Pursuing Wholehearted Devotion to God
By Sophia Bricker
Bible Reading:
“On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable god of Moab, and for Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and offered sacrifices to their gods. The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the Lord’s command” (1 Kings 11:7-10, NIV).
One of the most jolting accounts in Solomon’s life as king of Israel was when he built places of worship for the gods of other nations. We read about how he constructed altars for Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Molech–false gods that would continue to ensnare the people of Israel. Sure, his act was under the guise of creating places for his wives to worship their “gods.” Yet, the most shocking aspect is that this king was the one who built the temple for the living and true God: Yahweh.
Multiple chapters in the book of Kings detail how he dutifully gathered the supplies for the magnificent Temple (1 Kings 5-7). He used the materials his father, David, had gathered and appointed a craftsman to create beautiful engravings and metalwork for the place of worship. For this was not a typical building; it would serve as the house for the Ark of the Covenant, a symbol of the Lord’s presence with His people.
At the dedication of the Temple, Solomon had lifted his hands in praise and prayer, entreating God to hear those who prayed toward His holy dwelling. Yet, those same hands later constructed stones and altars in service to idolatry.
There was no excuse. The Lord had appeared to him twice, once after he had become king and sought wisdom to rule justly, and again after the dedication of the Temple. This man, who was renowned for his knowledge and wisdom, had foolishly turned away from God. His focus was captured by his many wives, and they turned his heart away from following the Lord. Unlike his father, Solomon was not known for being a man after God’s own heart.
His example not only provides us with a warning against allowing ourselves to be led astray by others, but it also reminds us of the continual need to pursue wholehearted love for the Lord. Earlier, at the giving of the Law, the Lord had told them: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5, NIV). When Jesus, God the Son, came, He also reiterated this as the greatest command (Mark 12:30-31). Our Lord demands nothing less than our entire selves in devotion to Him, and to Him alone.
Even though we might not be tempted to bow down to a graven image or seek out rituals to honor Molech, there are other things in our lives that can tug our attention away from God. Solomon’s example shows the power of relationships in leading us astray. We are wise to guard the company we keep, including those who are closest to us (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Many of the kings who were faithful at the beginning of their reign drifted away as time went on. Likewise, if we are not careful, we can grow comfortably accustomed (and unaffected) by Jesus’ saving work and begin to look to other sources for fulfillment and happiness. Even the Apostle Paul described his effort to faithfully finish the race of life (Philippians 3:13). None of us is immune from straying from our Lord, but He remains faithful.
As followers of Christ, we are wise to reflect on the warmth of our love for our Lord, whether it is cold, warm, or lukewarm. For the same hands that are upturned in prayer to our Savior can also be used to serve idols in our lives. May we continually grow in our ability to be individuals after God’s own heart.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Are there any areas in your life that are taking your attention away from the Lord? What are some ways you can fan into flame your love for Him?
Further Reading:
Deuteronomy 17:14-20
Nehemiah 13:23-27
Philippians 3:12-14
2 Timothy 2:1-13
Hebrews 12:1-3
Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.
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