Sometimes we are so forgetful of the blessings we receive every day. We live in a time of plenty and maybe even excess. There is nothing we really lack. I cannot think of a time in history when we have been so blessed as a nation. Australia is certainly living up to its name as ‘the land of plenty’ or ‘the lucky country’! Lucky is a word that I do not often use in my vocabulary. As I look over my life I have come to realize that it is not luck that has made life easy for us. Our nation was built on Christian foundations despite first settlement being primarily a place to accommodate criminals. I strongly believe that God has blessed this country through His impact on the laws of our land and the successive governments that have taken on the responsibility of growing our nation. I firmly believe that God is Sovereign and has given us untold blessings despite our sinfulness and pride. I for one wake up each day and praise Him for His goodness and faithfulness!
Our text today is a very timely reminder of how great our God really is and how He impacts our lives in most astounding ways. Surely we are all starting to realize exactly what God has done in the life of Solomon. Solomon had become known around the world. His fame had spread like wildfire. Kings and queens were all taking about him. He was wealthy beyond the imagination. He was smart, articulate and was a world authority on a host of subject matters. Nothing seemed too great for Solomon to know or grasp. Importantly, what is significant about Solomon at this time in his reign, is that everyone was aware or knew about his relationship with the Lord – the God of the Jews! As Solomon observed the law, walked in it and kept it, his rule became stronger and stronger and the nation of Israel became more prosperous beyond measure. The nation was strong from a military standpoint and it enjoyed peace. World leaders acknowledged why Solomon was great and that was because of his God – our God!
As I have considered the text for today, I have again been humbled to realize that all I have and all I am is because of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness. Paul’s words of counsel in 1 Corinthians 4:7 are ringing in my ears, “For who makes you any different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” God is Sovereign and He is the great provider! I bow down to Him and praise His name for His faithfulness!