Consider that Solomon, widely recognized as the wisest man who has ever lived because he asked God for wisdom and failed!  He assumed the throne of his father, David.  When offered to ask for anything by God, he asked for wisdom.  He amassed wealth that in today’s dollars would equal 2-trillion.  (Not even close, Elon!). He built the God’s Temple and a palace for himself like had never been seen.  He built and rebuilt cities, walls, infrastructure and could be referred to as ‘Solomon the Builder’ without challenge.  Yet he began the burning down of Israel.

I am not an advocate of comparison because as Theodore Roosevelt said, “comparison is the thief of joy.”  Yes, as you read about the life of Solomon and how God lavished him with wisdom and riches too magnificent to comprehend, it is easy to be drawn in to what and how the World measures.  Solomon was.

“Now the word of the LORD came to Solomon, “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father. And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel.”  1 Kings 6:11-13 ESV

Most of us would say, ‘Lord, that’s easy.  ‘Don’t marry women outside of Israel (intermarry).’ Easy.  Check!  700 wives and 300 concubines later, fail!  ‘Do not serve idols.’  The wisest many who ever lived succumbed to the pressure and sin of his wives’ other cultures and built high places and shrines for foreign, man-made deities. Fail!  Yet, the Omnipresent God, who knew of Solomon’s coming failures long before they occurred, called him Jedidiah, ‘loved by the Lord,’ early in his life and we find the repentance of Solomon in his late writings found in Ecclesiastes.

So where am I going with this?  Solomon’s sin began the 350 year downfall of Israel resulting in its total destruction and conquering by Babylon.  During those 350 years we are provided the systematic recounting of the dysfunction of the kings who followed him and led Israel further and further away from God.  Yet, early in his life and because of God’s love for his father, David, Solomon was blessed beyond measure.  Literally.

Here’s my encouragement to you.  God knew that Solomon would diminish God’s place and presence in Israel, yet he blessed him.  And God allowed Solomon’s repentance.  I believe this is one of the greatest measurable failures outlined in the Bible.  Yet, it had purpose.  God was ultimately honored and his place as the only true deity confirmed.  A truth that remains today.

So what have you done that God has decided to reject and not use you?  Nothing.  God knew you before he formed you in your mom.  (Jeremiah 1:5).  God knows the plans that he has for you. (Jeremiah 29:11). His timing may be longer than you expect.  Sin wants to tell you that God has abandoned you.  God wants you to seek, grow, prepare and become his healthy vessel free of the lies that are holding you back.  Jesus was our gift who said “your sins are forgiven,” not only to the paralyzed man laying on the mat, but to his friends whose belief caused them to lower their friend through the roof.  (Mark 2, Matthew 9, Luke 5.)

Nothing you have done removes you from the love of the Father…except rejecting the gift of Jesus from the Father.  Your life is of immeasurable value to King of all kings.  The Omnipotent God took the time to plan and create you.  He is not surprised where you are right now.  He is saying, ‘come, soar on the wings of eagles with me.  It is not scary.  It is life fulfilling and purpose defining.’  (Isaiah 40:31)

I genuinely believe that arrogance prohibits our inability to accept God’s forgiveness and marvelous plans for our lives.  Lay it down.  Humble yourself.  Rise as the forgiven son or daughter of the only King.  Take a step into the amazing things that you were created to contribute.

And Solomon would say, ‘listen to the only Voice that matters.’

Let’s go!