If Only

O. T. #780  "If Only"
June 23, 2016
1 Kings 11-Part 3


LET IT GLOW

If only Solomon had not taken those foreign wives and concubines, then he would not have worshiped idols. He would not have had a divided his heart from God. If only he had stayed true to the One True God, then his son would not have lost most of the kingdom. If only Solomon had lifted the heavy tax burden, then he would have won back the love of the people. If only he had not disobeyed God, then his kingdom, after Solomon's death, would not have been divided into two kingdoms. If only...

In verse 29, Prophet Ahijah from Shiloh met Jeroboam as he was leaving Jerusalem. The prophet tore a new cloak, which he was wearing, into ten pieces, symbolizing God tearing the Solomon's kingdom from him and giving ten tribes to Jeroboam.
Because Solomon abandoned God, and worshiped the gods of the Amorites, God rejected Solomon's dynasty, though not completely. He did not please God, follow His ways, obey His decrees, nor regulations as David did. All of this was what the prophet told Jeroboam.

If only Solomon had...  (He reigned 40 years over Israel.)

Well, the good news is that not all of Israel would be taken from Solomon's family, due to David's faithfulness. Solomon's son Rehoboam would reign over the southern part of Israel, the tribes of Judah and little Benjamin.

LET IT GROW

God made some promises to Jeroboam:

• He would be placed on the throne of Israel.
• He would rule over all that his heart desired.
• If he listened to what God told him, and followed His ways, do whatever God considered right, obeyed God's decrees and commands, then God would always be with him.
• God would establish an enduring dynasty as He did for David, giving Israel to Jeroboam.

Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam, but he fled to Egypt until Solomon died.

He wrote to book of Ecclesiastes, with concluding thoughts:
Fear God and obey His commands, for this is everyone's duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.

I do not want to come to the end of my life and think: If only I had served the Lord wholeheartedly, lived my Christian life extravagantly for Jesus, loved others extraordinarily, been obedient to His Word. so today is the day for me to do those. Shall you join me?

LET IT GO

                             ... of my selfishness and love others as Jesus did.
                             ... of control of my life and serve the Lord wholeheartedly.
                             ... and obey His Word.