Sunny Side Sermon Viii: Despite The Dark, Solomon Kept On The Sunny Side Series

DESPITE THE DARK SIDE, SOLOMON KEPT ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF LIFE

Which is it? “There’s no fool like an old fool” or “The older you get, the wiser you become”? Can you have it both ways?

If we were to put it to a vote, we would probably get a split decision – the reason being that most of us, honestly, have experienced both extremes in these latter days of our existence on this earth. Would any of you care to share how you once acted foolishly or wisely?

There’s a little bit of foolishness, just as surely as there is a bit of craziness, in every one of us. Thankfully, there’s also a bit of wisdom - even though it may not be obvious.

If this little expose is beginning to sound like an admission that each of us might be plagued by a “split personality”, so be it.

Truth be told - we all in fact have within us a “bent” toward the insanity of sinning; but, thankfully, God has given we His people a better way of relating . . . resolving issues . . . redeeming the times in which we live.

We are admitting that there is a dark side to our being in this world though not of this world, yet there is a better side in which to reside – and, as children of God, we have learned to be content in whatsoever state we find ourselves, due to our residence “in Christ” who imparted to us the Holy Spirit of God, to guide us in the making of wise decisions.

As a prelude to the coming of the better way God would provide in Christ, we have the Old Testament account of how one of God’s chosen servants sought and was granted a better way of relating . . . resolving . . . redeeming the times that were as dark then as they are now.

The Bible character who exemplifies what we need - for the same reasons that that servant of God thirty centuries ago needed – is Solomon.

Despite the dark side of his life, Solomon kept on the sunny side by asking God for a remedy to his situation, and then, by availing himself of the remedy God provided – wisdom and discernment - I Kings 3:3-9 . . .

For what is Solomon to be commended? Wouldn’t you want to be commended as “a person who loves the Lord and whose manner of life is exemplary of (whoever you consider to have been your finest example of godly living)”? If you truly love the Lord, certainly you want your life to magnify His Name, to bring Him honor and glory.

That said, it must be pointed out that there was something about Solomon for which he was not to be commended.

Solomon persisted in showing up in the kind of places looked upon by the LORD with disfavor. That Bible says that God hated the “high places” where idol worship occurred; He ordered His people to displace them.

It matters little that Solomon was a likable monarch known for diplomacy throughout the then-known world. God disavowed his “go along to get along” approach for dealing with enemies - for a good reason, one that is easy to understand:

Followers of the LORD God (even devoted followers) would tend to get caught up in pagan practices carried on by folks with whom they went along to get along.

Not good for the purpose to which God had set them apart! Not good for the purpose to which God, in Christ, has set you and me apart!

By going along to get along, you become part of the problem, not part of the solution.

The good news is that, on the occasion of Solomon going to a famous high place called Gibeon, God showed up! Yes, the LORD showed up in a place of idol worship. Lesson Learned:

If God has called you to a task of His choosing and for His purpose, you may go where you will, but eventually God is going to pursue you there! Furthermore, He is going to make Himself known . . . there - where you are!

Why do you suppose the LORD showed up on this particular occasion in a famous location? Do you think maybe it was time for Solomon to “wise up” and get it straight once and for all as to Who he was to worship and Whom he was to serve, so that he could effectively lead God’s people to follow suit?

Isn’t it time for God’s people to “wise up”?

If the leader of a nation is going to be looked to, for making wise judgments regarding issues of national interest, he must understand the situation, envision a solution, render a verdict in the best interests of all the people, insofar as possible.