.  He was knowledgeable regarding all manner of things.  People and kings came from all over the world to hear the wisdom of Solomon. (1 Kings 4:32-34)

APPLICATION

There have been a lot of smart men in this world but none of them was smarter than Solomon.  He was the smartest man in the world during his day.  There was no one wiser born before him and there has never been anyone who was wiser since Solomon. (1 Kings 3:12 and 4:29-31)  It is an extreme compliment to be told that you have the wisdom of Solomon.  We may not be as wise as Solomon was but we can still pray for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

 

SOLOMON ASKED GOD FOR WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING

PROCLAMATION

“Give therefore Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad; for who is able to judge this Thy so great a people?”  1 Kings 3:9 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute this book to the prophet Jeremiah.  Solomon loved The Lord and kept His statutes as his father David had done. (1 Kings 3:3)  He went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices to The Lord.  It was there that The Lord appeared to him in a dream and asked him what he wanted.  Solomon asked The Lord for an understanding heart that he may judge the people and discern between right and wrong. (1 Kings 3:5-9)  The Lord God was pleased with Solomon’s request.  He blessed Solomon with wisdom and understanding, and He also blessed him with riches and honor which he had not asked for.  Solomon was the wisest man to ever live (1 Kings 3:10-12) and he was the richest man of his time. (1 Kings 3:13)  The Lord told him that if he kept His statutes and commandments that He would also bless him with a long life. (1 Kings 3:14)  When Solomon woke up he went to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant, and made an offering unto The Lord.  Then came unto him two women who both claimed to be the mother of an infant.  After hearing their story Solomon said bring him a sword and he would cut the child in two and give a half of the child to each woman.  One woman said give the living child to the other woman but do not harm it, while the other woman said divide it.  Solomon said give the child to the woman who wanted no harm to come to the child for she is the mother.  All of Israel heard of the judgment and they feared Solomon for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him. (1 Kings 3:15-28)

APPLICATION

Most of the time our prayer requests are often selfish and for our personal benefit.  All too often we limit our requests to The Lord God to money, wealth, and material things when there are many things which are much more important and more valuable.  It has been said that the best three wishes one can ask for are good health, long life, and happiness.  Here Solomon asked for wisdom and understanding in order to be a blessing to the people.  The fact that he wanted to bless others pleased God and He blessed him with much more than he asked for.  He who blesses others shall himself be blessed. (Proverbs 11:25)   

 

DAVID GIVES CHARGES TO SOLOMON

PROCLAMATION

“Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; he charged Solomon his son, saying, ‘… Be thou strong … keep the charge of The Lord … as written in the law of Moses … thou knowest what Joab did to me … and … Shimei … which cursed me … thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him …’ ”  1 Kings 2:1-9 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute The Bible Books of First and Second Kings to the prophet Jeremiah.  As King David drew near his death, he charged his son Solomon to be strong, to be a man, to walk in the ways of The Lord and keep His commandments. (1 Kings 2:1-4)  David also reminded Solomon that Joab killed the two captains of the army of Israel then told him to deal with Joab as he saw fit.  David told Solomon to show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite because they helped him when he fled from Absalom.  He also told Solomon to deal with Shimei who cursed him when he went to Mahanaim. (1 Kings 2:5-9)  King David reigned over Israel for forty years before He died and Solomon sat on the throne.  Then Adonijah went to Bathsheba to ask her for a favor.  He wanted King Solomon to give him Abishag the Shunammite to be his wife. (1 Kings 2:10-17)  Bathsheba agreed and spoke to Solomon regarding Adonijah’s request.  Solomon was upset remembering what Adonijah had done with Joab and Abiathar the priest, then he sent Benaiah to kill Adonijah. (1 Kings 2:18-25)  Solomon felt that Abiathar also deserved to die but he would not kill him because he was a priest who carried the ark of God for David. (1 Kings 2:26-27)  Solomon then sent Benaiah to kill Joab who ran into the tabernacle for safety, but Solomon told Benaiah to kill him there and then bury him. (1 Kings 2:28-34)  Solomon sent for Shimei and told him to build himself a house in Jerusalem and to stay there.  He told him if he leaves the house he will die.  Shimei agreed and dwelt in Jerusalem for three years.  Then he left the house to pursue two of his servants who had run away.  When Solomon heard that Shimei had left the house he sent Benaiah to kill him.  Thus Solomon fulfilled all of the charges that David had given him and he established his kingdom. (1 Kings 2:35-46)

APPLICATION

People place a lot of importance on promises made to a loved one who is on their death bed.  We should place even more importance on promises we make to The Lord God.  Unfortunately, we make promises to God when we are going through bad times which we forget when things get better.  It is a good thing for us that God does not treat us like we treat Him.  The Lord God always keeps His promises. (Joshua 21:45)

 

THE RISE OF KING SOLOMON

PROCLAMATION

“King David then said, ‘… Have my son Solomon ride on my mule, and take him down to Gihon … anoint him king over Israel … blow the ram’s horn and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ … He is to come in and sit on my throne.  He is the one to become king in my place … to be ruler over Israel and Judah.’ ”  1 Kings 1:32-35 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute The Bible Books of First and Second Kings to the prophet Jeremiah.  Chapter one begins with the final days of King David who is old and stricken in years.  Even covered with clothes he was unable to keep warm.  His servants even had a pretty young virgin sleep with him to keep him warm at night. (1 Kings 1:1-4)  During this time David’s son Adonijah made a bid to be the next king and conspired with Joab and the priest Abiathar who supported him. (1 Kings 1:5-10)  On the advice of Nathan the prophet, Bathsheba went to David and asked him did he not say that Solomon would be king after him.  Then she told him that Adonijah had installed himself as king and that the commanders of the army were supporting him.  Nathan went in to speak with David after Bathsheba and told him the same things. (1 Kings 1:11-27)  Then David called for Bathsheba, Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of  Jehoiada the priest, and Nathan, and told them to take Solomon to Gihon and anoint him king of Israel. (1 Kings 1:28-40)  When Adonijah and the invited guests to his feast heard the noise from the coronation of Solomon, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest told them that David had made Solomon king.  The guest left trembling in fear and went their several ways.  Adonijah was also afraid of Solomon and pleaded for his own life. (1 Kings 1:41-53)

APPLICATION

We need not worry or fret regarding that which others receive.  The Lord God blesses the good and the bad; it rains on the just and the unjust. (Matthew 5:45)  However, God will make sure things happen so that we will receive the blessings which are for us, even if others try to claim them before we receive them.  Our blessings have our name on them and no one else can receive them.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR SINS MAY AFFECT OTHERS

PROCLAMATION

“And David’s heart smote him after that … And David said unto The Lord, ‘I have sinned greatly … and I beseech Thee’ … Thus saith The Lord, ‘I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.’ … So The Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel … and there died of the people from Dan to Beersheba seventy thousand men.” (2 Samuel 24:10-15)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God after the death of the prophet Samuel by Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer.  These are the last words of David, the son of Jesse, the king of Israel, the psalmist and man after God’s own heart.  David said that The Spirit of The Lord spoke to him. (2 Samuel 23:1-2)  The Lord God said that he that rules over men must be just.  David knew that his house was not perfect in the eyes of The Lord but he had been blessed and that God had made a covenant with him. (2 Samuel 23:3-5)  In the remainder of this chapter David goes on to list the mighty men of valor who were with him and their accomplishments. (2 Samuel 23:8-39)  David ordered that a census be taken of Israel and Judah.  This was a sin of David’s pride and security in his military might instead of trusting in The Lord.  Joab, the captain of the army, saw the census for what it was and questioned David but David overruled him. (2 Samuel 24:1-9)  The Lord was angered by David’s sin.  David confessed his sin and The Lord forgave him but he still had to suffer the consequences for his actions.  The Lord gave David a choice of three punishments to choose from which were spelled out by the prophet Gad. (2 Samuel 24:10-13)  David placed himself on the mercies of God and let Him decide which to do.  So The Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel and seventy thousand men died. (2 Samuel 24:14-15)  David went to Araunah the Jebusite and bought some land as the prophet Gad had directed him.  There he built an alter and offered a sacrifice unto The Lord and the plague on Israel ended. ((2 Samuel 24:17-25)

 

APPLICATION

We will all pay a price for our sins.  However, when we sin, there are consequences which affect not only us but also affect those around us which may not occur immediately.  It is hard for us to understand but some of the bad things which happen to us are the results of the sins of our parents, grandparents, or our great grandparents. (Numbers 14:18 and Deuteronomy 5:9)  The punishment that we receive for our sins may also affect the ones that we love.

 

SING A SONG OF PRAISE UNTO THE LORD

PROCLAMATION

“And he said, ‘The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; In Him will I trust; He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my savior; Thou savest me from violence.  I will call on The Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from mine enemies.”  2 Samuel 22:2-4 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God after the death of the prophet Samuel by Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer.  This entire chapter is the song of praise which David spoke or sang unto The Lord after He delivered him from the hand of his enemies, out of the hand of Saul.  The words are almost identical to the words of Psalm 18, and most of the Bible scholars believe that these words were written in his old age.  This was David’s public expression before the congregation of Israel of his gratitude for his deliverance from his enemies.  It was written and sung, to give praise, honor and glory to The Lord God.

 

APPLICATION

We have all been in at least one bad situation which The Lord God delivered us out of, or through.  We may not be able to compose a song of praise to The Lord, and we may not be able to sing the words of a song of praise in the proper key.  However, the Bible teaches us that we should “make a joyful noise” unto The Lord. (Psalm 66:1, Psalm 81:1, Psalm 95:1-2, Psalm 98:4, and Psalm 100:1)  We can read out loud the words of this psalm of praise, or some other psalm of praise, to give God glory.  As believers we should not have to be told to praise The Lord, we should do that spontaneously and frequently every day.

 

BATTLE WEARY AND RESCUED

PROCLAMATION

“Moreover the Philistines had yet war with Israel; And David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines; And David waxed faint.  And Ishbi-Benob, which was of the sons of the giant … thought to have slain David.  But Abishai the son of Zeruiah … smote the Philistine, and killed him.  Then the men of David swore unto him, saying, ‘Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle ...’ ”  2 Samuel 21:15-17 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God after the death of the prophet Samuel by Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer.  This was near the end of King David’s reign.  He was old and weak, but he did not flee from battle.  His spirit was willing, but his flesh was weak.  David needed help and The Lord God sent someone to help him in his time of need.  David had killed Goliath, (1 Samuel 17:45-51) but he had four sons and one of them, Ishbi-Benob, was about to kill David.  The Lord God sent Abishai to deliver David from his enemy and rescued him from Goliath’s son. (2 Samuel 21:15-17)  From that point on David’s men would not let him go with them into battle.  There were a series of battles to follow, each led be a giant, each of whom was killed by a different one of David’s men. (2 Samuel 21:17-22)

 

APPLICATION

We all have our enemies, some of whom are bigger, stronger, and more powerful than we are.  However, The Lord God is bigger, stronger, and more powerful than all of our enemies, and He will protect us from them and fight our battles. (2 Chronicles 32:8 and Psalm 59:9)  He is our help when we are in need, (Psalm 121:2) and He is our strength when we are weary and weak. (2 Corinthians 12:9)  Thanks be to The Lord God who has given us the victory over all of our enemies in this world through Jesus, The Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)

 

NOT EVERYONE IS WILLING TO FORGIVE

PROCLAMATION

“And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, son of Bichri, a Benjamite; and he blew a trumpet, and said, ‘We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O Israel.’ ”  2 Samuel 20:1 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God after the death of the prophet Samuel by Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer.  As David was trying to convince the people to accept him again as king, not everyone who came to meet him was supportive of him.  There was a troublemaker in the crowd named Sheba who would lead a second rebellion against King David.  When Sheba openly opposed David, the men of Israel followed him and deserted David, but this time the men of Judah stayed loyal to him. (2 Samuel 20:2)  It is not stated whether or not Sheba was a part of the first rebellion against David led by Absalom.  It is also not stated why David felt that Sheba was more of a problem than Absalom or why Sheba was so influential. (2 Samuel 20:6)  However, after he left, David sent his men to pursue after Sheba and they returned with his head. (2 Samuel 20:22)  It is not stated whether or not David forgave the ten concubines he left to care for the palace who slept with Absalom, but he put them under house arrest and never again slept with any of them. (2 Samuel 20:3) 

 

APPLICATION

In every crowd there is always a troublemaker present.  Someone who undermines our position, opposes our plan, and wants to lead our followers in a different direction.  It is not always clear exactly why our haters hate us so.  Some people feel that we have done them wrong and they will not forgive or forget it.  Some people don’t like what we have said, or what we have done, or what we stand for, or for being who we are.  There is nothing that we can do to make some people like us, and we really should not try to.  We just need to be ourselves and to follow The Word of God and accept the fact that we will have some haters.  Jesus, The Christ, said that we would be hated (Matthew 10:22) but that we should remember that the world hated Him before hating us. (John 15:18)  So, we should rejoice and be glad because we will be blessed when people insult us, persecute us, or lie about us because of our beliefs.  We should know that we will receive a heavenly reward because of it when we persevere. (Matthew 5:11-12) 

 

COMING BACK HOME IS NOT ALWAYS EASY

PROCLAMATION

“And King David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, ‘Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, “Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house?” seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to his house.’ ”  2 Samuel 19:11 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God after the death of the prophet Samuel by Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer.  David had defeated all of the neighboring enemies of Israel under King Saul, and he defeated them again as the King of Israel after the death of Saul, but he fled the country to escape from his son Absalom.  Now that Absalom had died while leading Israel’s army against him, David was ready to return to Israel and to his throne.  First, he had to get over the death of his son and had to be reminded of who he was. (2 Samuel 18:33-19:8)  Then, he had to win over the hearts of the people.  The people of Israel had anointed Absalom as their king, and they had rebelled against David.  He had defeated the Israelite army, but now he had to deal with the people who had turned on him.  He had to remind some of them that they were his blood relatives (2 Samuel 19:11-14) and he had to forgive some of them for how they had treated him. (2 Samuel 19:19-23)  David honored those who had helped him (2 Samuel 19:31-39) and he had to settle the differences between the men who went with him and those who were against him. (2 Samuel 19:40-43)

 

APPLICATION

Many years ago, I was taught that the way we leave home determines whether or not we can ever come back home.  I also learned that it is possible to be accepted back into the house but that does not mean that we are accepted back into their heart.  Sometimes we can return home only to find out that things are not the same as they were before we left.  People can forgive, but they do not forget.  However, thanks be to God that our Heavenly Father is not like that.  Once we are saved and accepted into the body of Christ as a child of God, we are always accepted. (John 10:28-29)  We may backslide and turn our back on Him and break our fellowship with Him, but we never break our familial relationship.  Once we confess and believe, we are saved. (Romans 10:9-10)  Once saved, always saved.  When we mess up, we can pray and ask to be forgiven for our sins, and The Lord God forgives us, (Acts 8:22) and we are fully restored into the family and the fellowship. (1 John 1:6-7)

 

GET ALL OF THE INFO BEFORE DELIVERING A MESSAGE

PROCLAMATION

“And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, ‘All is well.’  And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and said, ‘Bless be The Lord thy God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king.  And the king said, ‘Is the young man Absalom safe?’  And Ahimaaz answered, ‘… I know not …’  And the king said unto him, ‘Turn aside, and stand here.  And he turned aside, and stood still.”  2 Samuel 18:28-30 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God after the death of the prophet Samuel by Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer.  In the battle with his son Absalom and the army of Israel, King David instructed each of his three commanders to be gentle with his son.  David’s men routed the Israelite army.  They were not prepared to fight in the forest.  As he fled, Absalom’s long hair got caught in the branches of a large oak tree and his mule kept going leaving him hanging in the tree.  Absalom was proud of his very long hair (2 Samuel 14:25-26) and that vanity played a part in his demise.  Joab’s soldiers found him there and, remembering King David’s words, they would not harm him.  When Joab arrived, after confronting the first soldier to find him, Joab thrusted three spears into his body and then ten of his armor-bearers attacked Absalom and killed him.  Ahimaaz the son of Zadok asked to carry the news of the victory to the king but Joab initially told him no and sent the Cushite runner instead. (2 Samuel 18:19-21)  A little while later Ahimaaz asked again if he could run to the king with the news even though there was no need for him to do so. (2 Samuel 18:22-23)  This time he was allowed to go, and he outran the Cushite and got to the king first, but he could not give a full report.  It was the Cushite who arrived later that told the king his son was dead.

 

APPLICATION

Sometimes in our haste, we go off “half-cocked” without all of the information that we need in order to present the whole story.  The first report of “breaking news” is not always the most accurate and it is usually lacking in specific details.  All too often we give out misinformation because we do not have, or intentionally do not present, all of the facts.  Sometimes we accept what we have heard as the truth and share that with others without bothering to verify the information for ourselves.   We are to also read and study The Bible and verify that which heard is in fact the truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)  Without personally reading and studying The Bible we are relying on the words of others whose message may be missing significant information. 

 

WHEN WE RECEIVE CONFLICTING ADVICE PRAY

 

WHEN WE RECEIVE CONFLICTING ADVICE PRAY

PROCLAMATION

“And Hushai said unto Absalom, ‘The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.  For,’ said Hushai, ‘thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men … and thy father is a man of war …’ ”  2 Samuel 17:7-8 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God after the death of the prophet Samuel by Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer.  After King David fled from Jerusalem and Absalom had occupied the city, Absalom first sought the advice of Ahithophel, who had been David’s advisor.  He advised Absalom to take two thousand men and attack David now while he is weary. (2 Samuel 17:1-3) Then he sought the advice of Hushai, who had been David’s friend.  He advised Absalom to gather all the men of Israel and then lead the attack on David from a position of superior numbers because David and his men were mighty men of war. (2 Samuel 17:4-13)  Absalom liked the plan proposed by Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:4) until he heard the plan offered by Hushai. (2 Samuel 17:14)  From a military perspective, the advice of Hushai was better than the advice from Ahithophel, but it was also better for David because it gave him more time to prepare for the battle.  David was warned of Absalom’s plan and he left the field and crossed over the Jordan river. (2 Samuel 17:15-22) 

 

APPLICATION

We should be very careful regarding who we listen to or seek advice from.  Almost everyone has an opinion, and advice is readily available everywhere from multiple sources, some of it  is good and some not so good.  However, when the well-respected experts disagree on a matter and offer us different advice, we need to give the matter prayerful consideration.  The “good advice” which we receive may very well benefit someone else.  More importantly, good advice is only “good” if we have asked the right question when we seek it.  That is why we need to take everything to The Lord in prayer. (Ephesians 6:18)