THE STORY OF JESUS: 1 Kings 9-11
“The Lord was angry because his heart had turned away from the Lord.” (1 Kings 11:9)
In his wisdom and power, the Enemy found Solomon’s weakness… and exploited it.
Solomon gave in to women and detestable idol worship (including child sacrifice).
God wasn’t being petty or jealous, He was concerned for His people’s well-being.
Sometimes people depict God’s anger as violent and vengeful rage.
But we need to remember that God is – always is – love (1 John 4:8).
As a parent, I can relate to love that gets angry, but still remains full of love.
And think of all that God endures from us, His children… look at our world!?!
Love does not rule out anger, but it does rule out violent, vengeful rage.
God withdraws His support, and that is what leads to Solomon’s downfall.
Paul describes this as “giving us over” to the evil we prefer (see Romans 1:18-32).
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…” (John 3:16)
God not only “gives us over” to the sin we choose, He also gives over Himself to us.
God allows us to see the horror of our sin, that we might seek the wonder of mercy!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, if we really knew the horror of sin, we would understand Your loving anger. Help us to appreciate how serious sin is without surrendering to it, so that we will surrender ourselves to Your love and mercy.