S) "26 Did not Solomon king of Israel sin regarding these things? Yet among the many nations there was no king like him, and he was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel; nevertheless the foreign women caused even him to sin."
Nehemiah 13:26 (NASB)
O) There are a few key points that this verse reveals. Nehemiah was pointing out that the danger of mixed marriages was the idolatry that inevitably came with it. The initial point, is that idolatry will eventually prevail, even in light of unprecedented blessings from the LORD . That is to say, even in the best possible, outside circumstances, idolatrous marriages will still lead to sinful, spiritual adultery. This is a fundamental problem of the sinful heart, that still holds true today. The second point that is seen with this simple summary, is that the LORD loves in spite of our sin. He is faithful, even when we are unfaithful. He blessed Solomon, and continued to bless him, in spite of his sin. His idolatry and infidelity toward the LORD did eventually cost him the kingdom, splitting it into a civil war, from which they would never fully recover. But, even in that, the LORD was proving Himself faithful to the word He spoke through Moses.
A) The first noteworthy thing: Because of the grace we have through Jesus, there is NO separation between the Jew and the Gentile (see: The New Testament). Having said that, this verse does bring up a vital point: uneven yoke (see 2 Corinthians 6:14). Now, if there is an existing marriage with one believer, that's a different issue (see 1 Corinthians 7:12-17). Since I am happily married, and thankfully to a wife who loves Jesus, the emphasis drawn from the verse above, is really the first point. Even under the best tangible blessings, with the most realized favor, I am still susceptible to sin. When my heart is not completely devoted to the LORD, I am harboring desires that are taking His place on the throne of my heart. He is no longer sovereign in that case, and I am committing spiritual idolatry, even if I am not physically bowing down to anything. With the example of Solomon, it becomes clear that there is no blessing, no favor, truly nothing that God can do for me, give to me, that will suddenly mean I won't sin anymore - not as long as my heart remains unfaithful. Marriage does not mean pornography is no problem. A promotion does not mean money is no problem. A good marriage does not mean alcohol is no problem. Obedient children does not mean anger is no problem. Sin will always exist, regardless of outside circumstances, when the heart is divided. This is what Jesus meant when He said we cannot serve two masters (see Matthew 6:24). See, Solomon's sin was deeper that the physical idols he propped up. His sin was deeper than lust for women. His sin was that he didn't believe in the worthiness of the LORD to have sovereignty in his life. Consequently, he didn't (seem) to repent, as his father David did. With the regeneration I receive in Jesus, because He conquered sin and death, I am able to walk in righteousness, with the indwelling Holy Spirit. I am no longer bound to sin. So, when I do stumble, it really has nothing to do with circumstance, and everything to do with my heart condition at that moment.
P) Father, Your holiness astounds me. As a fallible being, I can hardly fathom what pure faithfulness is. I cannot fully understand Your unfailing love, great patience, and inexhaustible mercy. Forgive my idolatry and unfaithfulness to You, Father God. Create in me a clean heart, refreshed by the Holy Spirit. Take Your rightful place on the throne of my heart, Lord Jesus. Reveal in me, any areas that I have wrongly reserved for my own glory, and take them back for the glory of Your name alone, LORD. When I try to hijack Your kingdom within my heart, Father King, squash my rebellion. Expose my sin, and rebuke me. Let Your will be done, alone, in my heart as well as Your kingdom. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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