July 16, 2022 -- I Kings 11:9-10 -- God has spoken through His Son, the Radiance of His Glory

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice 10 and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. But he did not keep what the Lord commanded.
I Kings 11:9-10 ESV

This may be one of the most sobering and difficult passages because it cuts through a romantic, and wrong-headed notion that is so prevalent in the church today. The notion goes something like this: “If God just spoke to me, then I’d have a stronger faith and greater confidence in serving Him!” The LORD of heaven and earth appeared to Solomon twice. Twice the LORD gave great blessings and tremendous promises to King Solomon. Even so, Solomon turned from the LORD and clung to his wives. He built temples and high places for the gods of his wives. Such practices and worship are called “an abomination”. His heart did not remain true to the LORD despite two, no, three visitations.

Perhaps an even greater a tragedy is revealed in the fact that God’s anger and final appearance to King Solomon did not bring him to repentance. Having heard the judgment of the LORD, King Solomon didn’t turn to Him on his knees, repenting in sackcloth and ashes.

The LORD has now spoken to to us in these last days through His Son, Whom He appointed heir of all things. Jesus is the radiance of the Father’s glory (Hebrews 1:2,3). Do you want to know the voice of God? Don't ask for appearances. Don't spend your time longing for visitations--you will miss the avenue He has prepared for you. Listen to the Word of God. Read it. Study it. Humble your heart before the Word, asking for the Spirit's direction and wisdom.

For now this is how God speaks most clearly. The Word of God is made clear to us by the ministering presence of the Holy Spirit. Do not think you are wiser than God, looking for signs or visions. Asking for dreams and visitations is not evidence of a greater faith or more intense believing. It is willfully looking to God and expecting Him to conform to what you want, rather than humbly submitting to Him and receiving from Him the great gifts of His bounty. The radiance of the Father's glory shines forth, are you receiving Him, directed to you in the Word?

God You are perfect of speech and great in giving Your revelation. Thank You for the Word, Jesus Christ, Your perfect revelation, the final Word of glory and Your radiance. Through Jesus, O God, Your throne and the scepter of Your kingdom reveal Your love to the righteous and mete out punishment upon the wicked. Triune God, help Your people to submit to You, reading the Word in reverent awe and humble trust.

Your Ways are highest and most perfect. Let the Word dwell in Your people richly, that believing and walking out such faith, Your people may be anointed with the oil of gladness, and be agents of Your peace as they witness to Your great Name. Amen.

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