Date: 13 June 2023
Preacher: Apostle General Jannie Ngwale
Editor: Digital Team
Principal Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 3:13
In this captivating message, the theme remains resolute: finish and retire gloriously. The biblical message emphasizes the importance of completing projects entrusted by the Lord and retiring with honour. Drawing insights from the life of King Solomon, we explore three essential aspects: Solomon's partnership with God, the quantifiable impact of God's blessings, and the consequences of compromising God's principles. Each part sheds light on the power of faith, wisdom, and obedience, reminding us of the timeless wisdom found in the Scriptures.
Partnering with God for Grand Heights: Solomon's Spiritual Fervour Takes Him to Grand Heights
Solomon's life serves as a testament to the power of a strong relationship with God. His unwavering devotion and deep connection with the divine propelled him to extraordinary success. Solomon's story inspires us to cultivate our own relationship with God and experience our ascent to greatness. By partnering with God, we open ourselves to His guidance, wisdom, and supernatural assistance. Through prayer, faith, and a humble heart, we can achieve remarkable feats in service to the Lord.
Solomon understood the importance of seeking God's will in every endeavour. In Proverbs 3:6, he imparts the wisdom, "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." This verse reminds us that when we involve God in our plans and decisions, He directs our paths and leads us toward fulfilment. Solomon's example encourages us to entrust our dreams, goals, and ambitions to God, allowing Him to shape and guide our steps.
Quantifying God's Blessings: Recognizing the Abundance of God's Favours
Delving deeper into Solomon's life, we witness the remarkable blessings that God bestowed upon him. God's wisdom in Solomon surpassed all the wisdom of the East and the Egyptians. The abundance of God's blessings on Solomon's life serves as a reminder that God is no respecter of persons; His blessings are available to all who love and serve Him wholeheartedly.
Solomon's reign reveals the power of divine wisdom and discernment. By seeking God's wisdom, he was able to make wise decisions, resolve conflicts, and rule with justice. This wisdom elevated Solomon's personal life and impacted his entire kingdom. Likewise, when we seek wisdom from God, we tap into a wellspring of knowledge and insight that can transform our lives and positively influence those around us.
Consequences of Compromise: Learning from Solomon's Downfall
While Solomon experienced tremendous success, his later years reveal the consequences of compromising God's principles. His accumulation of wealth, political alliances, and multiple wives led him astray from God's commands. The warning in Deuteronomy 17:17, "And he must not acquire many wives for himself, or his heart will turn away," proved true in Solomon's life.
Solomon's decline serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of compromise and the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith. It warns us against the allure of worldly pursuits and encourages us to prioritize God above all else. By holding fast to God's principles, we safeguard our relationship with Him and ensure a lasting legacy of righteousness.
When the time for promotion comes, it may surprise you that someone else, even your neighbour, is chosen instead. Instead of blaming God and questioning His decisions, take a moment to reflect on your own life and attitude. People who allow themselves to be conquered before even starting will inevitably be taken advantage of. However, for those who rise up to challenge the status quo as Solomon did, my heartfelt prayer is that you will maintain your balance and recognize that your position and achievements are not solely the result of your own strength or power. It is through the partnership formed with the Spirit of the Lord that you have been elevated.
Internally, within Solomon's kingdom, his servant Jeroboam took ten of Israel's tribes away from him. As a result, Solomon's son, Rehoboam, inherited only one and a half tribes—the tribe of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin. This serves as a reminder that even within the household of Solomon, those who worked closely with him could have such a significant impact. Ten tribes were influenced by the servant of Solomon.
God, in His wisdom, had already spoken about these events. He made it clear that He did not want to witness this division during Solomon's lifetime. Instead, He ordained that Solomon would pass away first, and then the transfer of power would occur, honouring the promise made to Solomon's father, David. This reveals that God is still making promises to us today. If we adhere to God's promises and walk in His ways, we can prevent our future generations from experiencing downfall and strife. It is my fervent prayer that when we depart from this life, our children will continue to thrive and carry forward the legacy we have planted. However, if we were to compromise, the consequences would be detrimental, affecting not only us but also future generations and our legacy.
A Legacy of Wisdom and Achievement: Solomon's Profound Impact on Society
Despite the challenges and compromises, Solomon's legacy remains one of wisdom and achievement. His profound impact on society is evident in his extensive body of work, including 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. These writings encapsulate Solomon's unparalleled wisdom and provide timeless guidance for generations to come. To date, there has been an individual that has reached levels that God has allowed Solomon to reach.
Solomon's understanding of the natural world, as seen in his knowledge of fauna and flora, further exemplifies his intellectual breadth and the wisdom bestowed upon him by God. His pursuit of knowledge and excellence inspires us to unlock our own God-given potential, whether in the arts, sciences, or any other field. Solomon's life demonstrates that when we seek God's wisdom and apply it diligently, we can make significant contributions to the world around us.
In conclusion, the message of finishing and retiring gloriously remains steadfast. The life of Solomon offers invaluable lessons of faith, wisdom, and obedience. By partnering with God, recognizing the abundance of His blessings, and avoiding compromise, we can live purposefully, leaving a lasting impact on the world. Solomon's story reminds us that God's favour knows no bounds and that His wisdom is accessible to all who seek it. May we draw inspiration from Solomon's journey and pursue a life that glorifies God in all we do.
