Almost Heaven

Today’s Passage -1 Kings 3-5; Proverbs 17

(Second Milers also read – Mark 5 – 6; Memorize Philippians 3:8 – 11)

“Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.” (1 Kings 4:20)

“And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.” (1 Kings 4:25)

This is about as close to heaven as you could possibly get while still living here on the earth.  Notice that Israel had the complete protection of God; and the abundant provision of God.  And in these early days of Solomon’s reign the people were busy serving God by building His temple, which took about seven years to complete.  So it seems that God is on His throne and the people are dwelling safely.  It sort of reminds me of the history of America.  We had to fight some battles in the early days; but God eventually gave us abundant provision and protection from our enemies.  We are still the most blessed nation in the world.

Unfortunately, we will see in the upcoming chronicles of Israel’s history that all of this prosperity, which was given by God, will eventually cause the people to forget about God.  I think we can safely say that America is in the same boat.  The people in this “land of the free” have forgotten that it was God who gave them their freedom and all of the prosperity that comes with it.

Christian, let us never forget that it is God that has protected us; and it is God that has provided for us.  Have you thanked God today for His blessings?