Afternoon everyone! Welcome to The Sunday Message-my interpretation or “takeaway” from the day’s sermon at Bear Creek Bible Church.

Last week, we started learning about Solomon from I Kings, and we are continuing with verses 9-11 today.

Nothing against John, but when Pastor Troy gives the message, I take so many more notes, and learn so much more. Today he talked about the rise and fall of Solomon as well as his falling away from faith.

In the beginning, Solomon had great ambitions for the nation of Israel. He builds massive building projects using forced labor. Of course, he taxes his people, never using those funds for the good of God. His power and wealth grows and he is already starting to wander slowly away from God, and forget why he was blessed by Him in the first place.

Then, the Queen of Sheba comes to visit him. They give each other exorbitant gifts of gold that we cannot even fathom. He has his people thinking he is wise, and generally a great guy. She tests him with difficult questions. She takes her gifts and goes back to her land with her servants. Solomon continues to act against God, whether he realizes that is what he is doing. He eventually marries women who are forbidden in the law. He amassed 700 wives and 300 concubines!

On top of that, he starts worshipping his wives gods, making sacrifices and burning incense to these gods. He allows them to sacrifice children. How can this be pleasing To God? It’s not, and He eventually warns Solomon that if he does not change his ways, he won’t take his wealth away from him, but from his son. He will never inherit the kingdom his father has built.

During this time come the division of the tribes of Israel. Never again we’re the original 12 tribes of Israel together again. Solomon reigns for 40 years.

Next week we will learn more about Solomon and if he comes back to God or not. My takeaway is that Solomon did not have a proper plan and act on that plan. He was blessed and then abused that blessing, thinking he didn’t need God. He did his people a great disservice. He could have used his power to do good, instead of amassing his own wealth and then took even more from his people. Proper planning prevents poor performance. Don’t you think that idiom perfectly describes Solomon?

I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s message and come back next week to hear more from Solomon’s story.

Finally, we’ve all heard “live and learn” but pastor Troy says it’s better to “learn and live!” think on that til next time.