So the LORD said to Solomon: "Since this is what you want,
and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes
which I enjoined on you,
I will deprive you of the kingdom and give it to your servant.
Solomon makes it clear what he wants. He prefers to please his many wives and their strange gods rather than being entirely for the LORD, his God. We should take warning. We can serve idols even while the LORD has some place in our life. Who are we trying to keep happy at the LORD's expense? Where do we fail to honor the LORD in order to seek pleasure or to make our relationships go more smoothly? We must remember that when we choose against the LORD we choose to stand outside of his protection, his blessings, and his gifts.
We can avoid the risk of idolatry by a humility that recognizes our utter dependence on the LORD.
“Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.”
Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go.
The demon has gone out of your daughter.”
When this woman sought the LORD he did not immediately grant her request. The temptation would be to give up and then go and find another way to achieve her goal apart from the LORD. But she did not do this. She bore the initial refusal with humility, patience, and faith that led to her receiving what she asked.
When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed
and the demon gone.
Even if we fail the LORD does not give up on us. His promises to us precede our fidelity to him. He is able to bring about the Kingdom he desires. Any part of our heart that remains with him is a part which he can bless. To be a part of the Kingdom he is building, we should find that solid ground and turn back to him, to serve him with our whole hearts.
Blessed are they who observe what is right,
who do always what is just.
Remember us, O LORD, as you favor your people;
visit us with your saving help.
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