piece-meal
"Ahijah took off his new cloak, tore it into twelve pieces..." —1 Kings 11:30
Solomon's empire was literally "breathtaking" (see 1 Kgs 10:5). The magnificent Temple he built was one of the wonders of the world. His kingdom was so formidable that for years he never even had to fight a war. "King Solomon surpassed in riches and wisdom all the kings of the earth" (1 Kgs 10:23). The Bible views Solomon's reign as the high point of Jewish political and economic history.
Yet, Ahijah the prophet graphically proclaimed that Solomon's seemingly invincible kingdom would be torn to pieces. Ahijah ripped his new coat into pieces to signify what would happen to Solomon's empire. Ahijah's surprising prophecy soon proved true when civil war divided the country after Solomon's death.
The message is that the most established, endowed, seemingly impregnable, and developed organizations and systems will quickly collapse if the hearts of people are not entirely with the Lord (1 Kgs 11:4). Sin has a terrifying power to quickly destroy even the most developed governments, churches, ministries, families, and marriages. Therefore, we must repent and love Jesus with all our hearts, or we will see our lives and society torn to pieces. Repent!
Prayer: Father, put my life back together according to Your designs.
Promise: "He has done everything well! He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak!" —Mk 7:37
Praise: Elizabeth prays daily for civil leaders to have the mind of God.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape The Necessity of Confession for Renewal on audio AV 70-1 or video V-70.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 26, 2009
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