Pastor Bob DuPar
June 13, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Kings 11:1-12:19; Acts 9:1-25; Psalm 131:1-3; Proverbs 17:4-5.

Observation

Solomon was doing so well, but his heart turned away from the Lord. 1 Kings 11:4 sums up the reason for his downfall: “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been.” Verse 6 adds, “So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord; he did not follow the Lord completely.”

Why do leaders seem to fall and be most vulnerable after the completion of a mighty vision? It’s almost like Solomon gave up, let his guard down, kicked his feet up and turned his focus from pleasing God to pleasing himself. Leadership means finishing strong, not just starting strong.

It’s interesting that the voice which speaks to Saul on the road to Damascus is that of Jesus. One would expect the wording to be “God.” It’s clear from the context that it was God. And so, we have another text which lifts up the divinity of Jesus.

God’s words to Ananias in Acts 9:15 remind us that we never know who God will select as His “chosen instrument” to carry His Word forth and lead people to salvation. So often it’s someone who comes out of a background similar to those God is drawing to Himself.

Finally, Proverbs 17:5a is a beautiful glimpse of God’s heart and a helpful warning for those of us who see the disadvantaged as somehow less worthy of their Father’s love:

“He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker.”

Application

How often I am like Solomon and others who think that they can get away with following God partially rather than completely. God’s will is not negotiable; His commands are not optional. I am guilty of overlooking and marginalizing those whom God has marked to be His chosen vessels. I need to focus my attention more on the hearts of people and less on the exterior superficials.

Also, God’s final words to Ananias regarding Saul are, “I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.” Suffering is a process of identification with Christ and one of the most powerful means through which we experience His presence. Too often we view suffering as negative and even as punishment. Yet, God allows some suffering, not as a consequence of sin, but as a way of revealing His power and glory in us:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for (My) power is perfected in weakness. …Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10

“For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,”
Philippians 1:29
Prayer

“God, help me to follow You completely, without rationalization or excuses, and without modifying Your requirements to my taste and comfort level.”