ODJ: seeing potholes
February 28, 2011
He had warned Solomon specifically about worshiping other gods, but Solomon did not listen to the Lord’s command (v.10).
READ: 1 Kings 11:1-13
Potholes can be a pain. If a car tire hits a deep one, we’re talking some serious damage. That’s why the idea of Italian engineering students Domenico Diego and Cristina Corradini is so bright—literally! The duo, noting that many potholes in Europe aren’t repaired due to lack of funding, have come up with something called the Street Safe initiative. Their creative plan calls for potholes to be painted bright yellow, an inexpensive way to help drivers avoid big pits in the pavement.
God knew the “potholes” that Solomon needed to avoid—things that could bring his kingdom down. “He had warned [him] . . . but Solomon did not listen to the Lord’s command” (1 Kings 11:10). Instead, the king who was known for wisdom unwisely withdrew into isolation with his “many foreign women” (v.1). God had warned His people against marrying such women, for “they will turn your hearts to their gods” (v.2; Exodus 34:12-17).
Solomon saw the potholes and still caved. And this happened even after God had warned him on three occasions to obey Him (talk about “bright yellow paint”!): “Follow Me and obey My commands” (3:14); “Obey all My decrees” (1 Kings 6:12); “Follow Me with integrity and godliness” (9:4). Turning from God to the isolation of his private pleasures and folly, Solomon chose sin, and God’s subsequent discipline resulted in his kingdom being taken from him (11:11).
When we turn from God—isolating ourselves from Him and godly friends—we’re headed for destruction. Sometimes we think we can cuddle with sin or keep it hidden, but God’s bright warnings can’t be avoided. Eventually, guilt will sweep over us as God brings “our secret sins” to light (Psalm 51:2, 90:8).
Don’t fall into the pothole of isolation. Open up and let God and godly friends help you repent of your secret sins. —Tom Felten
How have you been isolating yourself from God and others? What will you do to come out of isolation and walk in “integrity and godliness”? (1 Kings 9:4).
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