Scripture - 1 Kin. 11:9 The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. 10Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD’S command. 11So the LORD said to Solomon, “Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates. 12Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son. 13Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from him, but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen.”
Observation - (see May 21) Solomon, though he experienced the blessing started by his father, he did not pass the same blessing on. He only had a individual vision. He was interested in the blessings that were available to himself, and didn't take into account that his disobedience would impact generations to come. He lived his life the way he wanted, and ignored how the repercussions would impact his own children. As a result, the kingdom was torn in two and began to spiral downward.
Application - I am reminded once again (see May 21) that what I do today is not for today, but days and people to come! My decision bring future blessing or cursing. I want to strive to live my life in a way and make decisions that will pay off for future generations! The older I get, the more important this becomes. My time is limited, and so much of what I am doing will not grow and produce a harvest right away. Years from now, the seeds I am planting with my actions will mature and begin to produce fruit. I want that fruit to be lasting. Keeping that perspective is key!
Prayer - Lord, help me to make great decisions and chose paths that will bless me, but over time, will bless many others!
