Drifting from God

Dear Friends,

The story in 1 Kings 11:1-13 of King Solomon being led astray by his many foreign wives is very disappointing. This man had at least two very powerful encounters with God and had the privilege of God offering to grant him whatever he asked for. God kept His promise and blessed him with wisdom and wealth. It raises the issue of why Solomon failed so badly?

The problem in verse 4 is a heart problem. As we age, it is possible to become interested or to love things apart from the Lord. Solomon didn’t stop believing in the true God but his heart became divided and he worshipped foreign gods which were detestable (verse 5). This was shocking, like slapping God in the face and taking His blessings for granted.

Solomon had no excuse. God had reminded Solomon through his father David in 1 Kings 2:2-3 to have courage and walk in obedience to the Law of Moses. God had told his people not to marry foreign wives because they would bring pressure on those Israelites to follow the gods of their wives (Deuteronomy 7:1-4) and drift away from the Lord. Disobedience to the Lord often comes imperceptibly but over time, like a boat drifting, we can find ourselves a long way from God. However there is always a way back to the Lord and we can reach out and ask for help. The great danger is that we may not see that we have drifted away from God. May God help us to stay close to Jesus and His people and be regular in fellowship.

God’s blessing David O’Mara