REFLECTIONS

Lessons from Luxury

One can only imagine what growing up was like for Rehoboam. All the world had to offer sat at his fingertips. After all, his dad was Solomon, the richest man on earth.  So, home life must have been interesting for the young man who would someday be king.

His home was a majestic palace that took thirteen years to complete. The outside was built with the strongest stone and the inside furnished in total elegance. Rooms were brightened by numerous windows placed high on the walls to provide maximum light without foregoing either security or privacy.  Floors laid in intricate mosaic designs were made of the finest wood and hallways were lavishly appointed with pure gold. The centerpiece of a room designed for the king was an elevated throne inlaid with ivory and overlaid with fine gold. Every day the finest wines complimented sumptuous meals that graced the dining table.

The provision for Rehoboam’s family is the dream of many. Wealth was unsurpassed and pleasure stood high on the list of priorities. But those values sent confusing messages if not misleading ones to the young Rehoboam. He remembered that God once was important in his dad’s life. But his many wives worshipped other gods and Solomon added to the confusion when he began to worship them too.

Solomon ruled over a powerful nation with a vast army, more than 1,200 chariots and a stable of over 14,000 fine horses. His great wealth could to satisfy every desire, so he lived in continuous pursuit of pleasure. His desire for it was insatiable. Rehoboam watched as his father denied himself nothing and refused no pleasure. And even though Solomon would later admit that his life’s pursuits were a chasing after the wind, Rehoboam’s life had already been molded by what he had seen.

Rehoboam was forty years old when his father died. The kingdom with all its power and wealth was his. He lived as he saw his father live. But before his life would end, all would be gone. The people of his kingdom would turn on him and a foreign king would take away his riches. The life he was taught ended in disappointment and failure.

Solomon was blessed with great wealth that allowed him to choose a life of luxury. But the lessons from luxury finally taught him that there is more to life. The choices we make shape the legacy we leave. The priorities we choose and the behavior we model forms the lives of those who follow behind.

And when we do it right, we can’t cause anyone to stumble.  

You are the light of the world,

Richard+

www.reflectingthesavior.org

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