In the second week of the “Torn” series, Pastor Ronn continued to look at the life of King Solomon and the heart condition that led to the “tearing” of a nation.
In I Kings 11:14-40, we found King Solomon chose defiance over obedience when he disobeyed God’s command and worshiped other gods. In response, the Lord raised up three adversaries against Solomon. The third one was Jeroboam, who had been one of Solomon’s officials.
The prophet Ahijah gave Jeroboam a message from the Lord when he tore his new cloak into 12 strips, representing the 12 tribes of Judah. Ahijah told Jeroboam that he would rule over 10 of those tribes. Only one would remain with Solomon.
We learned from looking at the life of Solomon that defiance communicates that something is wrong in our relationship with God. Our obedience isn’t just about following the rules. It naturally flows from our heart condition when we are in a right relationship with our Father.
If our hearts are set on God, we will obey even when we don’t want to. If we are willing to trust God, we will experience his promises of peace, his presence, forgiveness of sin, joy and eternal life.
What causes us to choose obedience over defiance?
- We obey those we respect.
- We obey those we trust.
- And we obey those we love.
The story of Solomon worshiping other gods might seem outdated. But how often do we do the same thing today? Our gods might not look like literal statues, and we don’t come before their altars with sacrifices. But what are some of the things that we are tempted to worship instead of setting our hearts on God?
What has God been teaching you through this week’s message?
I am loving this series. The first message really cut to the core of what really matters to God, our hearts. I can do so many things right, but if my heart is not in the right place it is like a whitewashed tomb like the Pharisies, looking beautiful on the outside, but full of dead man’s bones and everything unclean. I want to truly have a heart after God and I know I will blow it and when I do I want to be truly repentant and seek to the root of why I have issues in a particular sin that I struggle with, so I can fuly rely on the Holy Spirit to change me and strenthen me in that weakness, so God may be strong in me and be glorified in my heart and life!
I like how this series is unfolding and how it is convicting me. One of my favorite passages is Matthew 6:19-34. If I may paraphrase, this passage says if my heart is God focused, all the other needs of my life will be met. That is a very powerful message from God. And its so easy for me to slip into trying to control (and therefore worry) about money and provision, especially in this economy. God’s Word basically says this worry is sin in that it is not trusting in God to provide. God wants us to be good stewards for sure—-but when the economy is out of my control, God’s Word says to rest in my relationship with Him by going after God’s kingdom and righteousness—-clinging to my relationship with Jesus Christ. And I have to say over my life when I have trusted God, things always worked out.
Isn’t it amazing that although I have that track record with God, I can still worry and want to take the control reigns from Him. I can relate to the humanness of the Jews in exile wandering the desert and complaining about lack of provision,although God proved to them time and again He is faithful. I am embarassed to say how often I fall short of going after God’s heart and not trusting Him completely. But I do know it is no surprise to God when I get “moody”. Thank God I can always run to Him in repentance and ask His forgiveness and power to help me overcome fears.
Thanks, Julie and Bill… it’s great to hear how the series is touching lives!
This week I am struggling to rejoice in the Lord always. Anyone else struggling w/me?
I am with you. It has been a tough week with my beautiful wife sick all week. She is starting to feel a little bit better (at least she was last night) so that is good, but the week has been tough. I have had to continue to remind myself to rejoice in the LORD and not necessarily in my situation. Easier said than done!
Let my heart soar to you oh Lord with love..
For the rest of me is having strugles.