Day 97 -1 Kings 11-13, Psalm 97

In 1 Kings 11, the power of wealth and greed starts to grow. Solomon ruled for 40 years. Once full of wisdom and devotion, he falls into sin by marrying many foreign women who lead him down the wrong path. This teaches us the importance of taking a good look at our close relationships. If a toxic relationship got Solomon—with all his wisdom—to veer off his path, toxic relationships in your life can do the same. Solomon died and was buried in the City of David. His son Rehoboam was his successor.

In 1 Kings 12, we see God’s judgment come to life. Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, becomes king but refuses wise counsel and listens instead to prideful peers. His harsh response causes ten tribes to rebel, fulfilling God’s word. Jeroboam becomes king of the northern tribes and immediately leads them into sin by setting up golden calves for worship.

In 1 Kings 13, a man of God from Judah is sent by the Lord to deliver a message of judgment to King Jeroboam at Bethel. He is instructed to refrain from eating or drinking anything in Bethel. On his way home, the man of God from Judah is approached by an old prophet who convinces him using verse 1 Kings 13:18. He said, “An angel said to me, ‘Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat and drink.’” But he was lying to him. The man of God believes him and returns with the old prophet to eat and drink at his house. The consequences of this decision unravel. We need to be vigilant of false prophets in our own lives. The consequences of our decisions—even when being duped—are still ours.

Psalm 97, right from the start, declares a universal truth: God is King. His leadership brings joy to the earth, not fear, because He governs with justice and love. Amen! God of love, I adore You.