Do You Need to Refocus?

DAY 137
2-8-10
2 CHRONICLES 7-9


Good Morning!

The Chronicles are a brief account of Israel and its Kings. It highlights a few events and circumstances that give a glimpse into God’s interaction with his people. Solomon is praised as the richest man in the world. The emphasis is on his wisdom, fame, and wealth. Honestly, it seems to me that God takes a backseat compared to the fawning over Solomon. To be sure, he is a great man because of God’s blessing; but I can see how Solomon lost his focus on God while he focused on himself.

Today’s text shows the glory of God coming into the temple in such an awesome way that the people fell down on their faces in reverent fear. Nothing is said about Solomon falling on his face. Perhaps he did, but I think it’s clear that Solomon lost focus on God, and let his greatness go to his head. Case in point – Solomon’s throne:

2 Chron. 9:17-20 "Then the king made a huge throne, decorated with ivory and overlaid with pure gold. The throne had six steps, with a footstool of gold. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, and the figure of a lion stood on each side of the throne. There were also twelve other lions, one standing on each end of the six steps. No other throne in all the world could be compared with it! All of King Solomon's drinking cups were solid gold, as were all the utensils in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon. They were not made of silver, for silver was considered worthless in Solomon's day!"

So much for the glory of God. How vain! A golden throne and solid gold drinking cups! When we loose focus on God and focus on ourselves; on wealth; on getting attention; and living a life that is focused on pleasure; what good is it. Do Jesus’ words ring in your ears?

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” Luke 9:25

The lesson I take from this description of Solomon is that God’s blessings of wisdom and wealth is meant to be used to serve people and honor God. All blessings given by God are meant to draw us to him; and to give us the ability to help other people. Our lives are not about riches and getting all the attention. Our focus is supposed to be on God - not on self.

Barry