Skip to main content

Lest we forget: 1 Kings 9.1–9 (Day 279)

Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.

Pray

Pray

Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.

Reflect

Daily reflection: 1 Kings 9

With the reign of King Solomon, the united nation of the Hebrews reached the height of its power. His rule is presented as a golden age of peace, wealth and security given by God, symbolised by the building of a magnificent temple.

Even in the bright morning of his reign, however, when everything seems to be going wonderfully well, there's a warning note. His success is conditional on his obedience (verses 4–7). As we'll see, it's not long before this judgement comes into play. Solomon's wisdom was to desert him, and his people would pay the price.

Perhaps the time of most spiritual danger in the lives of nations, churches and individuals is when they're at the top of their game. It's then that we need to hear prophetic voices warning us that we can't rely on power, wealth and success lasting forever.

The high point of the British Empire was in 1897, when Queen Victoria celebrated her Diamond Jubilee and representatives of a quarter of the globe came to pay homage to her in a great procession. In his poem for the occasion, though, Rudyard Kipling struck a quite different note:

The tumult and the shouting dies;
The Captains and the Kings depart:
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart.

It was a stark reminder that God is sovereign, and that he judges the heart, not our political power or our bank balance.

Pray

Pray

God, let me not be blinded by worldly success. When I'm tempted to be confident in my own or others' achievements, help me remember that nothing is secure except your promises.


This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor

Share this:

Read the Bible icon Read the Bible
Open the full Bible