Untold Secret of Rest on Every Side (Part Two)

Daily Scripture Threshing for Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Today’s Text: 1 Kings 5:1-18

Key Verse: 1 Kings 5:4 (NKJV) — “But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary nor evil occurrence."

Hiram, king of Tyre could have been a rival or an enemy; but not only was he a friend, he was a kind friend. He was in full loyalty and dedication to Solomon that he came with royalty and gifts. Solomon did not want Hiram, or any of us to be in doubt about the secret behind such incredible rest. So, he testified that it was a gift from the Lord. Proverbs 16:7 tells us that “when the LORD takes pleasure in anyone's way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.” Yes, this is so clear in this scripture case; but it is important that we understand what was in Solomon that so pleased God.

When all our designs and actions are such as God approves, He smiles on us and His countenance is lifted on us so that all those who position themselves as our foes cannot but become attracted to the divine favor upon us. Thus, forcing worse enemies to become friends, and inclining them to dispose their hearts to kind acts toward us. The question for us to answer is: What did Solomon that made the Lord to take pleasure in his way?qccx He had gone to Gibeon, the most important high place, to offer a thousand burnt offerings on an altar he had raised; but it God’s pleasure was not as much in that sacrifice as much as it was on the deep desire of Solomon’s heart.

Of course the LORD was already pleased with the young king’s offering that he appeared to him, saying: "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." However, the deep secret we need to learn is in Solomon’s response. His entire heart was revealed in that response. His was not a heart set on vain mundane things that most men in his hierarchy would seek. While many of us would set our hearts on power and fame; or on wealth and success; Solomon’s desire was for an understanding heart to lead God’s people. He was consumed by zeal for God, and sought discernment between good and evil. If we all love what God loves, make living for Him our end, and His will our rule, He will be pleased with us and the logical physical and spiritual results will be such incredible but undeniable rest.

Quote for the Day: “We have the One greater than Solomon for our example —Jesus Christ, the giver of rest, who also teaches us to walk after the Spirit, and not after the flesh." (Simon Olatunji)

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to cultivate the simplicity of devotion to You. I want You to be my primary ambition in life, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Please follow this series and have a blessed week... with all my love and prayer,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

The Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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