Tag Archives: King Solomon

Devotional

Hollow

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Read Ecclesiastes 1:2-11

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Respect God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NLT).

Image created by Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of AI powered by Microsoft.

Bon Jovi’s song “Hollow Man” captures the essence of an existential crisis, where the protagonist grapples with feelings of emptiness and a lack of purpose. The lyrics, “Whaddo you sing when the song’s been sung? Who do you fight when the war is won?” resonate deeply with the sentiments expressed by Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon, despite his unparalleled wisdom and wealth, begins his reflections with the stark declaration that “everything is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 1:2).

In “Hollow Man,” the protagonist’s struggle is palpable. He questions the value of his achievements and the purpose of his existence, much like Solomon, who pondered the futility of human endeavors. Solomon’s exploration in Ecclesiastes is a profound journey through the various facets of life—work, pleasure, wisdom, and folly—only to conclude that all is “vanity” or “meaningless” when pursued for their own sake.

The song’s chorus, “I’m just a hollow man,” echoes the emptiness that Solomon describes. Despite his accomplishments, the protagonist feels a void that cannot be filled by worldly success. This mirrors Solomon’s realization that even the greatest achievements are like “chasing the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14). Both the song and the scripture highlight the futility of seeking fulfillment in earthly pursuits alone.

However, Solomon’s journey does not end in despair. In the final chapter of Ecclesiastes, he offers a resolution to the existential dilemma: “Respect God and obey God’s commands, for this is everyone’s duty” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). This conclusion shifts the focus from temporal achievements to a relationship with the divine. It suggests that true meaning and fulfillment are found not in what we do, but in who we are in relation to God.

The song “Hollow Man” can serve as a modern-day parable, reminding us that without a spiritual foundation, our lives can feel hollow and purposeless. It challenges us to look beyond our achievements and seek a deeper connection with God. Just as the protagonist in the song feels empty despite his successes, we too can find ourselves feeling unfulfilled if we rely solely on worldly pursuits.

Reflecting on Solomon’s wisdom, we are reminded that our ultimate purpose is to respect God and keep God’s commandments. This perspective brings a sense of direction and fulfillment that transcends the fleeting nature of earthly achievements. It encourages us to invest in our spiritual lives and build a relationship with God, who alone can fill the void in our hearts.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Are there areas in your life where you feel like a “hollow man,” chasing after the wind? Consider how integrating a spiritual perspective might bring deeper meaning and fulfillment. Remember, true purpose is found in respecting God and keeping God’s commandments.

PRAYER
God, help us to remember that true meaning comes from knowing you and following your ways. Fill our hearts with your presence and guide us to live lives that reflect your love and wisdom. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI.

Devotional

God’s People, part 62: Rehoboam

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Read 1 Kings 12:1-15

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE

“There is more hope for fools than for people who think they are wise” (Proverbs 26:12 NLT)

When we think of God’s people, we tend to think one of two things. We might think of the Israelites who were God’s “chosen people”, or we might think of specific characters in the Bible. Either way, we tend to idealize the people we are thinking about. For instance, we may think that God’s people are super faithful, holy, perform miracles and live wholly devout and righteous lives. Unfortunately, this idealism enables us to distance ourselves from being God’s people, because we feel that we fall short of those ideals. As such, I have decided to write a devotion series on specific characters in the Bible in order to show you how much these Biblical people are truly like us, and how much we are truly called to be God’s people.

  Part 62: Rehoboam. Rehoboam was the son and successor of King Solomon. As was discussed in the last devotion, Solomon had done some pretty spectacular things while reigning as king of the United Kingdom of Israel. He had built the Temple in Jerusalem. He had opened up trade with other nations and kingdoms. He had successfully promoted tourism to his kingdom and was a great diplomat.

With all of that said, Solomon lived and extravagant lifestyle, often on the backs of the people he was ruling. To build the temple, Solomon conscripted 30,000 men from all of Israel to do the work. In other words, he forced people to build the Temple. Praise God, right? The Temple in Jerusalem also hurt the other places of worship around the land, because the Temple became the center of Israelite worship. This may or may not have been mandated by Solomon (though it would be mandated later, under Josiah), but the sheer spectacle of the building drew people to it.

What’s more, to fund his lavish building campaigns, Solomon taxed the people blind. Add to that the fact that he had a ton of wives, many of whom were not even Israelites and worshipped foreign gods, and you’ll begin to get the picture as to how unpopular King Solomon eventually became. Solomon even began to openly worship some of the gods that his wives worshipped. To make a long story short, the people felt under-represented by their king.

That is unfortunate, especially for Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, who had to succeed him. For one, Rehoboam’s mother was one of the non-Israelite women that Solomon married. Though it was of no fault of his own, the new king was instantly at odds with his people. He was the embodiment of what people thought was wrong with King Solomon’s reign, and in the end he was not able to secure his rule over the United Kingdom of Israel.

Even more unfortunate is that Rehoboam refused to listen to the people, and refused to care about their needs. Instead of listening to them and alleviating their burdens, Rehoboam doubled down on this father’s policies and, actually, made them worse. He ignored the advice of his father’s advisors and listened to the foolhardy advice of his friends, who advised him to raise the taxes and double the burdens of the people. This act brought major division to the doorstep of the United Kingdom of Israel. What David fought so hard to create, his son and grandson destroyed overnight.

The challenge for us is to reflect on where we have been apathetic, refusing to listen to the pain of others. The time is to reflect on where we have been obstinant, refusing to change no matter what. Let us remember that God is calling us to be open to correction, and willing to change, so that we may grow in our relationships, our faith, and in our service to others.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

“We must learn to live together as brothers [and sisters], or we will perish as fools.” (Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

PRAYER

Lord, help me to steer clear of the pit of foolishness and forever guide me in my life. I surrender all to you. Amen.

Devotional

God’s People, part 60: Adonijah

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Read 1 Kings 1:5-10

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11 NLT)

When we think of God’s people, we tend to think one of two things. We might think of the Israelites who were God’s “chosen people”, or we might think of specific characters in the Bible. Either way, we tend to idealize the people we are thinking about. For instance, we may think that God’s people are super faithful, holy, perform miracles and live wholly devout and righteous lives. Unfortunately, this idealism enables us to distance ourselves from being God’s people, because we feel that we fall short of those ideals. As such, I have decided to write a devotion series on specific characters in the Bible in order to show you how much these Biblical people are truly like us, and how much we are truly called to be God’s people.

Part 60: Adonijah. The story of Adonijah much reminds me of Jesus teaching about humility in Luke 14, just prior his telling of the Parable of the Great Feast. In that teaching he warned the gathered people to not sit in the places of honor, but at the lowest place at the table. In doing so, one would avoid being dishonored by being asked to move to a place of lower status in front of all the people at the table and would, more than likely, be honored when the host asks one to move from the lowest place to a place more prominent.

Jesus’ words are wise and they are not meant merely as a “play it safe rather than sorry” suggestion. Jesus is, rather, guiding those who will be taught by him to not think too highly about themselves. Humility, simply, is knowing one’s place. It is not self-denigration; however, it is not self-engrandizement either. While Jesus’ teaching refers to social status, his wisdom is regarding Spiritual Humility. Such humility recognizes that none of us are better than “the least of these” because, from the least to the greatest, we are all God’s created children.

If only Adonijah had been given those wise and timely words. It’s never easy being less than the eldest brother in the royal family. Only the eldest could be the heir to the throne. Only the eldest could one day be king, unless the eldest died. Even then, Adonijah was not second eldest but third eldest. He was third in line. He could pretty much bank on NEVER being the King, not because he was unqualified (as he could not think of anyone more qualified than he was) but because of circumstance.

Yes, I am writing this a bit tongue-in-cheek; however, it is clear that Adonijah thought pretty highly of himself and he was quite thrilled (I mean, who wouldn’t be?) when his two eldest brothers died and were no longer in his way. It was Adonijah chance to rise up and take the throne for himself! He would be the one in power and could rule the kingdom!

The only problem with that comes in one word: SOLOMON. Because of his love for Bathsheba, David had declared that he willed for Solomon to be his heir. So, rather than rightfully taking the throne, Adonijah actually stages a coup and tries, like his brothers before him, to usurp David’s kingdom. As can be seen in the scriptures, it doesn’t go well for Adonijah. In the end, he fled for his life and was temporarily spared only to be killed by Solomon once he assumed power.

Adonijah could have served a great purpose for God. Who knows what God had in store for him; however, the corruption of his father and brothers spread to him and he sought power and authority rather than God. As a result, he ended up cutting what ties may have been left with his half-brother Solomon and betraying his father’s trust. All that did, in the end, is lead to his demise. The question for us is this, how do we allow our earthly ambitions to get between us and our God-given purpose? Be challenged by that question and seek out God’s will over your own!

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
“It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.” – St. Augustine

PRAYER
Lord, protect me from becoming proud so that I might be honored to serve you in the exact ways you created me to. Amen.