Lately I have been reading in 1 Kings. Just recently the Queen of Sheba has come for a visit with King Solomon. In chapter 10 we read that word had gotten around about Solomon's wealth and wisdom and like most of us women the Queen of Sheba needed to see it for herself. She was overwhelmed. Not only was everything she heard about Solomon true but the tales had been understated. She was so impressed that she gave generously an abundance of gifts to the king and his kingdom.
Solomon had everything. God had given him wisdom greater than any man and more wealth that we can properly understand. He had power and prestige and favor among men of every status. More than that He had fellowship and favor with God and no good gift was withheld from him. Solomon had everything. . . but then comes chapter 11 and Solomon's spiritual bankruptcy. Every good and perfect gift wasn't enough. Solomon accumulated hundreds of wives from varying religions and divided his heart and loyalties, reminding us that wisdom not applied is still foolishness. More was not better.
I picture the scene somewhat like Let's Make a Deal. Behind door number one - everything God has according to His wisdom, love, and glory. Behind door number two - getting to choose for myself and have what I want in the moment. The difference is the closed doors are made glass by the revelation of God's word and we do not choose blindly. We know the riches of obedience and faith and yet we choose ignorant independence.
Keep it up and Chapter 11 is coming.
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