King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.

2 Chronicles 9:22 (NIV)

King Solomon is one of those people in the Bible that people outside of Christianity may have heard about. If not for his wisdom, then his wealth has certainly made him known. As Christians, we not only know of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth, but most of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs are attributed to him. Yet, despite Solomon’s great wisdom, he still turned away from the Lord and didn’t follow him with his whole heart.

James 1:5 promises us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (NIV). I’ve often wondered if the Lord came to me, as he did Solomon, and told me that I could have anything I wanted, what would I ask for? Wisdom didn’t work out for Solomon because he turned away from the Lord. As Christians, it occurs to me that we already have everything we need. In fact, I’d say we’re better off living each day seeking the Lord first instead of being given an abundance of wisdom, health, or wealth. I think it’s too easy to settle in and get comfortable when we have an abundance.

God appeared to King Solomon twice, and both times he made Solomon a promise. First, God promises Solomon a long life if he keeps all of his commands (1 Kings 3:14). Then, God promised Solomon a dynasty that would rule over Israel forever (1 Kings 9:5). These promises hinged on Solomon obeying the Lord, and we know how well that worked out. What struck me today was that the Lord made a similar promise to Jeroboam, son of Nebat.

If you do whatever I command you and walk in obedience to me and do what is right in my eyes by obeying my decrees and commands, as David my servant did, I will be with you. I will build you a dynasty as enduring as the one I built for David and will give Israel to you.

1 Kings 11:38 (NIV)

Jeroboam, son of Nebat, turned out to be no prize. He was the first in a long line of kings who caused the people to sin, yet God still offered him a chance. While we’re no longer living in an age of kings, we have an even greater opportunity for eternal life in the person of Jesus of Christ. If you’ve not yet received the gift of salvation, then I give you this opportunity to do so, for let it not be said that you are of the people the Lord spoke of in Isaiah when he said:

All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations.

Isaiah 65:2 (NIV)

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, be free from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart, and I receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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