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A Divided Heart

All is not well in the midst of much. It was only a few chapters previously when we were told of King Solomon's love for God. Yet, years later after making and building a magnificent kingdom and residence, his heart seems dull in doing wise and just actions. Instead, his desire is caught up in getting more gold, in loving more women, and seeking other things, other gods and idols. Now, Solomon receives his final visitation from God and is told that all that he has gained will be ripped from him and his descendants. Out of the 12 tribes that made up his kingdom, only one will survive. It's survival is only because of God's decision and grace, not because of Solomon. It's a sad ending for what started out with so much promise, hope, and prosperity. The wisest man who always had the wisest wit apparently falls silent when he hears this final word. There is no record of his thoughts or words of response. Wise words alone are no match for unwise actions. . .

I wonder if we seriously consider the weight of empty words and promises. We say that we love the Lord our God, but our actions appear to only somewhat like Him. We're just like Solomon, we have a heart divided. And a divided heart yields only heartbreak, if not for us, for those we leave behind and around us. . .

"However, I will not tear away all the kingdom, but I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem which I have chosen."
(I Kings 11:13)

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