Exile: Hearts Gone Wrong
Last week, we caught a glimpse of God’s ultimate plans for His people. He was forming a kingdom that would one day culminate in a King whose throne would be established forever. In our passage this week, we learn just how important who the king is. The direction of the king’s heart determines the direction of the kingdom. David’s son Solomon is on the throne, and the people he’s surrounded himself with lead his heart after other gods. As king Solomon turns away from the one true God, he is effectively leading the kingdom to do the same. His actions effectively break the kingdom. Solomon’s story reminds us that the person we marry and the people we surround ourselves with matter. His story also makes us look for a better King in Jesus who never turns the kingdom away, and who holds the kingdom together.