There are two stories going on in your life – the Upper Story and the Lower Story. We all live in and see life from the perspective of the lower story. No matter how hard we try, we can only see so far down the road because humanity’s viewpoint is linear, horizontal, limited. All our decisions require some sort of faith or trust in what we cannot control around the corner. The Upper Story is how the things look from God’s perspective. His viewpoint is panoramic, vertical, unlimited. Not only does he see around the next bend in the road, he is sees it all from beginning to end. The goal is to align our Lower Story to God’s Upper Story because when we do, God promises it will be a good story.

SUMMARY

David’s story closes with instruction and warning for his son, Solomon, who was already poised to carry on the heritage. David charged the new king with the divinely appointed task of leading God’s chosen nation and urged him to “walk in His ways,” so their family would “never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel,” as God had promised.

Solomon’s reign began with a series of defining events. He married the daughter of the Egyptian Pharaoh, and ironically, the nation that had once enslaved Israel now sought the good graces of God’s people. Then God appeared to Solomon in a dream and offered to grant his heart’s desire. Solomon asked for wisdom to lead and God was pleased with this and gave him wealth and honor as well. Solomon’s keen wisdom became the hallmark of his reign and gave him insight into human nature. He penned thousands of proverbs that gained him an international reputation. People from around the world sought him out and Abraham’s descendants became a blessing to the whole world as Solomon demonstrated that the cornerstone of all wisdom is a holy fear of God.

During Solomon’s reign, peace prevailed and the time had come to build a temple for God, following the pattern of the tabernacle that had been used since the days of Moses. The end result of the massive project was majestic. With great reverence, Solomon had the ark placed in the Most Holy Place. The temple was filled with a cloud of God’s glory and Solomon humbly realized that even a magnificent temple could not sufficiently contain Him. Still, the temple would become the enduring focal point of worship and life for God’s people.

Following the dedication of the temple, God appeared to Solomon and warned him of the consequences Israel would face if they turned away from Him. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land” (p. 188). He also promised Solomon a royal dynasty if the king remained faithful but if Israel followed other gods, God’s people would be cut off from the land. 

King Solomon experienced phenomenal success. His wealth and wisdom were legendary. His reign was marked by peace and prosperity. But all of Solomon’s insight and riches could not make up for his choice to marry hundreds of women, many of them foreigners. Just like God had said, his foreign wives “turned his heart to other gods.” This decision shaped the future of his descendants and of the nation of Israel.

Solomon’s story began with great promise, incomparable wisdom and magnificent achievement. There are no final words of wisdom recorded for the wisest king of all time. Instead, his closing chapter reveals that the kingdom would be torn in two. Solomon spent his last days fighting off enemies and rebels. His splendor and legacy were tarnished by disobedience and idolatry. What a sad ending for the king who had it all, but ultimately failed in the only thing that really mattered: finishing well.

QUESTIONS

1. If God came to you in a dream and asked what you wanted from Him, what would you request? What would your request reveal about your attitude and character?
2. According to Proverbs 3:5–6, if you want the Lord to direct your paths, what three things should you do? How are these three things related? Which one is easiest for you to do? Why?
3. In Proverbs 3:11, what two things does Solomon say not to do? Proverbs 3:12 gives the reason not to do these things; what is it? Why does God discipline those He loves and delights in?
4. In Proverbs 21:2a, how do our ways seem to us? Why? In Proverbs 21:2b, what does the Lord do? When we think our ways are right, why might the Lord find something different when He weighs our hearts? What can we do so our opinion of our ways matches God’s?
5. Since he was a young boy Solomon heard the Ten Commandments.Certainly, he knew the first commandment by heart, “You shall have no other gods before me.” How then did he allow himself to be led so far astray? How could it have been avoided? What lessons can we learn from Solomon’s mistake?
6. Despite Solomon’s choice to follow other gods, God still shows mercy to Solomon in the end (p. 192). Why do you think God still deals kindly with Solomon? Describe what finishing well looks like to you.
7. Discuss one or two things Solomon did well that personally inspire you. Discuss one or two things Solomon did wrong that personally convict you.
8. What metric can you use to determine if an idol has subtly crept in to control part or all of your life? What rhythms or spiritual disciplines can you/do you employ to go after the deep core issues, and not just the symptoms? How can you help others to live in this same freedom?

TAKE-AWAY

Take a moment to consider your relationship with God.  Think about your loyalty and commitment.  Recognize what it is that has the potential to turn your heart away from God. Now imagine a life lived in complete devotion to God.  A life that honors Him in all ways.  A life that truly seeks Him first.  A life that prays and lives out, “Your will be done.”  This is the life you’ve been called to live.  This is the story God has written for you. Live it!

PRAYER

Lord, give me an uncommon courage that digs beneath the surface, that roots out sin where it germinates, that discards anything not of the Spirit. Help me to trust You from the bottom of my heart, listening for Your voice, and running towards You always. Amen.