TOPIC: WHAT ELSE?
Read: 1 Kings 10:14-29
MEMORIZE: What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? (Matthew 16:26).
EXPOSITION
A major breakthrough in medicine was the discovery in 1847 by sir James Simpson. His discovery saved millions of lives. Later in life, one of his students at the University of Edinburgh asked him what he considered to be the most valuable discovery of His lifetime.
To the amazement of all who expected him to refer to his medical discovery or feat, He replied, “My most valuable discovery was when I discovered myself as a sinner and that Jesus Christ is my Saviour.” What an unbelievable statement from a scholar of that calibre! It becomes more amazing and encouraging in a world where at such a level, many have foolishly turned atheist, claiming there is no God, not to talk of accepting the Personality (Lordship)of Jesus Christ.
What is the yawning of the people of the world? Wisdom, wealth, fame and the likes that people pursue as a means to an end. That end is happiness. However, outside self-discovery in God, lasting happiness, is elusive. Read Psalms 1v1ff. Who is it that is truly happy and blessed? Those who have climbed the ladders of wisdom, wealth and fame will tell the story better. King Solomon saw it all.
Today’s text gives an insight into the extent of Solomon’s wealth and fame that have remained matchless among men till date.
He employed all he had for his enjoyment and the betterment of his subjects. Yet, he confirmed that worldly acquisitions and attainments are vanities without the fear of God and obedience to His Word. About 33 times in Ecclesiastes alone, he depicted how everything is mere vanity (1:2,14;2:1,11,15,17,19,21,23,26,3:19). True joy and happiness are found when we become joint heirs with Jesus Christ.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. In Jesus name, may I not be blinded by worldly gains and pleasures.
2. Lord, I only desire what You have programmed for me in life, and all that alone will I get. I loathe all You didn’t programme for me; let them not come to my side, at all.
3. Let us pray that God should deliever the church in the land from the undue invasion of the gospel of materialism trying to kill the true essence of the Church.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Proverbs 3:12 – 5:12, 2 Cor. 3:2 – 4:5
