Why God Cares About Obedience (1 Kings 9 - 10; 2 Chronicles 8 - 9)
Have you ever known someone whose actions didn’t match their words? Solomon’s story in 1 Kings 9 shows why obedience matters more than appearance.
1 Kings 9 - 10; 2 Chronicles 8 - 9
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
Have you ever been around someone who lives differently than they talk?
This was the story of Solomon. He is what we call a man of contradictions. After a lengthy prayer in 1 Kings 8, God responds to Solomon in 1 Kings 9 and issues this simultaneously tremendous promise and grave warning.
3 I have heard your prayer and petition you have made before me. I have consecrated this temple you have built, to put my name there forever; my eyes and my heart will be there at all times. 4 As for you, if you walk before me as your father David walked, with a heart of integrity and in what is right, doing everything I have commanded you, and if you keep my statutes and ordinances, 5 I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised your father David: You will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.
6 If you or your sons turn away from following me and do not keep my commands—my statutes that I have set before you—and if you go and serve other gods and bow in worship to them, 7 I will cut off Israel from the land I gave them, and I will reject the temple I have sanctified for my name. Israel will become an object of scorn and ridicule among all the peoples. 8 Though this temple is now exalted, everyone who passes by will be appalled and will scoff. They will say, “Why did the Lord do this to this land and this temple?” 9 Then they will say, “Because they abandoned the Lord their God who brought their ancestors out of the land of Egypt. They held on to other gods and bowed in worship to them and served them. Because of this, the Lord brought all this ruin on them
God makes it clear that “the future of the temple and the dynasty…is made dependent upon obedience.”[1] But this obedience, as Paul House notes, “must be motivated by ‘integrity of heart,’ not by a mere external observance of God’s word.”[2] Solomon’s life teaches us that even though we might build great things in God’s name and pray magnificent prayers for his provision, there can still remain corners of our hearts that are not surrendered to his will.
Paul House says, “All the king had to do was remain obedient to the Lord, shun idols, and continue to enjoy God’s favor.”[3] It seemed so simple, so easy. Except it wasn’t. The same holds true for us. For many, following God makes good intuitive sense. But in the words of Eugene Peterson, it’s the “long obedience in the same direction” that trips them up.
A Meditation to PRAY
Praise | I praise you for your steadfastness and the promises you've kept throughout the ages. Your faithfulness endures forever, and your wisdom guides the universe. I stand in awe of the works of your hands and the depth of your love for us.
Release | I release my pride and plans to you, knowing that my understanding is limited. Like the temple that once stood in glory and was later looked upon in astonishment because of its desolation, so too my own creations may falter if not aligned with your will. Help me to surrender my all to you, trusting that you lead me in the path of righteousness.
Ask | I ask you for guidance and clarity that I might walk in ways that honor you. Teach me to discern your voice amidst the noise of the world, to build my life on the foundation of your truth and love. Let not my heart be led astray by distractions or deceit, but keep me anchored in your presence.
Yield | I yield my spirit to you, acknowledging that without you, I am nothing. Mold me, shape me, use me for your glory. May my life reflect your light and love to those around me. In my coming and going, let your will be done through me as I seek to serve and glorify you in all things.
