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A Contract with God, July 1
2 Chronicles 1
And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the
Lord his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.
2
Chronicles 1:1
.
Not in the surpassing wisdom, the fabulous riches, the far-reaching power
and fame that were his, lay the real glory of Solomon’s early reign; but in the
honor that he brought to the name of the God of Israel through a wise use of the
gifts of Heaven
Noble in youth, noble in manhood, the beloved of his God, Solomon entered
on a reign that gave high promise of prosperity and honor. Nations marveled
at the knowledge and insight of the man to whom God had given wisdom. But
the pride of prosperity brought separation from God. From the joy of divine
communion Solomon turned to find satisfaction in the pleasures of sense
Satan well knew the results that would attend obedience, and during the
earlier years of Solomon’s reign,—years glorious because of the wisdom, the
beneficence, and the uprightness of the king,—he sought to bring in influences
that would insidiously undermine Solomon’s loyalty to principle, and cause him
to separate from God
Did the Lord make a mistake in placing Solomon in a position of so great
responsibility? Nay. God prepared him to bear these responsibilities, and
promised him grace and strength on condition of obedience....
The Lord sets men in responsible places, not to act out their own wills, but
His will. So long as they cherish His pure principles of government, He will
bless and strengthen them, recognizing them as His instrumentalities. God never
forsakes the one who is true to principle
The Lord told Solomon that if he would walk in His way, His blessing would
go with him, and wisdom would be given him. But Solomon failed to keep his
contract with God. He followed the promptings of his own heart, and the Lord
left him to his own impulses.
Today each one has a part to act—duties to perform and responsibilities to
carry. No one can act his part acceptably without wisdom from on high
[189]
1
Prophets and Kings, 32, 33
.
2
Education, 152, 153
.
3
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 498
.
4
The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 3:1128
.
5
Letter 104, 1902
.
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