First

Solomon.

What a fascinating biblical character. The result of a union that came about by his dad killing his mum’s husband. Still, Solomon is born as an expression of God’s grace to the extent that God shows His approval by giving him a name of His own.

Despite the family turmoil with a raped sister, murdered brother, exiled father and two attempted coups on the throne, he emerges from it all as the chosen successor to the beloved king. He starts off his reign with a few swift acts of vengeance for his father and then when offered by God to have anything, he humbly acknowledges his need for divine help to preside over the affairs of God’s people.

Solomon is known for his wisdom. So great it appeals to people from around the world. Yet for all that, his end is worse than his beginning. It is here that I am reminded of a very important lesson in life.

That lesson is, I can be the wisest man in the universe, with fame and fortune and the acclaim of others, leading a country to great peace and prosperity. My appeal can dazzle and amaze people for ages to come, but if I lose track of my first love, my legacy will be in ruins.

First things first. Everything springs from my love for God. Beauty and brilliance are defined by that love. Success and achievement is sourced in this love. True peace and prosperity makes sense through this love. Wisdom to do right comes from this.

Failure to recognise this leads to a tendency to let things slip and allow my heart to be turned by other factors. Sometimes the task God gives us becomes our focus more than God Himself.

Solomon remains a sober reminder of remembering who comes first.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden